Applesauce Weather

by Helen Frost, Amy June Bates (Illustrator)

In a touching poetic novel, a fall apple ritual—along with some inventive storytelling—brings a family together as they grieve the loss of a beloved family member.

When the first apple falls from the tree, Faith and Peter know that it’s applesauce weather, even though Peter is getting a little old for such things. It also means Uncle Arthur should be here to tell his stories, with a twinkle in his eye as he spins tales about how he came to have a missing finger. But this is the first year without Aunt Lucy, and when Uncle Arthur arrives, there’s no twinkle to be found and no stories waiting to be told. Faith is certain, though, that with a little love and patience, she and Peter might finally learn the truth about that missing finger. Paired with warm, expressive illustrations by Amy June Bates, this heartfelt tale by award-winning poet Helen Frost highlights the strength of family and the power of a good story.

Genres: Poetry, Novel In Verse, Middle Grade, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Family, Fiction

112 pages, Hardcover

First published August 9, 2016

About the author

I'm dipping my toes into goodreads to see how it works. Thanks for finding me here, and thanks to everyone who has read and written about my books. I love to know you're there, even if I don't come here too often to say so.

Helen Frost is the author of eleven novels-in-poems and seven picture books for children and young adults. She lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/helenf...

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brilliant Helen Frost whittles words the same way Uncle Arthur does wood, creating beauty that's solid and true.

[Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its an amazing book about sadness and loving heartwarming stories told by a kids grandpa! Multiple point of views about the kids that listen to the stories! amazing book!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 9 year old read this to me. It's a lovely novel in verse. It features a brother and sister, Peter and Faith, and their great uncle, Arthur. Arthur's wife, Lucy, died not long before, and they all miss her. This is a love story...love between husband and wife, love between siblings, love for extended family members, and also love of stories/storytelling. Arthur is missing half a finger and Faith and Peter want to know how Arthur lost his finger. But he always makes up crazy stories about his finger. There was much I loved about the book. It's a quick read, but packed with warmth and humor and a touch of grief and a lot of tenderness.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quiet read aloud, this is the story of Peter, Faith. their (great) Uncle Arthur and Aunt Lucy, the wife and great love of Arthur's life. Uncle Arthur is a storyteller with only 3 1/2 fingers on his hand. Each year during apple picking season, he tells the children the story of how he lost half a finger. Will this be the year they learn the real story?
This one reminded me of Patricia MacLachlan's stories especially Waiting for the Magic which I read to my class of 3rd graders. A mix of sad and happy.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Applesauce Weather is a beautiful novel told in verse that is crisp and sweet, much like an apple, from the first bite to the last. When Uncle Arthur finally makes it back to the farm for the apple harvest he is a shell of his former self after losing his darling Lucy. Can the power of love and storytelling bring the sparkle back to his eyes? Faith and Peter find ways to bring their beloved Uncle back to his cheery, storytelling, thoughtful old self. And by the way... how did Uncle Arthur really lose his finger? You tell me and we'll both know! ;)

[Joy Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the young reader that is just getting into stories. At 103 pages and with the style of writing, in a kind of poetry form, as well as splitting between who is speaking/thinking will be helpful to those who are getting a handle on reading phrases and sentences.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute...a nice Fall read. It's written in verse and explores themes of grief and family...with a wee bit of magic mixed in. Not a new favorite but I would read it again. I enjoyed the illustrations throughout as well.

[Michelle Ule · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming YA novella told in verse. Wonderful

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, cozy story told in prose that is perfect for the autumnal season and explores multi-generational connections!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Applesauce Weather is a short, sweet verse novel from Helen Frost, whose books are always a pleasure. The apples are ready, and it's applesauce weather, but Aunt Lucy passed on last year, and young Faith sits outside, waiting, waiting to see if Uncle Arthur will come anyway. He does, with his whimsical stories, especially the one that tells how he lost part of a finger. The "how" stories are always met with skepticism by Peter, Faith's older brother, who listens, but tries hard to show he isn't interested. Who he is interested in is Rose, a pretty neighbor. The story is a lovely fall afternoon, including memories of an old-time peddler who steps into Uncle Arthur's story, wending its way to a satisfying end. It's enhanced by the black and white sketched illustrations by Amy June Bates. It will make a wonderful mentor text for story-telling and for read aloud for younger students. (Coming in August.) Thanks to Candlewick for the arc!

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heartwarming story told in verse evokes the feelings of fall and the smell of ripe applies cooking on the stove. I loved meeting Faith, Peter and their Uncle Arthur as well as his dear late wife Lucy through her own contributions.

A lovely book to read aloud with kids for a few days before apple picking. It also highlights the wonderful skills of storytelling and passing those stories on to the next generation.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I closed the book, I said out loud, "That was nice."

[Pamela Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read several books by Helen Frost -- she is a different kind of writer mixing poetry and prose together. I have enjoyed everything that I have read by her.

This story is about love and loss as we see the interaction of Faith and Peter with their Uncle Arthur after he has lost their aunt, the love of his life. Faith and Peter now live in Aunt Lucy's house, the one she grew up in, the one where she planted the apple tree, the one she lived in when she met and then married Arthur, and the one she moved out of when she got older and couldn't keep it up.

The story is a quick read with small entries giving four perspectives of the story.

We have Faith who is full of faith that Uncle Arthur will return to the house to help harvest the apples because that is what he has always done year after year....However, this was Aunt Lucy's tree and Aunt Lucy died recently so maybe Uncle Arthur will not come like everyone else says...but she holds onto her hope all through the first ripe apple day and into the night just waiting for him to appear.

We have Faith's brother Peter's input on his silly sister along with his parallel interaction with the girl who lives next door that is almost a re-enactment of what happened between Lucy and Arthur.

We have Uncle Arthur's tall tales that he spins that the kids love as much as Lucy did. But the stories are not there since Lucy is not there to hear them anymore. But with the kids encouragement there still may be a story to tell.

Then there is the song left by Aunt Lucy that tells of the past and how she planted the tree and met Arthur and they fell in love and lived happily all those years.

A great fast read with a happy ending.

Also love the black and white illustrations that show so much detail of the characters.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of poems about Faith and Peter, who live in the house where Aunt Lucy planted the seed for the apple tree when she was young and Uncle Arthur lived just down the road, before the first bend. But Aunt Lucy is gone now, and so are the stories he told to tell them under that now huge old apple tree.
Uncle Arthur wonders…
“Are the children expecting the story from me?
They are not asking – perhaps
They can see the empty place.
Where my stories would be?
If Lucy were here to hear them.

Faces beside me, taking my hand.
(my thumb – and – three – and – a – half -fingers hand).
Is she old enough to understand how things?
Can go missing and never be found?
Too much silence can make a deafening sound.”

This is a very special telling in poetry of the relationship between Faith and Peter and their great Uncle Arthur, and the love that he had for his wife, Aunt Lucy. Peter is given Uncle Arthur’s special carving knife but Faith gets a special gift also.
“When I was a child,
No more than two or three,
Aunt Lucy and Uncle Arthur.
Planted a seed in me.

Peter has Uncle Arthur’s knife – –
He can carve whatever he sees.
I have stories and songs in my life,
like an orchard of apple trees.”

Absolutely magical. The pencil drawings by Amy June Bates are tender and loving, and perfectly illustrate each poem.

[Liz B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a pretty harsh critic of novels/stories in verse written for kids (whether small children or teenagers). I can tell because (particularly for picture books) there are just usually no bad reviews at all. So I kind of feel bad for critiquing these books. Even when I give a low rating, I know (from my own experience) that they serve a purpose.

It's just that that purpose so often has NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY ACTUAL POETRY. It's just paragraphs with funny line breaks. It makes the book look longer, which is nice for all kinds of reasons.

But it's not poetry.

So anyway, that's not at all the case with this book, which I loved. It's a gentle story about grief and family and storytelling, and I can't give you any proof of my assertion about its genuine poetic qualities because I already returned the book to the library. I guess you'll just have to take my word for it. But--even if you think I'm wrong after reading it--I think you will still have enjoyed the time you spent with these children and their great-uncle.

[Rosalie Beyer-Krohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is Uncle Arthur’s first visit since his wife passed away and Faith is desperate for one of his crazy stories. He tells a story about his most prized possession before passing it along to Faith’s brother, but his gift for Faith proves to be the most valuable of all - the gift of storytelling!

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction. The story is realistic and relatable for today’s children. It is a story of self-discovery.

Reading Level: Q

Writing Mentor Trait: Voice - The story is told from alternating points of view to give us an idea of what is going on in each characters minds. Students could look to this book to assist them in developing a unique voice for each character in their own stories.

Sentence Fluency - Applesauce Weather is a narrative told through a series of poems. Students could use it to create narratives through their own poetry.

Other Classroom Uses: It could also be used for a character study since we are able to learn about each character through the changing perspectives.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Applesauce Weather (2016)
by Helen Frost
Book in Verse
Applesauce Weather is a wonderful story about continuing on after the loss of a loved one. It is made all the more beautiful by being told in verse. Faith and Peter are awaiting the arrival of Uncle Arthur who comes every year during apple picking time. This year is different though, because Aunt Lucy won't be coming with him. Aunt Lucy is greatly missed, and Uncle Arthur seems different, but as the story progresses, each person discovers the joy in cherished memories and continuing on with life's rhythm. This sweet book is a pleasure to read to yourself or out loud. The verse is warm and heatfelt, describing feelings that might be difficult to explain in prose. This book would be perfect for third through fifth graders as the short verse format will make it an easier read for younger readers, but the content is advanced enough to keep the interest of the older kids. This is a refreshing book sure to leave the reader with happy thoughts.

[Nicole Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Date: 2016
Award: NCTE Excellence in Poetry Award
Genre: Realistic fiction, Poetry
Book Type: Novel

This book is told in verse form and switches between the points of view of Faith, her brother Peter, and their great-uncle Arthur who is dealing with the loss of his wife and having to spend the first Apple picking season without her. In the classroom, this book would be a fun read-aloud book, would make for a good reading precursor to a field trip to an apple orchard, and could be used as a tool to explain grief with an uplifting and sometimes funny storyline. I really enjoyed reading this book. I think the poetry aspect of it was very fitting and the story seemed to flow with this style. I loved the storytelling element and my favorite section was Lucy's song, Lucy was the recently departed Aunt featured in the story, and this section supplemented the details the reader was getting in the rest of the story.

[Taylor Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Applesauce Weather, 2016
NCTE
In this novel, a family's reunion during apple picking is the subject of the narrative. The book examines themes of grief, love, and the eternal tie between family members as they share stories and recollections while making applesauce together. It does it in poetic and exquisitely written language.
Use Helen Frost's narrative "Applesauce Weather" in the classroom to get your children interested in poetry and storytelling. The book can be used by teachers to explain different poetic devices and forms while inspiring students to create their own poetry that is motivated by the issues and feelings presented in the narrative. 'Applesauce Weather' can also serve as a springboard for talks on family, customs, and the value of oral history, building an improved understanding of literary works and real-life histories.

[Kathryn Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

2016, NCTE Excellence in Poetry, Realistic Fiction

Applesauce Weather is a book written in verse, telling the story of a family coming together during the apple harvest season. Through the perspectives of various characters, the book looks at themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that connect generations. I would like to use this book as a read-aloud, as it seems like a good tool for discussing grief with students while also providing an uplifting story.

I like how the verse style of writing fit the rhythm and flow of the book. I also think that the art in the book was a nice touch, as illustrations are not typically found in novels. This is a great book to introduce poetry to students, as it does not feel like it is just a poetry book when you are reading it and it truly reads like a regular story book.

[Stan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with tenderness and a light touch, this book deals with some heavy subject matter, but cleverly manages to show two sides of the moment. A grandfather, teller of tales, is coming to grips with the loss of his wife, the love of his life. But even as he is struggling with his grief over her death, his adoring grandchildren remind him of the vibrancy of the life that still surrounds him. Frost lets us see through the eyes not only of the old man, but also of his two grandchildren and his deceased wife, a very effective technique. I found the book touching and authentic, never maudlin. My only question is what age child is the book meant for? I will seek that answer by reading it with my grandchildren. For me, an exceptional family book.

[Jtimko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first year that Aunt Lucy will not be there when the first apple falls during applesauce weather. And what happened to the twinkle in Uncle Arthur’s eye? With patience and love, Faith and Peter just might have the key to beginning a new story.
Told in prose, this is a gentle story about loss and the power that love and patience possess in order to begin the healing process. Told in the voices of Uncle Arthur, Peter, and Faith, the reader will relate to the subject matter. This is a gentle story about loss that would be helpful to families who recently lost a loved one. Recommended for grades 3 and up.

[Tirzah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a chapter book, so I was taken off guard when I saw the verse format. I enjoy books in verse, but I was in the mood for a cozy fall read to last me a few days. After I recovered from disappointment, I was able to immerse myself in the book. It's a quick, gentle read about an uncle sharing stories and memories with his niece and nephew as the family try to cope with their aunt's recent death. I like the illustrations the best and wish I had a storybook house away from the metro area where I can quietly live. And have an apple tree right in my yard!

Recommend as a read aloud for families and grades approx. 2nd-4th.

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel in verse (or "novel in poems," as Frost calls it) is a sweet read about a sister and brother whose Aunt Lucy has died within the last year. Will their Uncle Arthur come and pick apples when they're ripe, like he and Aunt Lucy did before? Will they ever find out the true story of how Uncle Arthur lost half of his finger? This is a story about love within a family and between two people. It has a bit of an old-fashioned feel to it, as these characters have lived in the same houses for generations, and the reader sees a bit of history repeating itself. The story is told in alternating character's points of view expressed in poems.

[javadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet book of prose didn't even take an hour. I was a puddle within minutes of reading it. Uncle Arthur was my grandfather, who also was a story teller and would keep the secret of how he lost his finger too.
I love how the author captured the unique spirits of a little girl and boy and shared the story in their voices, as well as their uncle's. But what hit me most was Lucy's voice, adding just the right touch of romance & sentiment throughout the story.
And the amazing illustrations! These are my favorite sketches.

[Becca Amstutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish this is beautiful. I am not a voracious reader of poetry but when it comes to Helen Frost, I just can't help myself. I am completely enamored with her poetry! This sweet and simple tale manages to pull at the heartstrings as the main characters learn how much they are like their great-aunt and great-uncle. It's beautiful to see a story where it focuses on extended family and the beauty of those types of relationships. As a librarian, I am heartily recommending this to my hesitant poetry readers!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told as a series of short poems.
Every year Great-Aunt Lucy and Great-Uncle Arthur arrive at the farm when the first apples fall. Lucy has died and they aren't sure if Arthur will come or not. He gathers his courage and does come. It takes a couple days but he finds his own courage to share stories again. The book is told from four perspectives - Faith, Peter, Arthur and Lucy. Lucy provides the history of the apple tree and their relationship to start each section. The other three share what they know and don't know.
Tender story of grieve and healing and families.

[Aimee Leonhard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith, her brother Peter and their Uncle Arthur each tell their part in a collection of poems that weave together a story about family and change. It begins when the first apple falls from the tree indicating it is applesauce weather. It is the time when Uncle Arthur and Aunt Lucy would come to spend a weekend making applesauce and telling stories. But this is the first year without Aunt Lucy and the children don't know if Uncle Arthur will come or tell his stories about his missing finger. Each character comes alive through their poems about loss, expectation and growing up.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story of Love and Loss. The story is written in short verses between Faith, Peter and Uncle Arthur. Applesauce weather is finally here and the apple tree, Aunt Lucy's apple tree, is finally bearing fruit. But this year is the first year since Aunt Lucy's passing, will Uncle Arthur keep tradition and come to the farm or will his grief keep him from showing up to help make applesauce like he has for so many years

[Arica Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl: my favorite part was him still coming.
Also I gave the pocket knife at the end.
Boy: my favorite part with the stories of his finger.
Mom: though I thought it may be complicated for 5.5 years olds. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was heartfelt and nicely thought out and creative and I would totally read it again.