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Apple Cake: A Gratitude
Thank you, hedge, / Thank you, tree. / Thank you, flower, / Thank you, bee. / Thank you, rain, / Thank you, sun. / Thank you, farmers, / every one.
In this simple rhyming story from the author of Held in Love , a child says thank you for the gifts nature provides , from hazelnuts in the hedge to apples from the tree, eggs from the hens to milk from the cow. Eventually, the family has enough ingredients to make something special…a delicious apple cake!
With captivating illustrations that brim with emotion, this sweet picture book encourages children to be grateful for the world around them—the perfect read for Thanksgiving. A recipe for apple cake at the end allows you and your child to share in the joyful gratitude.
In this simple rhyming story from the author of Held in Love , a child says thank you for the gifts nature provides , from hazelnuts in the hedge to apples from the tree, eggs from the hens to milk from the cow. Eventually, the family has enough ingredients to make something special…a delicious apple cake!
With captivating illustrations that brim with emotion, this sweet picture book encourages children to be grateful for the world around them—the perfect read for Thanksgiving. A recipe for apple cake at the end allows you and your child to share in the joyful gratitude.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
5 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Casey
50 books29 followersDawn Casey traveled in Africa and Asia before working in a garden studio, publishing multicultural children's books. She now dreams up her own stories, inspired by the everyday magic of the world. She lives with her husband, two little ones, and a tabby cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
September 3, 2019
A really Lovely illustrated book.
Eye catching pictures and colours that will hold a child’s imagination.
It’s full of gratitude and thanks for everything no matter how big or small.
We all know that pictures in children’s books speak more than the words themselves at times.
A parent or adult reading this to a child will have plenty to chat about.
Eye catching pictures and colours that will hold a child’s imagination.
It’s full of gratitude and thanks for everything no matter how big or small.
We all know that pictures in children’s books speak more than the words themselves at times.
A parent or adult reading this to a child will have plenty to chat about.
February 17, 2021
A book about gratitude and the joys of the simple things in life. The artwork by Genevieve Godbout is nice with muted colors and energy that brings nature and food to life. It also does a great job giving the feels of people and their relationship.
Gratitude can be a simple thing, thank you for this, for that. It's something we can all learn to do better and this is a nice tool for that, but does it make a great story, not really. I'm not sure how young kids will take it. I can see children used to Netflix's to find this story slow and boring, but I'm sure some kids will enjoy it. I think it could have used more than rhyming things you are thankful for.
Just an adult's opinion, but I love the idea of gratitude. I could see showing a kid who is upset by not having something they want, a toy or whatnot and then using gratitudes to feel better about the things they do have. That would make a story.
Gratitude can be a simple thing, thank you for this, for that. It's something we can all learn to do better and this is a nice tool for that, but does it make a great story, not really. I'm not sure how young kids will take it. I can see children used to Netflix's to find this story slow and boring, but I'm sure some kids will enjoy it. I think it could have used more than rhyming things you are thankful for.
Just an adult's opinion, but I love the idea of gratitude. I could see showing a kid who is upset by not having something they want, a toy or whatnot and then using gratitudes to feel better about the things they do have. That would make a story.
August 9, 2019
This book is a very quick read (so perfect for 24 months and younger - but there is enough for older kids to enjoy too). The illustrations are absolutely GORGEOUS and are perfectly matched to this delightful read. It's a book all about gratitude and it sure was refreshing to read as well as remind me personally, that I need to focus on this with my child. There are so many things that we just have and I don't spend enough time remembering that.
For anyone who loves the topic in general and or appreciates nature and all that is provides for us - this is a perfect book for you. A wonderful gift for the upcoming fall as it also includes a recipe for Apple Cake in the back!
Thank you to Netgalley, Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens and Dawn Casey for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book!
Review Date: 08/09/19
Publication Date: 09/24/19
For anyone who loves the topic in general and or appreciates nature and all that is provides for us - this is a perfect book for you. A wonderful gift for the upcoming fall as it also includes a recipe for Apple Cake in the back!
Thank you to Netgalley, Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens and Dawn Casey for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book!
Review Date: 08/09/19
Publication Date: 09/24/19
November 8, 2019
A little girl thanks all those who contribute ingredients for an apple cake - excellent Thanksgiving book for small children!
September 6, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens and Dawn Casey for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars.
Apple Cake is a cute picture book written in rhyme about Gratitude. It's a rather simple little story with a big positive message. It's easy for very young children to be able to follow as there are not many words. This however does not make it anything less than wonderful. The illustrations are stunning. They have such a beautiful softness to it that I want to reach out and touch them. I think of this style of artwork as comforting which is just perfect for the message being sent in a picture book. I also want to add that this cover is gorgeous. I love the colouring of it.
Apple Cake shows children what they can be thankful for. That it can be something big or small. This is a sweet little book that I would share with children of all ages.
4 stars.
Apple Cake is a cute picture book written in rhyme about Gratitude. It's a rather simple little story with a big positive message. It's easy for very young children to be able to follow as there are not many words. This however does not make it anything less than wonderful. The illustrations are stunning. They have such a beautiful softness to it that I want to reach out and touch them. I think of this style of artwork as comforting which is just perfect for the message being sent in a picture book. I also want to add that this cover is gorgeous. I love the colouring of it.
Apple Cake shows children what they can be thankful for. That it can be something big or small. This is a sweet little book that I would share with children of all ages.
July 17, 2019
Apple Cake is a sweet rhyming picture book in which a child expresses gratitude for all of the people and things that go into making a tasty dessert. Beautiful illustrations highlight the gentle rhyming text, which actually has very nice rhythm. But there's one thing that really bothers me about the book, and it kind of irked me enough to affect my enjoyment. And that one thing is the grammar.
The way the verse is written out in the synopsis is not the way it's written out in the book. The book's text is full of comma splices and run-on sentences. It drove me nuts, because it could have been so easily fixed. Instead of
Thank you, hedge,
thank you, tree.
Thank you, flower,
thank you, bee.
it could've read
Thank you, hedge.
Thank you, tree.
Thank you, flower.
Thank you, bee.
and if it had read that way, I probably would've enjoyed this one a lot more. Nobody's going to notice these issues when the book is read aloud, but I still hate to see messed-up grammar in children's books.
There's a recipe at the end for apple cake, complete with a convoluted method for letting kids help cut the apples (which I would recommend skipping if you want to get the cake made before midnight). I never know what to think about recipes included in children's books. Do they really turn out? I have no idea (and since this one calls for eggs, this vegan's not about to try it). Still, having a recipe might be a plus for some people.
The overall message of gratitude is lovely. Paired with the cute illustrations, it's almost enough to make this book one I would wholeheartedly recommend. This is the second rhyming picture book I've read recently that takes liberties with grammar. That's just something I can't get behind; children are still in the process of learning language, and getting artsy will only serve to confuse them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing a digital ARC.
The way the verse is written out in the synopsis is not the way it's written out in the book. The book's text is full of comma splices and run-on sentences. It drove me nuts, because it could have been so easily fixed. Instead of
Thank you, hedge,
thank you, tree.
Thank you, flower,
thank you, bee.
it could've read
Thank you, hedge.
Thank you, tree.
Thank you, flower.
Thank you, bee.
and if it had read that way, I probably would've enjoyed this one a lot more. Nobody's going to notice these issues when the book is read aloud, but I still hate to see messed-up grammar in children's books.
There's a recipe at the end for apple cake, complete with a convoluted method for letting kids help cut the apples (which I would recommend skipping if you want to get the cake made before midnight). I never know what to think about recipes included in children's books. Do they really turn out? I have no idea (and since this one calls for eggs, this vegan's not about to try it). Still, having a recipe might be a plus for some people.
The overall message of gratitude is lovely. Paired with the cute illustrations, it's almost enough to make this book one I would wholeheartedly recommend. This is the second rhyming picture book I've read recently that takes liberties with grammar. That's just something I can't get behind; children are still in the process of learning language, and getting artsy will only serve to confuse them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing a digital ARC.
August 2, 2019
Such a cute book with amazing illustrations. All about being thankful for what we have. Great message and love the recipe at the end!
July 26, 2019
This is a very beautifully illustrated picture book of a child gathering ingredients to make an apple cake, and being thankful to all of nature that provides.
It is a sweet thoughtful book, and the recipe at the end reads as though it would be very good, although I would probably buy the almond flour rather than grinding it up myself.
I like the simple act of being thankful, to not only the apples, but to the people around her who helped make the cake.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
It is a sweet thoughtful book, and the recipe at the end reads as though it would be very good, although I would probably buy the almond flour rather than grinding it up myself.
I like the simple act of being thankful, to not only the apples, but to the people around her who helped make the cake.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 17, 2019
I love the art of this one so much Truly a beauty. Unfortunately, the message about gratitude didn't pass. Gratitude is an important thing in life for sure, but turning it into being grateful for many thing because they allow you to get an apple cake... turn out to be more ridiculous then inspiring! I'm grateful for the illustrations of this one but not the story.
October 30, 2019
Gentle picture book with sweet, seemingly vintage illustrations that capture a little girl's thankfulness for all that nature does in producing the ingredients for apple cake. Her little dog, which accompanies her about the farm as she expresses her gratitude, is adorable. Also includes a recipe at the end!
September 24, 2024
A beautiful rhyming book of gratitude. Includes a yummy recipe for apple cake.
11/15/19 Naomi read to me.
9/24/24 Read with Skylar
11/15/19 Naomi read to me.
9/24/24 Read with Skylar
January 11, 2023
Lovely book, better for younger than my four year old though.
August 18, 2019
This is a sweet, rhyming picture book perfectly suited for Thanksgiving and themes of gratitude.
The text reads like a secular dinnertime grace (Thank you, hedge, / Thank you, tree. / Thank you, flower, / Thank you, bee. / Thank you, rain, / Thank you, sun. / Thank you, farmers, /everyone....) that acknowledges the people and parts of nature needed to provide our food -- or in this case, our dessert. Lovely illustrations accompany the text, showing a little girl giving thanks to a cow, rain, sun, chickens, etc. for all the ingredients that her family uses at the end to make an apple cake. On the last pages, there's a recipe for an apple cake from scratch that uses the ingredients mentioned in the story. As a bonus for some, the recipe is gluten free and paleo since it's nut based (ground almonds or hazelnuts... you could also try it with acorn flour), though it is not vegan since it uses eggs and honey.
The text is very simple, making this a very short read-aloud for young children. The artwork is sweet and inviting. It's also a good lesson for kids about where our food comes from and an example of food independence (the family grows, raises or forages all the ingredients for the apple cake), along with a subtle message about stewardship of nature.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
The text reads like a secular dinnertime grace (Thank you, hedge, / Thank you, tree. / Thank you, flower, / Thank you, bee. / Thank you, rain, / Thank you, sun. / Thank you, farmers, /everyone....) that acknowledges the people and parts of nature needed to provide our food -- or in this case, our dessert. Lovely illustrations accompany the text, showing a little girl giving thanks to a cow, rain, sun, chickens, etc. for all the ingredients that her family uses at the end to make an apple cake. On the last pages, there's a recipe for an apple cake from scratch that uses the ingredients mentioned in the story. As a bonus for some, the recipe is gluten free and paleo since it's nut based (ground almonds or hazelnuts... you could also try it with acorn flour), though it is not vegan since it uses eggs and honey.
The text is very simple, making this a very short read-aloud for young children. The artwork is sweet and inviting. It's also a good lesson for kids about where our food comes from and an example of food independence (the family grows, raises or forages all the ingredients for the apple cake), along with a subtle message about stewardship of nature.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
July 17, 2019
Thank you, Frances Lincoln Children's Books - Quarto Publishing, Dawn Casey, and Net Galley for the e-ARC of this book, for review. My review will be published on Goodreads and Amazon as well.
I don't usually request children's books for review, but thanks to this gorgeous book, that is about to change. I might even be let down, because this book right here, is just perfection. It deserves every single available star in its rating. 5 stars!!!
I loved the simplicity of the story, the rhythmic words, the absolutely STUNNING artwork, and of course- the message. I love the idea of teaching children to have gratitude for every little thing. Surely, children can appreciate their beloved apple cake, especially if it's as delicious as the included recipe appears (nice touch!). But to feel appreciation for the farmers, who tend the chickens, who lay the eggs- this teaches children a way to apply gratitude to other areas of life, beyond a cake. Gratitude is what this world needs.
I truly love this book, and I'm glad I reviewed it. I do plan to buy this book when it publishes on September 24, 2019 for my toddlers.
I don't usually request children's books for review, but thanks to this gorgeous book, that is about to change. I might even be let down, because this book right here, is just perfection. It deserves every single available star in its rating. 5 stars!!!
I loved the simplicity of the story, the rhythmic words, the absolutely STUNNING artwork, and of course- the message. I love the idea of teaching children to have gratitude for every little thing. Surely, children can appreciate their beloved apple cake, especially if it's as delicious as the included recipe appears (nice touch!). But to feel appreciation for the farmers, who tend the chickens, who lay the eggs- this teaches children a way to apply gratitude to other areas of life, beyond a cake. Gratitude is what this world needs.
I truly love this book, and I'm glad I reviewed it. I do plan to buy this book when it publishes on September 24, 2019 for my toddlers.
September 16, 2019
Apple Cake is a beautifully illustrated book written in rhyme about Gratitude/Thankfulness. With Thanksgiving around the corner, this is a wonderful book to have in homes, classrooms and churches. It is simple little story with a wonderful message. The idea of being grateful to nature, people and the world for all the things we have, using something as simple as Apple Cake is wonderful. The story is told in a very simple rhyme with only a couple of lines accompanied by beautiful watercolour illustrations. Apple Cake shows children what they can be thankful for, whether big or small. I love the recipe for Apple Cake at the back of the book. When I read this to my grandchildren, they wanted to talk about the illustrations and what was happening in them. They talked about how they say "Grace" before they eat and that is being grateful and I agreed. We are hoping to make Apple Cake when the apples are harvested in a week or so. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
August 13, 2019
This is a cute and simple rhyming book that has a powerful message. As you read you realize that the child is thanking all of these various things.... an apple, flower, bees, etc. Then you realize that everything that is being thanked is all part of a cycle that helps create the ingredients for apple cake.
It is a great way to show young children that not everything comes from the grocery store. Those items have a purpose and it is so much more then just sitting on a shelf. It also shows the fragile connection that can be so easily broken if we do not show it respect and care.
And the surprise recipe for apple cake is a great touch. It can easily allow for the gratitude to continue as parents are making apple cake with their children.
It is a great way to show young children that not everything comes from the grocery store. Those items have a purpose and it is so much more then just sitting on a shelf. It also shows the fragile connection that can be so easily broken if we do not show it respect and care.
And the surprise recipe for apple cake is a great touch. It can easily allow for the gratitude to continue as parents are making apple cake with their children.
Read
March 10, 2024This is a charming little book for children! "Apple Cake: A Gratitude" has such lovely illustrations and contains an important message of having a thankful heart. This book teaches children to be grateful for everything in their lives, even the smallest things. I don't have children of my own yet, however if I were to have children, I would absolutely want to read this to them around the ages of 4-7.
I look forward to trying out the recipe for apple cake at the end of this book.
I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
I look forward to trying out the recipe for apple cake at the end of this book.
I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
November 3, 2019
Gentle and lovely illustrations and poem. Not sure there's anything really remarkably fresh or innovative here (though I do appreciate that the story includes POC and it appears to be a blended family in the story). That said, 'tis the season of gratitude and gathering together to share in nature's bounty and warm feelings, and I do recommend it if you're looking for something to make you smile, feel cozy, and cultivate an attitude of gratitude (something I’m trying to do on a daily basis not just for a holiday in November).
October 11, 2019
Apple Cake: A Gratitude is a beautiful, simple and sweet book about gratitude. It would be great for families looking for a non-religious "prayer" to say before meals or at bedtime, as a way to encourage gratitude and appreciation for nature and the work that many, many people do to make our lives easier each day. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. I love, love Geneviève Godbout's art style. As a nice bonus, there is a recipe for the titular apple cake included!
August 27, 2019
I really liked the artwork in this book. With its simple words, showing gratitude to the little things in life that we sometimes take for granted ex: bee, tree, flower etc.. It also comes with a recipe for Apple Cake, which sounds delectable. Would be a cute book to read together and then spend some time baking together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2019
Thank you Quatro - Frances Lincoln’s Children’s Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC.
This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book showing gratitude to everyone and everything along the process of creating an Apple cake. Perfect for a snuggly pre nap read with your toddler, complete with a recipe for apple cake to make while they sleep !
This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book showing gratitude to everyone and everything along the process of creating an Apple cake. Perfect for a snuggly pre nap read with your toddler, complete with a recipe for apple cake to make while they sleep !
August 23, 2019
This is a simple book designed to teach children to be grateful for the things in their everyday lives. It accomplishes this nicely on a level young children can easily understand. I adored the illustrations and the recipe at the end was a nice touch.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
January 3, 2023
Featured in a grandma reads session.
As an apple cake is built and baked, all the ingredients become jumping off points for new things to be grateful about. . .even a recipe is provided!
We enjoyed this book close to our Thanksgiving holiday, with anticipation of lots of family and associated warm fuzzies all around.
As an apple cake is built and baked, all the ingredients become jumping off points for new things to be grateful about. . .even a recipe is provided!
We enjoyed this book close to our Thanksgiving holiday, with anticipation of lots of family and associated warm fuzzies all around.
September 9, 2019
ARC Copy...Beautiful illustration that give a warm feel plus narrative that points not only to be thankful in general but also how work and people are in involved in simple Apple Cake and we should be thankful for them.
September 22, 2019
A beautifully illustrated book that drew me in so it will definitely pull a child’s attention in, teaches children important lessons about life and nature along with the rhyme, enthralling for adult and child alike
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
September 28, 2019
A feel good book!
December 15, 2020
A real winner with my 2.5 year old who keeps asking if we can make apple cake now.
May 18, 2022
Picked up on a whim from my local library.
Simplistic, but very cute. The illustrations are wonderful.
Simplistic, but very cute. The illustrations are wonderful.
July 22, 2019
A simple rhyming read that follows the journey of a little girl gathering all the ingredients to make an apple cake with her family. Along the way she expresses her gratitude to nature and to those she loves.
The illustrations by Genevieve Godbout are peaceful and match the tone of gratitude throughout the the book. Young readers will probably enjoy searching for the apple cake ingredients on every page.
Overall, I think this is a lovely book that will help children appreciate all that nature provides.
*I was provided with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The illustrations by Genevieve Godbout are peaceful and match the tone of gratitude throughout the the book. Young readers will probably enjoy searching for the apple cake ingredients on every page.
Overall, I think this is a lovely book that will help children appreciate all that nature provides.
*I was provided with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2020
For such a cheerful story about expressing thanks, the illustrations seem dark and gloomy; moreover, the half-baked narrative does not describe the ingredients of apple cake nor show how it is made, though the “Recipe for Apple Cake” in the end pages sounds delicious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews