Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie
on Goodreads (299)
What’s inside...
This book tells the story of Edna Lewis, a renowned African-American chef, and the changing seasons of her childhood. Each season brings a new harvest of different fruits and vegetables, and with them, Edna and her family create delicious meals. The book ends with a celebration of the food and the community it nourishes. Long before the natural-food movement gained popularity, Edna Lewis championed purity of ingredients, regional cuisine, and farm-to-table eating. With lyrical text and watercolor illustrations, Robbin Gourley traces the roots of Edna's appreciation for the bounties of nature through the seasons. Folk rhymes, and songs about food are sprinkled throughout the text, and five kid-friendly recipes and an author's note about Edna's life are included.
Age
2-4
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Edna Lewis
Discussion points
What are some of the different fruits and vegetables mentioned in the story, and which one would you like to try?
Why do you think Edna Lewis wanted to gather and cook all those foods?
How do the changing seasons affect what the characters do and eat throughout the book?
Can you think of a meal that our family enjoys together that might be similar to one in the book?
What are some ways we can help in the kitchen or garden, just like Edna did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the vivid illustrations and the seasonal changes in the book as conversation starters. Discuss with your child the importance of fresh foods and how they grow. Connect the story to personal family traditions or recipes, fostering a deeper personal connection to the book’s themes. Encourage your child to explore different foods and even help in meal preparation, just like the characters in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: The protagonist, young Edna Lewis, works diligently alongside her family to grow and gather food through the seasons, demonstrating the effort required in farming.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of hard work and perseverance, which they can apply in their own responsibilities like school projects or household chores.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: The story beautifully illustrates the changing seasons and the bounty they provide, fostering a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to observe and interact with the environment around them, whether by helping in a garden or exploring nature during different seasons.
Example Lesson: Culinary Creativity and Skill
Explanation: Edna’s journey includes learning traditional recipes from her family, showcasing the importance and joy of cooking.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to take part in cooking activities at home, helping them develop useful culinary skills and an understanding of healthy eating.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: Throughout the book, Edna’s family works together, sharing tasks and meals, underscoring the value of a supportive community and family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to value their own community and family ties, encouraging them to contribute positively and maintain strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Seasonal Awareness and Sustainability
Explanation: Through Edna's experiences, readers learn about the rhythm of the seasons and sustainable practices like eating seasonally and locally.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to be mindful consumers who appreciate seasonal foods and understand the environmental impacts of their food choices.