Applesauce Weather
Candlewick, August 9, 2016 ISBN 9780763675769
112 pages, illustrated novel-in-verse
Perfect for ages 8-12.
What really happened to Uncle Arthur’s finger? Faith and Peter are determined to find out the true story, and they aren’t quite sure whether or not they do—but maybe they find something just as important.
Publisher’s description
“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.”
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- An old photograph of a family gathering that includes family friends “Uncle Arthur and Aunt Lucy” in the top right corner. Helen, age 11, is third from the left in the top row. Her mother is just below, holding her baby brother.
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- Uncle Arthur’s favorite desert is Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce. Try making some yourself with these recipes.
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- Lemon Sauce Recipe
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- Helen picking apples from the apple tree in her back yard
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- A page from Helen’s notebook as she worked on Applesauce Weather
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- Time Magazine features Applesauce Weather
Quotes from Reviews
“Frost’s poetry—both free verse and rhyming—is warm and specific, as crisp as the crunch of a ripe apple…. The frequent mono- chromatic illustrations … add cozy charm and texture to the story.” —BCCB (Bulletin of the Center for children’s Books) (starred)
“Young and old bridge the generational gap to find comfort amid loss. … Light yet poignant, this multigenerational family tale shows age proves no barrier when it comes to offering solace.” —Kirkus Review (starred)
“Written with simplicity and grace, the story is told in three distinctive voices—or four, counting the seven interspersed verses of ‘Lucy’s Song.’ … Fresh, sweet, and crisp, this novel has a magic all its own.” —Carolyn Phelan, Booklist (Starred)
“This quick, charming read is suited for those newly introduced to poetry or coping with a loss.” —Tiffany Davis, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY, School Library Journal
“A quick read, a quiet, gentle story, and sweet illustrations throughout make this an easily accessible verse novel for a reader new to the genre or one who is missing a beloved older relative.” —See the entire review at: A Year of Reading by Mary Lee Hahn.