Apples
by Gail Gibbons

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Apples are on my personal list of favorite fruits. After reading this book, your child might feel the same way too.

With few words and big colorful pictures, Gibbons does a great job of explaining the fruit's history in America, its growth cycle, and uses. Even adults can learn from it!

Your child (and you) will learn:

• the assortment of varieties available
• the basic parts
• growth and development stages from flower bud to fruit
• miscellaneous fun facts about this yummy fruit
• new vocabulary words such as:
  • orchard
  • seedling
  • stamen
  • stigma
  • pollen
  • pollination
  • prune

Apples by Gail Gibbons gets this dietitian's thumbs up, and if I was a teacher, I'd give it an A++!

Nutrition Activities: After Reading Apples

• Do a blindfolded "taste test" of all the different varieties and vote on the best.
• Download and print this free coloring page.
• Visit a fruit orchard.
• Include this ruby gem at least once a day for an entire week:
  • Breakfast: coarsely chop and add to oatmeal, pancakes or muffins
  • Lunch: Shred and add to canned tuna
  • Dinner: Prepare Granny Smith Salsa and serve over baked chicken or fish
  • Snacks: Spread slices with peanut butter, almond butter or pumpkin seed butter

More nutrition books for kids I recommend.

More of my professional advice you may find helpful:

Nutrition for Kids

Quick Kid Friendly Meals

Your Personal Nutrition Guide Home Page

Granny Smith Salsa

• 1 pound Granny Smiths, diced
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons evaporated cane juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño peppers
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

Recipe source: www.canyonranch.com