This beautiful biographical picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, and includes suggestions for celebrating John Chapman’s birthday (September 26), apple craft ideas, and a recipe.
 
Why should we remember Johnny Appleseed today—more than two hundred years after he was born—and call him a hero? Why are the life and lessons of John Appleseed relevant to kids now? This extraordinary picture book from educator, librarian, and best-selling author Esme Raji Codell and award-winning illustrator Lynne Rae Perkins answers these questions and more—and challenges readers to follow the five footsteps John Chapman left behind:
 
1. Use what you have 
 
2. Share what you have 
 
3. Respect nature 
 
4. Try to make peace where there is war 
 
5. You can reach your destination by taking small steps
 
An insightful and friendly text, stunning mixed-media illustrations that combine wood, paper, paint, and fabric, and a winning mixture of information and inspiration make for a stellar picture book for all ages. Sure to be a classroom and seasonal favorite.
 
Contributor Bio(s)
 
Esmé Raji Codell is a teacher and librarian and the author of many award-winning books for children. She lives with her family in Chicago, Illinois. 
 
Lynne Rae Perkins was awarded the Newbery Medal for Criss Cross. She is the author of five other novels—All Alone in the Universe, As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth, Nuts to You, Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea, and Violet and Jobie in the Wild. Lynne Rae Perkins has also written and illustrated several acclaimed picture books, including Frank and Lucky Get Schooled, The Broken Cat, Snow Music, Pictures from Our Vacation, The Cardboard Piano, Wintercake, and The Museum of Everything. The author lives with her family in northern Michigan. Visit her online at lynnerae.com.