Apples are more than just a delicious snack—they’re a gateway to learning for preschoolers! Whether exploring the life cycle of an apple tree, enjoying the fun you can have with apples, or learning about a family tradition, books about apples can spark curiosity and a love of reading. Let’s dive into some of my favorite apple books for preschoolers!
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Apple Lesson plans
Apples for Everyone
By Jill Esbaum
Apples for Everyone by Jill Esbaum is a must-read nonfiction book for your apple theme—perfect for introducing your new topic.
With simple, toddler-friendly text, it explores the life cycle of an apple, showcases different apple varieties, and shares fun ideas for apple treats. It even includes a brief, delightful introduction to Johnny Appleseed.
This book is a wonderful resource for sparking young learners’ curiosity about apples as you begin apple week!
Questions:
- Can you name some different types of apples?
- During which season are apples ready to pick?
- What are some things we can make with apples?
Ten Apples Up on Top
By Dr. Seuss
Preschool teachers, this one’s a must-have! Ten Apples Up On Top! by Dr. Seuss is a delightful tale of a lion, a tiger, and a dog competing to see who can balance the most apples on their heads without dropping them.
Things take a hilarious turn when their friendly competition spills into the bears’ house, creating chaos! This playful, apple-themed book is perfect for adding a dose of counting fun to your read-aloud time.
Questions:
- Do you think this story is real or make-believe?
- Is that their house they are climbing into?
- How would you feel if someone messed up your house?
- What do you think might happen if they drop the apples?
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
By Marjorie Priceman
This next apple book is an adorable story of a dog trying to get his paws on an apple pie! Apple Pie ABC takes us through a day of a dog as he eagerly tries to get a pie (E), jumping for it (J), being kept away from it (K), and finally getting a yummy taste of it (Y). Even though the text is kept simple, the story is absolutely adorable. Plus, it helps reinforce those beginning letter sounds!
Want an activity to go with this book? Try out an Apple Pie Counting Sensory Bin! It is one of our favorites!
Questions:
- Why do you think she needs to go to different places to find her ingredients?
- Have you ever heard of (name of country)? Look at the picture to describe what it’s like there.
- How did the girl solve her problem of not finding ingredients at the store?
- Have you ever helped make a pie or another special food?
Johnny Appleseed by Lori Houran
Apple Books for Preschoolers
Johnny Appleseed by Lori Haskins Houran is a simple and engaging introduction to the life of the legendary figure Johnny Appleseed. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of how John Chapman traveled across America, planting apple seeds and sharing his love for nature, kindness, and adventure.
It is perfect for young readers and brings to life the history and folklore surrounding this iconic pioneer as you read aloud your apple books for preschoolers.
Want a fun counting game for Johnny Appleseed Day? Check out this cooperative game that we played that involves tally marks, ten frames, numerals, and dots.
Questions:
- Why do you think Johnny wanted to plant so many seeds?
- What kinds of animals do you see in the pictures? Do you think they like Johnny? Why?
- If you could plant a tree like Johnny, what kind of tree would you plant?
- How do you think apples grow from the seeds that Johnny plants?
Applesauce Day
By Lisa Amstutz
Last but not least, we have Applesauce Day by Lisa Amstutz for our apple books for preschoolers.
In Maria’s family, visiting the apple orchard and making applesauce yearly is a cherished tradition! After gathering apples at the orchard, they head to Grandma’s house for the much-anticipated Applesauce Day.
Everyone has a unique role in the process—washing, cutting, cooking, straining the apples, and, of course, enjoying the delicious homemade applesauce together.
This heartwarming story is perfect for inspiring hands-on learning. I love pairing it with a fun activity: making homemade crockpot applesauce with the kiddos! It’s a wonderful way to show them how the food they enjoy is made from scratch.
Questions:
- What's the trick for picking apples? Let's try it together!
- What are some of the steps for making applesauce?
- Why do you think the characters in the story are making applesauce?
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MORE Apple Activities for Preschoolers
Apple books are a wonderful way to spark curiosity, teach valuable lessons, and celebrate the magic of the season with your preschoolers. Pair them with hands-on learning activities like an apple pie counting sensory bin or an apple orchard dramatic play center to make the experience more memorable. Grab a book, a cozy spot, and an apple snack—it’s time to munch on some sweet apple books for preschoolers.
