I decided to read more Steven Kellogg books after reading Jack and the Beanstalk in one of my lesson plans. He is an amazing author and illustrator. This book followed the life of John Chapman also known as Johnny Appleseed. I thought that the way the story flowed was great. It didn't drag our at all and it gave facts, while also giving details that you could tell were a little exaggerated. One of the tale tales that were in the story was that he got attacked by a ratlesnake, but his feet were like elephants and the fangs didn't penetrate the skin. I can hear some of the boys in y class now saying there is no way that that is true. As I read this book I remembered when I was in elementary school and we did a PTO program on Johnny Appleseed. I can still remember that I was the Golden Delicious Apple. I love finding books like this that I can relate to as a reader. Bringing back fond memories like that is great and it helps the reader connect with the story and hold their attention to the very end.
This book would be a great way to introduce tall tales to the class. While Johnny Appleseed did exist, some stories of him have become highly exaggerated. This would be a great introduction to the unit and then have the students write some tall tales of their own. Like the other book that I have read by him I thought that the story and the illustrations were amazing. Steven Kellogg is very talented and can hook the reader from the very beginning of his story.
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