A tender tale of friendship and hope~APPLE AND MAGNOLIA by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola



ABOUT THE BOOK

The bond between two trees, Apple and Magnolia, takes center stage in this picture book that explores the power of unlikely friendships. Includes an author's note that further explores how trees communicate.

Britta visits her two favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, every day. Though she can't explain it, she's sure they are best friends! Then one day, Magnolia's branches start to droop. Is there anything Britta-or Apple-can do to help? After all, unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all.

With a lyrical story and vibrant art, Apple and Magnolia unveils the extraordinary connections between trees and the wondrous bonds between all living things. The book includes an author's note offering facts about how trees communicate with one another.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Laura Gehl is the award-winning author of more than thirty popular picture books, board books, and early readers including One Big Pair of Underwear, Except When They Don't, My Pillow Keeps Moving, and the Baby Scientist series. A former science writer and teacher, Laura holds a PhD in neuroscience. She lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with her husband, four children, and large stash of dark chocolate. Visit Laura online at lauragehl.com.

Twitter: @AuthorLauraGehl
Instagram: @authorlauragehl
Facebook: @AuthorLauraGehl


Patricia Metola has illustrated more than twenty books for children. Her work has been showcased by the Bologna Children's Book Fair on several occasions. She lives in Madrid, Spain.

Instagram: @patriciametola

REVIEW

Britta is positive that her favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, are best friends. Despite the skepticism of her father and sister, Britta knows in her heart that Apple and Magnolia are indeed friends.  When Magnolia droops and her leaves turn brown, Britta worries about the tree.  With her Nana's encouragement, Britta sets out to try to help Magnolia. A can telephone, a scarf, and a strand of light are all placed in the trees in an effort to bring the trees together and help Magnolia.  As the days pass, Britta becomes sure that the trees are getting closer together.  Even though her father and sister continue to insist that Apple isn't helping Magnolia, Britta and her Nana hope that the friendship between the trees will help Magnolia recover in the spring. The beautiful purples and pinks and reds highlight the friendship between the trees as well as the friendship Britta offers to the trees as well.  The sweet story of friendship and hope and effort shines through with brightness.  I especially loved Nana as she quietly supported her granddaughter in her worries and problem solving efforts.  Gehl and Metola have created a quiet story of life and hope and wonder that shines with quiet beauty and grace.


Download a free educators guide for Apple and Magnolia here.

ILLUSTRATIONS





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