“In a world of full-color picture books, black and white illustrations have to work a little harder to get noticed. Yet…McClure’s cut-paper scenes do more than just support the story; they form its heart.”—Publishers Weekly
“These soulful images never feel static—an amazing feat for such a deliberate, painstaking medium.”—Kirkus Reviews
“McClure’s precise cut-paper technique evokes the skill that goes into artistic and horticultural crafts.”—Booklist
“Astonishingly detailed, the artwork evokes the feel of classic 1940s and ’50s picture books.”—School Library Journal
“McClure’s storytelling has emerged to be as distinctive as her meticulous cut-paper illustrations, with a decidedly down-to-earth feel.”—Seattle’s Child magazine
“McClure is certainly a new talent to watch.”—The Cleveland Plain Dealer
About The Book
At once gentle and bold, APPLE follows the life of an apple throughout the year, demonstrating the cyclical patterns in nature. Known for her simple yet striking papercut images and for stories that celebrate good stewardship towards the earth, Nikki McClure has earned acclaim for both the artistry and advocacy of her work. Sixteen years ago, McClure penned, printed, hand-bound, and hand-sold two hundred copies of a little story about the life cycle of an apple. Abrams Appleseed now publishes this beautifully inspiring story in a sturdy paper-over-board format on recycled paper so that readers of all ages can enjoy the book in which McClure’s signature papercut style began.
The youngest of readers will delight in following the journey of the bright red apple—the only splash of color in the otherwise black-and-white illustrations—as it travels from tree, to harvest, to snack, to compost, and finally, to sprout. A single word complements each illustration, urging early readers to reflect on each stage in the apple’s life. An author’s note at the end further explains how apple trees grow and subtly emphasizes the importance of respecting what we eat and what we waste.
Both sweet and stunning, APPLE is a wonderful read for any time of the year and offers children and adults alike the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of and appreciation for nature and all its bounty.
About The Author
NIKKI McCLURE is a self-taught cut-paper artist known nationally for her calendar and gift line. She is the author and illustrator of Collect Raindrops, Mama, Is It Summer Yet?, and To Market, to Market and the illustrator of All in a Day, written by Cynthia Rylant. She lives in Olympia, Washington.