Johnny Appleseed

A Tall Tale
by Steven Kellogg

It is hard to imagine a young reader who won't be captivated by this story of Johnny Appleseed, the lover of animals, people, and especially, apple trees. The story is divided into nine short chapters, beginning with Johnny as a young boy who likes to play alone in the woods. His friend Mr. Crawford, the orchard man, teaches him all about apples. When Johnny is a young man of 18, he leaves home to plant his own orchard. As the pioneers pass through on their way west, Johnny gives them food and shelter, and of course, a small bag of apple seeds.

Worried that the pioneers will forget to plant and care for their apples, Johnny gives his home to a poor woman with small children and sets out to populate the world with his beloved trees. On the way he heals an injured wolf that becomes his constant companion as Johnny makes his dream a reality. Especially loved by animals, children, and Indians, Johnny does good deed wherever he goes.

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