Hi everyone,
On Christmas Eve day I received copies from Holiday House of I Want an Apple, How the Body Works in paperback. I didn’t know this was happening. If you aren’t familiar with this title, it was illustrated by DAVID CATROW and published in 2021. David has illustrated more than 60 books for children. She’s Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head was selected as “The Year’s Best” by The New York Times. How Murray Saved Christmas was adapted into a 2014 animated television show and aired on NBC. David has also served as a visual developer for animated films, including Despicable Me and Horton Hears a Who.
School Library Journal said about the book: “This is not a book about the science of eating; it is about the poetry of bodily functions… This will make for a fun story time, where bodily functions can be the silliest.”
From The Horn Book: “This is a playful, simple look at our bodies’ inner workings for young children. . . . [Catrow’s ] illustrations are immediately recognizable with their eccentric details and exaggerated scale. . . . The spare text is just enough to introduce concepts of human anatomy to a preschool and early primary audience.”
From Kirkus Reviews: “The illustrations are whimsical and full of movement. . . . The message about body positivity will resonate with all ages. A playful introduction to the body parts.”
I Want an Apple was selected in 2021 by American Scientist for its list of 10 STEM-related books for all seasons. In spite of the reviews, the talented artist, and the recognition, the book still hasn’t found its audience and sales lag behind where I’d like to see them. Maybe the paperback edition priced at only $8.99 will help. Fingers crossed.
Children's Author David L. Harrison's Blog 