Oregon ReadsAbout Apples to Oregon
Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson
Oregon Reads 2009
Subtitled "Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (and Children) Across the Plains"
In this original tall tale, Delicious describes her family’s journey from Iowa to Oregon in the 1800s. Daddy loves the idea of going west but he can’t bear to leave his apple trees behind. He constructs two special wagons, fills them with “good, wormy dirt,” and packs in hundreds of plants and trees. ’Apples, ho!’ he cries, and off they go.
When they reach the Platte River — “wider than Texas, thicker than Momma’s muskrat stew” — Delicious helps her father build a raft to ferry the seedlings — and the family — across. Everyone makes it to the other side, just barely. Before long, a hailstorm hits, scattering bonnets, petticoats, and even Daddy’s drawers. Other larger-than-life challenges await the family, but inventive Delicious always manages to save the day. Soon, they’re all floating down “the mighty Columbia.” They plant those trees in Oregon soil, and everyone lives happily ever after.
An author’s note explains that this story is based loosely on Henderson Luelling, a pioneer who really did transport plants and fruit trees to Oregon in 1847. Hopkinson’s version, of course, is just pure fun and make-believe. Carpenter’s oil paintings are filled with vivid shades that reflect the changing scenery. Amusing details abound, and the slightly exaggerated humor of the pictures is in perfect balance with the tone of the text.
The plucky heroine — wearing a bright red dress, white pinafore, and confident smile — often takes center stage. An entertaining choice for storytimes or an amusing supplement to units on westward expansion.
—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA