PPBF – MINE!

With so much happening in the world, I had trouble picking a picture book to review today. I hope you’ll agree that whether you share a moment reading it with your little on your lap, whether you focus on the bounty of the season, or whether you discuss the takeaway message, this Perfect Picture Book will brighten your day.

Title: MINE!

Written By: Candace Fleming

Illustrated By: Eric Rohman

Publisher/Date: Anne Schwartz Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books/2023

Suitable for Ages: 3-7

Themes/Topics: greediness, sharing, rhyming, apples

Opening:

In a tall, tall tree,

at the tip-tippy top,

hung a single red apple,

just about to drop.

Brief Synopsis:

One after another, an assortment of woodland creatures wait for an apple to fall and claim for themselves.

Links to Resources:

• Make and share some apple treats with friends;
• If apples grow near your home, plan an apple-picking adventure with your family or friends;
• For further fun, check out these Activity Sheets.

Why I Like this Book:

As creature after creature covet one single red apple dangling from a tree, readers learn that each wants it for themself. “Mine!”

But as we learn in the unexpected ending, this apple was always meant to be shared.

With fun rhymes, loads of onomatopoeia, and repeated opportunities to shout, “Mine,” Fleming has written a picture book that’s perfect for multiple read-alouds and for exploring the concepts of greed and sharing with the pre-school set.

Rohman’s bright and bold illustrations pair well with the lively text and are key to the story’s resolution.

A Note about Craft:

MINE! packs a punch with its low word-count (~220), repetition of the term “mine” thirteen times, onomatopoeia, and made-up words that roll off the tongue, Fleming has written a fun text that will appeal even to the littlest listeners. In addition to word repetition, she also introduces each of the four woodland creatures who vie for the apple in a set way, using an ABCB rhyme pattern each time. The author-illustrator duo and/or the editor have chosen to present much of the book’s climax only in the illustrations, which offers the opportunity for readers and young listeners to discuss what’s happening and the implications.

This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!