Mary E. And The Apple Tree

Sophie Blackall’s Farmhouse meets Barbara Cooney’s Miss Rumphius in this timeless and richly thematic picture book about one girl’s experiences on her family’s farm and how our traditions involving food can connect people and places through generations.

Mary E. grew. First came one tooth, then another and another.

The apple tree grew. First came one leaf, then another and another.

On their way to Grammie’s house, apple dumplings in tow, a mother explains a time-honored family tradition to her daughter. Mom tells the story of Mary E., who grows up alongside the apple tree her parents plant to mark her birth. The apples from the family orchard are used in good times and bad, for medicine and for special recipes like apple butter, spiced ciders, and warm apple cake. But Mary E.’s favorite is apple dumplings, which the family always makes to celebrate birthdays. And so the tradition continues, mother to daughter, past to present, for generations.

Inspired by a box of vintage family photographs—including some of the real Mary E., the author’s second-great-grandmother—Cynthia Cliff has written and illustrated a rich family story full of love, tradition, responsibility, and of course, food. The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where the author grew up surrounded by her family’s orchards, shines in her elegant text and timeless, folk art–influenced illustrations. Mary E. and the Apple Tree is for readers who love Nell Plants a Tree, Seed by Seed, and My Great-Aunt Arizona. Includes a note from the author, her family apple dumpling recipe, and a selection of vintage family photographs.