Apple Cake is a sweet rhyming picture book in which a child expresses gratitude for all of the people and things that go into making a tasty dessert. Beautiful illustrations highlight the gentle rhyming text, which actually has very nice rhythm. But there's one thing that really bothers me about the book, and it kind of irked me enough to affect my enjoyment. And that one thing is the grammar.

The way the verse is written out in the synopsis is not the way it's written out in the book. The book's text is full of comma splices and run-on sentences. It drove me nuts, because it could have been so easily fixed. Instead of

Thank you, hedge,
thank you, tree.

Thank you, flower,
thank you, bee.

it could've read

Thank you, hedge.
Thank you, tree.

Thank you, flower.
Thank you, bee.

and if it had read that way, I probably would've enjoyed this one a lot more. Nobody's going to notice these issues when the book is read aloud, but I still hate to see messed-up grammar in children's books.

There's a recipe at the end for apple cake, complete with a convoluted method for letting kids help cut the apples (which I would recommend skipping if you want to get the cake made before midnight). I never know what to think about recipes included in children's books. Do they really turn out? I have no idea (and since this one calls for eggs, this vegan's not about to try it). Still, having a recipe might be a plus for some people.

The overall message of gratitude is lovely. Paired with the cute illustrations, it's almost enough to make this book one I would wholeheartedly recommend. This is the second rhyming picture book I've read recently that takes liberties with grammar. That's just something I can't get behind; children are still in the process of learning language, and getting artsy will only serve to confuse them.

Thank you, Frances Lincoln Children's Books - Quarto Publishing, Dawn Casey, and Net Galley for the e-ARC of this book, for review. My review will be published on Goodreads and Amazon as well.

I don't usually request children's books for review, but thanks to this gorgeous book, that is about to change. I might even be let down, because this book right here, is just perfection. It deserves every single available star in its rating. 5 stars!!!

I loved the simplicity of the story, the rhythmic words, the absolutely STUNNING artwork, and of course- the message. I love the idea of teaching children to have gratitude for every little thing. Surely, children can appreciate their beloved apple cake, especially if it's as delicious as the included recipe appears (nice touch!). But to feel appreciation for the farmers, who tend the chickens, who lay the eggs- this teaches children a way to apply gratitude to other areas of life, beyond a cake. Gratitude is what this world needs.

I truly love this book, and I'm glad I reviewed it. I do plan to buy this book when it publishes on September 24, 2019 for my toddlers.

This recipe for Apple Cake is preceded by an absolutely beautiful illustrated catalogue of ingredients. Dawn Casey’s book gives thanks for everything that goes into making this apple cake: bees for the honey; trees for the apples and nuts; farmers, cows, and hens for milk and eggs; fire for heat to bake; friends and family to help and share. Each page provides readers with the opportunity to take a step back and fully appreciate each piece of a whole, to be thankful for and recognize the things that come together to create something more, and follows it up with a recipe for what appears to be a delicious Apple Cake. The illustrations by Geneviève Godbout follow an adorable young girl in bright yellow galoshes, accompanied by her beautiful dog, as she collects ingredients for this cake. They’re so vibrantly warm and inviting that I wish I could breathe in the fresh air, feel the rain, smell the baking apples, and join the family and friends at the end for cake.

Thanks to Frances Lincoln Children’s Books of Quarto Publishing Group for granting my wish, and to NetGalley, for both the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. (My wish now is that I had some apples for that recipe!) My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #AppleCakeAGratitude

A really Lovely illustrated book.
Eye catching pictures and colours that will hold a child’s imagination.

It’s full of gratitude and thanks for everything no matter how big or small.

We all know that pictures in children’s books speak more than the words themselves at times.

A parent or adult reading this to a child will have plenty to chat about

Such a cute poem about being thankful to the world around you. The illustrations are beautiful and I want to hang them on my wall.

Fun, animated-film-like illustrations bring a simple poem of thanksgiving to life. A little kid recognizes all the pieces that must come together to create a tasty treat--a good reminder for all ages to not take things for granted. The book even includes a kid-friendly recipe for Apple Cake at the end.

What a beautifully illustrated book this is! Endearing from the beginning, the story is written in a prayer like rhyme showing what we should be thankful for in the world. This book focusses around a farm and the children collect apples, nuts and milk which are then used to create a beautiful apple cake. The recipe at the end of the book is a lovely addition and looks very tempting. Even though this is a short story, I can imagine it being a favourite story to be repeated over and over with children, one they can join in with easily. A very simple story but with a big impact and lots to discuss. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher, Quarto for an ARC.

Apple Cake: A Gratitude is a beautifully poetic thank you to the wonderful world around us for all that it provides.

I couldn’t help but think about the Johnny Appleseed grace we used to sing as children, and I love the parallels here.

Humbling and kind. Illustrations drawn in soft colors. This book is a simple and beautiful reminder to be grateful.

Thank you Quatro - Frances Lincoln’s Children’s Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC.

This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book showing gratitude to everyone and everything along the process of creating an Apple cake. Perfect for a snuggly pre nap read with your toddler, complete with a recipe for apple cake to make while they sleep !