The apple that fell far from the tree

An unusual apple seeks his true home in Crafts and Burakoff's picture book. It's easy to feel lost in a 247-person family. The unnamed bespectacled narrator doesn't fit in; he doesn't like getting wet when its family goes swimming, and he gets motion sickness when rolling down hills. This apple's imagination seems to stretch farther than those of his cousins, so he decides to strike out on his own. The journey is not without bumps and bruises, but eventually the narrator lands in the Big Apple. He meets others with whom he has interests and dreams in common (despite having different shapes). Though the apple isn't entirely sure of himself, he learns how to make art, guided by pear, pineapple, and even blueberry friends. At his art show in the city, the apple is surprised to see not only his new friends but his relatives as well. This inspires the apple to return home and re-imagine his relationship to the place. This narrative cleverly turns a classic idiom on its head: "Even though I didn't fit in, I always belonged." Burakoff and Crafts delight in wordplay, sneaking in phrases like "reconnect with my roots." Hope's bright illustrations in natural tones are cute and warm, engaging in their own visual jokes, like the "One in a Melon" sticker on the bandwagon. A funny and thoughtful picture book for kids who are a little bit different.(Picture book about belonging for ages 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.