An Orange In January

ABOUT THE BOOK
Grade Level: P and up | Illustrated by Julie Maren
 
Plump, juicy oranges are one of the great pleasures of winter and one that is usually taken for granted. Now here’s an eloquent, celebratory picture of how those oranges have found their way to the grocery store shelves, and then into kids’ tummies! With vivid, glowing paintings, this unique picture book offers a poetic lesson about a plant’s growth cycle and about the produce industry. We follow an orange from blossom to ripe fruit, from tree to truck to market …and into the hands of a boy who shares this treat with his friends on the playground so that everyone could taste the sweetness of an orange in January. In the tradition of Apple Farmer Annie and Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, this is a satisfying, celebratory look at an everyday object with a remarkable life story.
REVIEWS
“This poetic tale about the path an orange takes to the store begins in a grove near the sea. When the fruit is ripe, “a hand, brown with seasons of sun, plucked it from its branch, while dew still glittered on the leaves.”… Even the youngest listeners will gain awareness that food doesn’t magically spring into being on the shelves of markets.” – School Library Journal
“With its rich economics lessons, this delightful story for young readers describes the path of an orange from its growth in an orchard to its final destination in the hands of a child….  These lessons about natural resources, interdependence, and markets are highlighted … ideal for teachers, parents, and volunteers who are seeking enjoyable children’s books for younger readers with substantive content in economics and social studies.” – Rutgers University of Arts and Sciences
 “Readers’ mouths will water in anticipation. A good springboard for discussing food’s origins for the youngest listeners.” – Kirkus Reviews
ACCOLADES
  • Selected by Scholastic Books for new curriculum
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