Johnny Appleseed is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
Â
SUMMARY
"Johnny Appleseed" by Steven Kellogg tells the fascinating story of John Chapman, known as Johnny Appleseed, who traveled across America planting apple seeds and spreading kindness. The book follows Johnny's journey as he befriends animals, helps people in need, and nurtures apple orchards along the way. With his tin pot hat, sack of apple seeds, and gentle spirit, Johnny becomes a beloved figure in the communities he visits. Through Kellogg's lively illustrations and engaging storytelling, readers learn about Johnny's dedication to nature and his belief in the importance of sharing and caring for others. The book highlights Johnny's love for the natural world and his lasting legacy as a symbol of generosity and environmental stewardship.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Have students practice their questioning skills as you read the book.
- Help students to analyze what the author’s purpose for writing the book might be.
- Practice identifying and using articles.
- Practice identifying the prefix of a word.
- Discuss the importance of kindness.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson
- Mr. Peabody’s Apples by Madonna
- Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship by Edward Hemingway
- One Green Apple by Eve Bunting
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
