The Apple was the created by the author Dick Bruna, you may recognise the name because he later went on to create the iconic Miffy. The Apple was Dick's first ever picture book and it was originally published in a rectangular hardback form in 1953, that's right, you calculated right, 60 years ago!!
The format of the book was changed in 1959 to be square shaped as Dick thought this would be more manageable for small hands. This format has remained the same ever since so I now have infront of me a lovely 16 x 16cm book, as it has been republished by Tate to mark it's 60th anniversary and I concur, it is the perfect size for younger children to hold.
The book itself features a short story about lovely Rosy apple who gets taken on an adventure by a rather helpful rooster. Looking at all of their surroundings, seeing houses, butterflies and much much more.
The 12 illustrations in this book are truly gorgeous. Done in vibrant colours that are really appealing to eye, you can really see Dick Bruna's signature style shine through. The bold black outlines really make the pictures pop out on the pages.
Bruna admits to being heavily influenced by artists such as Matisse, Mondrian and Leger and he believed that his minimal style would be ideal for picture books and I really have to agree, the illustrations are simple yet captivating.
The story itself is again simple, written in bold black print, it is easy to read yet managed to keep you interested. My older children took great joy in reading the story to their younger sisters.
The writing and pictures combined tell the story well yet they still manage to let your children imagine more of what could happen.
The way it is presented makes it ideal as a first book for children to start learning to read from and it is nice to know that a book my mum read, my children now get to enjoy too.
The Apple along with The School, which has been out of print since 1968 and his new book, On My Scooter are now all available in hardback, priced at £4.99 each, I will be purchasing both The School and On My Scooter for my children, they are already huge fans of Miffy!!!
Tate is actually marking the publication and the 60th anniversary of The Apple by putting on an exihibition of Dick Bruna's artwork at the Foyles Cafe, Charing Cross Road London, it started on the 6th of this month and will continue until the 29th August. There will also be activities put on throughout all branches of Foyles and special The Apple themed activities at all Tate cafes too.
Why not also take advantage of the 3 for 2 offer on all Dick Bruna's books until the 29th of August in Foyles stores on Charring Cross Road and in Westfield shopping centres.
Disclaimer : this book was sent to me free of charge for reviewing purposes however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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