Johnny Appleseed Plants Seeds Of Fun During Library Story Hour

The Culbertson Public Library blossomed with laughter, colorful artwork and apple-themed fun Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 8, as children gathered for the first story hour of the year.

Library worker Emma Pedersen opened the program by reading Johnny Appleseed. The story introduced children to the legendary Johnny Appleseed, whose real name was John Chapman.

Chapman traveled across parts of the American frontier during the late 1700s and early 1800s, planting apple seeds and establishing nurseries along the way. Stories about his travels often describe him as a gentle, generous man who lived simply, cared for animals and shared apple seeds with the people he met.

As Pedersen told the story, the children learned how Chapman’s work helped apple trees take root in new communities. The colorful pages and tales of his adventures held the attention of the young listeners and set the stage for an afternoon filled with apples.

When the story ended, it was time for the children to create apple trees of their own.

Library worker Mary Drake demonstrated how apple slices could be used in place of paintbrushes. The children dipped the slices into bright red, yellow and green paint before pressing them onto paper to form colorful apples among the branches of their trees.

The familiar fruit became a stamp in their hands, leaving a different shape and pattern with every press. Soon, the library tables were covered with cheerful apple trees inspired by the colors of Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples.

After the young artists washed the paint from their hands, they lined up for an apple-themed snack. Children sampled slices of the same three apple varieties represented in their paintings and washed them down with apple juice.

The fun continued during snack time with apple trivia. Children were asked to name foods and drinks that can be made from apples, quickly calling out answers such as applesauce, apple pie and apple juice. At the end of the afternoon, the paintings remained at the library to dry before being taken home. The children left behind rows of bright apple trees — and carried home a little more knowledge about the man whose travels inspired the afternoon.

The lively gathering gave the library’s story hour program a sweet beginning. Library staff said more themed stories, crafts and activities are planned throughout the year.