APPLE TREES

The life cycle of the apple tree is explored in this Early Bird Nature Book, similar in scope and format to the New True easy-to-read series. This ``world's favorite fruit'' gets thorough treatment, from a description of its Asian and European origins through a discussion of its development from seed to blossom to fruit. Patent (Back to the Wild, 1997, etc.) covers the use of bees in pollination, as well as pruning, weather conditions, varieties, grafting, and size. From seed to packing plant, students can trace the life span of an apple. Crisp, full-color photographs highlight all phases of tree and apple growth, coupled with clear, detailed drawings that explain more difficult concepts and processes. In a design aimed at beginning researchers, words such as rootstock and auxin appear in context, while a glossary expounds on their meanings. Useful as a seasonal curriculum enhancer, or where copies of Charles Micucci's The Life and Times of the Apple (1992) are in short supply. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 7-9)