I was given an early copy in exchange for an honest review. The adorable book was beautifully illustrated and is accompanied by a simple but chaqrming story demonstrating that unusual friendships can be the most powerful.. Yes, I would definitely believe this is a first book. You might first read together and look at all that is happening in the illustrations., Not to focus on any one thing in particular.. Thank you to #NetGalley #AppleandMagnolia, and author, c#LauraGehl for this wonderful opportunity.

The artwork is lovely and the story is simply and beautifully told. It's a sweet story of the power of friendship, especially an unusual one between trees, and the healing power of communication. I moved this to the top of my website's Favorite Picture Books list and I'll definitely recommend this one.

I am obsessed with this short and simple picture book! The story and the illustrations go so well together and it has such a cute message as well.

A great children's book about the power of friendship and its ability to sustain and replenish despite the elements. It will be a great book to read along with nonfiction books about trees and their ability to share resources.

Apple and Magnolia is a treasure, plain and simple. This beautiful book illuminates the importance of kindness, friendship, empathy, and understanding nature. The author teaches an important lesson about believing in yourself and trusting your intuition, even when those around you don’t. We follow Britta through the seasons as she tries desperately to keep her two favorite trees alive during a cold winter. These trees, according to Britta, are best friends. Though Britta's father and sister seem to think she is just imagining it, her Nana agrees and encourages Britta to help the trees the best way she can think of. The ending is beautiful and satisfying, helping the reader to believe in the magic of friendship. The illustrations in this book are absolutely gorgeous and have a beautifully chaotic theme.
5/5 stars.

Oh, this is a beautiful book both on the page and on the heart. This picture book tells the story of the friendship between Apple and Magnolia, two trees in Britta’s yard that she’s sure are best friends, much to the dismay of her father and sister. But Nana knows better. And when Magnolia’s branches start to droop and leaves start to fall, Nana’s faith in unlikely friendships is what fuels Britta to facilitate that friendship with unlikely results. The delicate, colorful illustrations bring the story to life and the artfully crafted message will keep the reader thinking long after the final page is closed. This is one of my new favorite picture books.

Absolutely loved this book: the cover, the endpapers, the characters, the illustration style, the message - it's going to be a new children's classic.

I can honestly say I haven't read anything resembling this story before, I love the idea of two unusual friends helping each other, and I love that there seems to be some scientific evidence for trees lending support. I love that Britta's dad doesn't really believe in trees helping each other, but he says what he thinks nicely. The reptitive story telling works well, and the illustrations are fun. I liked it very much.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely amazing. I love the style and the colors, and the story is fantastic too about how no one would believe this little girl but her grandma and her hope for the best friends (two trees) keeps them going. I loved this book and I can't wait to add it to the library.

This is a super cute book about a girl’s concern for the survival of two trees. She’s convinced that they help each other grow and thrive and call them friends. I love the illustrations and the story is sweet.

I love the premise of this book. A girl observes and promotes the health and friendship of two different trees. There is actual science behind this (think of researcher and forester Peter Wohlleben and his work). The illustrations are gorgeous. I read this via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

Review of eBook

Britta is sure that her two favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, are best friends. Dad says he doesn’t think trees could be friends; Bronwyn says trees absolutely positively could not be friends. But Nana says unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all.

One day, Magnolia’s branches began to droop, her bark turned gray, and her yellow leaves turned brown. Dad says he doesn’t think Magnolia will survive the winter; Bronwyn says Magnolia absolutely positively will not survive the winter. But Nana asks if Britta has a plan to help Magnolia.

Britta does indeed have a plan. But will it work? Will Magnolia survive the winter?

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Short sentences, repetition, and illustrations that support the text all work together to make this book perfect for the young reader. Delightful illustrations encourage children to look for wonder in the world.

Written for the young reader, ages three through seven, primary grades one and two, this heartwarming story of a girl and her favorite trees illustrates the interrelationships in nature and highlights how people and nature can work together. While it is probably true that Britta's sweet gesture of tying a scarf between the two trees will not help a tree survive in real life, the more important message here for the young reader is that Britta never hesitated, she did everything she could think of to help the tree and continually persevered in her belief that she could make a difference. What an important lesson for young readers!

Captivating artwork anchors this beautiful story; Britta’s belief in the power of friendship, her determination, and her love are important messages for young readers. And the unequivocal support Britta receives from Nana gives this intergenerational story added potency as it illustrates the strength and love of family.

After all, unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Flyaway Books and NetGalley
#AppleandMagnolia #NetGalley

Apple and Magnolia is a beautiful story about friendship and the little girl Britta who helps the two trees maintain their connection.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy.

Little Britta has two favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, and she is convinced they are best friends. Of course, Britta is a child who has a father that lets her know he does not think trees can be friends and an older sister (in the ways of older sisters)who lets her know it is not possible for trees to become friends. But Nana (aren't Nanas wise?) lets her know that unusual friendships are special and powerful.

When Magnolia begins to look unhealthy, Britta comes up with ways to help Magnolia. She truly believed they communicated so she made a telephone using cups and strings and attached them to the two trees. She created a long scarf to wrap between the trees. She hung festoon lights between the trees. In these ways, Britta felt sure the trees could communicate---Magnolia could hear Apple's music, feel Apple's warmth, and see Apple in the lighting. And soon, Britta felt the trees were actually closer to each other. Of course, Dad doubted it was possible; sister Bronwyn said it was absolutely impossible, but Nana...well, Nana helped Britta make a chart to measure the changes. Of course, in the end, Magnolia pulls through and Britta joyfully celebrates.

Now, the book can be used simply for the sweet story but there is so much more. The author s include scientific information about how trees actually do help each other which could be hared and discussed with children. As a teacher, NetGalley asks me about using the book and this one could be used to discuss friendships. After all, Nana mentions unusual friendships and it is important that children know that they can be different and still be friends. Also, looking at the support from Nana and how valuable it was to have someone supporting little Britta as she tries to save her trees.

The illustrations are colorful and simple. The family appears in different shades...again, different can be good. No mother is mentioned so this represents a family of a father, two daughters and a grandmother.

This sweet book was shred with me from #NetGalley and #FlyawayBooks. #LauraGehl #PatriciaMetola

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
”Unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all”
This was such a sweet story with beautiful illustrations about friendship and having faith. Also an unusual bit of nature knowledge for the younger audience, even the adults like me.

This is a beautiful book about how unusual friendships and how powerful they can be.
It has lovely illustrations. A story for all ages.

Wow, this gorgeous book traces the relationship between two trees - an apple and a magnolia tree. I've always loved the concept of networks that link trees and this had me so interested - as the magnolia tree struggled to start alive, the character believes the apple tree is supporting it. At first, I wasn't sure about the more abstract drawings, but I fell in love by the end. A book full of curiosity and delight!

This is a sweet story about how friendships and sometimes unusual friendships are powerful and can accomplish more than imaginable. Follow Britta as she spends her days with her friends the trees and watch with her as the two trees share love and support each other through the year. Filled with beautiful illustrations and a beautiful message, this is a story to share with children of all ages.

I loved this beautiful story! I think it shows the power of perseverance and having a positive influence in your life who supports your thoughts, ideas and dreams. This is a great story for little kids who have big hearts and want to save the world around them. The illustration was absolutely gorgeous. Can’t wait to get my copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and Flyaway Books for access to this ARC.

Is this time of critical climate change it is more important than ever for children to understand the relationships in their environment. This is a beautifully illustrated picture book about the inter-relationship of two trees and a little girls strong belief that the trees can help each other thrive. I think my favorite line was "unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all." That's an important message in so many contexts!