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Five Books for Children #2
Mr. Peabody's Apples
Inspired by a story about the damage than can be caused by spreading rumours about what one sees rather than by seeking truth, credited to Baal Shem Tov - "Master of the Good Name."
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Madonna
175 books321 followersMadonna Louise Ciccone is an American pop singer-songwriter. Through her music career, she has also gained some notability as a dancer, record producer, film producer, actress, author and a fashion icon. She is a multiple Grammy- and Golden Globe-award winner, known for her ambitious music videos, stage performances and use of sexual and religious themes in her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
January 11, 2024
This is a story that is dedicated to teachers by the author, legendary singer, Madonna.
And…
The story is inspired by a 300-year-old fable by The Baal Shem Tov, according to the author.
It is exquisitely illustrated, with a very simple point…
Our words matter.
Because…
If we aren’t careful, we could hurt others by our words, and especially the rumors we create with them.
This would be a great read-along with parents and/or teachers, as a guide to help teach this lesson.
Interest Level: 4-9 years old; Grades Kindergarten – 4th grade.
September 24, 2018
Great little read with a student this afternoon during resource time. Words can be powerful and in this text, a boy finds himself with much remorse after starting a story about his local baseball coach. Really enjoyed the illustrations!
July 19, 2019
This is a lovely retelling of a moral tale, inspired by a 300-year-old story about “feathers in the wind.” The story teaches, with a wonderful simplicity, the dangers of spreading gossip and rumors and the difficulty one might face with wanting to “take it back.”
In addition to the story, I enjoyed the art as it harkened back to the days of Norman Rockwell.
In addition to the story, I enjoyed the art as it harkened back to the days of Norman Rockwell.
September 12, 2016
I would recommend this book to a kindergartner or a 1st grader. I would recommend it to these people because i think kindergartners and 1st graders will like it because it is “baseball, solving problems and helping others”. This book is a good book for kindergartners and 1st graders.
February 5, 2017
Divna priča, jako lijepe ilustracije.
October 18, 2014
Mr. Peabody’s Apples by Madonna and illustrated by Loren Long is about a history teacher named Mr. Peabody who organized baseball games with other schools every Saturday. No matter who won, his elementary school children had a great time because of their love for baseball. After each game, Mr. Peabody would clean up the field (with the help of a student named Billy Little), walk home down the main street of Happville waving to everyone he knew, and pick out the shiniest apple from Mr. Funkadeli’s market and put it in his pocket. However, on one particular day, Tommy Tittlebottom saw Mr. Peabody do this and believed he was not paying for the apple (was stealing). He told his friends, who told their parents, who told their neighbors, and so on.
The following Saturday, Mr. Peabody wondered why no one showed up for the baseball game. Little Billy walked up to Mr. Peabody sadly, and told him everything. With that, Mr. Peabody took Billy to Mr. Funkadeli’s market and found the truth of the matter was that Mr. Peabody paid for the apples every Saturday morning when he would pick up his milk. Astonished, Billy went to find Tommy and explained everything. Later that day, Tommy showed up at Mr. Peabody’s house and apologized, asking how he could make it up to him. Mr. Peabody told Tommy to meet him at the bleachers with a feather pillow and with that, Tommy was off.
Later that day, Mr. Peabody had Tommy rip open the pillow at the top of the bleachers and let all the feathers loose. He told Tommy that he must go pick up the feathers which Tommy thought would be impossible. However, Mr. Peabody reminded him that it is impossible to undo the damage he had done spreading that rumor that he was a thief; and with that, Tommy understood and began.
This book is a great book for kids of any age and even adults. It teaches a good life lesson to children that they should not be so quick to judge and that words can be very powerful. It is important to get the truth and the whole truth before passing judgment on someone. Also, the text in the book really enhanced the pictures as did the pictures for the text. Each illustration had a specific featured text underneath that represented what action was being performed in the image. This helps children to identify each picture and focus on the importance of each illustration. Not only that, but the small images placed around, on, or near the text on the opposite side of the illustrations really enhance the book and brings creativity, uniqueness, and allows the reader to connect with the book even more. They also enhance the older style look when kids would play baseball in jeans, shirts, and Converse shoes. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it for everyone to read!
The following Saturday, Mr. Peabody wondered why no one showed up for the baseball game. Little Billy walked up to Mr. Peabody sadly, and told him everything. With that, Mr. Peabody took Billy to Mr. Funkadeli’s market and found the truth of the matter was that Mr. Peabody paid for the apples every Saturday morning when he would pick up his milk. Astonished, Billy went to find Tommy and explained everything. Later that day, Tommy showed up at Mr. Peabody’s house and apologized, asking how he could make it up to him. Mr. Peabody told Tommy to meet him at the bleachers with a feather pillow and with that, Tommy was off.
Later that day, Mr. Peabody had Tommy rip open the pillow at the top of the bleachers and let all the feathers loose. He told Tommy that he must go pick up the feathers which Tommy thought would be impossible. However, Mr. Peabody reminded him that it is impossible to undo the damage he had done spreading that rumor that he was a thief; and with that, Tommy understood and began.
This book is a great book for kids of any age and even adults. It teaches a good life lesson to children that they should not be so quick to judge and that words can be very powerful. It is important to get the truth and the whole truth before passing judgment on someone. Also, the text in the book really enhanced the pictures as did the pictures for the text. Each illustration had a specific featured text underneath that represented what action was being performed in the image. This helps children to identify each picture and focus on the importance of each illustration. Not only that, but the small images placed around, on, or near the text on the opposite side of the illustrations really enhance the book and brings creativity, uniqueness, and allows the reader to connect with the book even more. They also enhance the older style look when kids would play baseball in jeans, shirts, and Converse shoes. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it for everyone to read!
August 25, 2012
I thought this story was rather dreadful. Rather than being uplifting, entertaining, and encouraging, it felt like a rather drawn out reprimand. As a parable, I see the intent of Madonna's story, but I think it's a rather didactic approach and doesn't have the possibility of a satisfactory ending. On the other hand, Loren Long's illustrations are quite acceptable, even if the quaintness of the floppy clothes and rockwell-esque figures did turn my stomach a bit. I do really prefer the Otis books, where the dark gravity of the backgrounds cuts the cuteness factor rather like a good tart raspberry sauce will cut the richness of a chocolate cake. The quality of the book as a physical object is really nice with thick cardstock pages and a matte textured dust jacket. However, do not be fooled be the publisher's investment in this title- skip it entirely and read/buy something else.
October 7, 2016
Mr. Peabody's Apples
The book is about Mr. Peabody who is a baseball coach, and it’s also about Tommy a baseball player who is a student of Mr. Peabody. Billy is a little kid who isn’t a big kid, he is also a student of Mr. Peabody. Mr. Peabody picked up the shiniest apple at a market in the town called Happyville while Billy Little was at baseball field. Mr. Peabody asked Billy to cut his pillow in half and the feathers flow out of the pillow that was cut in half.
I liked this book because it was good and it was a amazing book about Mr. Peabody, Tommy and Billy. I give this book a rate of five stars because I think that it is a good book for young kids to read in class or at home with their parents. This book is about a coach and his baseball players. Billy Little is nice to Mr.Peabody and I give this book a thumbs up if you haven't read this book already.
The book is about Mr. Peabody who is a baseball coach, and it’s also about Tommy a baseball player who is a student of Mr. Peabody. Billy is a little kid who isn’t a big kid, he is also a student of Mr. Peabody. Mr. Peabody picked up the shiniest apple at a market in the town called Happyville while Billy Little was at baseball field. Mr. Peabody asked Billy to cut his pillow in half and the feathers flow out of the pillow that was cut in half.
I liked this book because it was good and it was a amazing book about Mr. Peabody, Tommy and Billy. I give this book a rate of five stars because I think that it is a good book for young kids to read in class or at home with their parents. This book is about a coach and his baseball players. Billy Little is nice to Mr.Peabody and I give this book a thumbs up if you haven't read this book already.
September 9, 2016
Mr. Peabody is a history teacher who is also a baseball coach. After every game, he takes an apple from a fruit shop without paying. Then, one day, someone sees him, and thinks he shoplifted.
I think it was a good book, and contains some good example for kids to follow. This book also teaches a good lesson about rumors. Another reason I liked it is it shows how rumors can spread, and how they have a great effect on things. One final thing I liked was the pictures, because they were very well done.
I think it was a good book, and contains some good example for kids to follow. This book also teaches a good lesson about rumors. Another reason I liked it is it shows how rumors can spread, and how they have a great effect on things. One final thing I liked was the pictures, because they were very well done.
September 25, 2012
Honestly, I was not sure if I liked the book until I got to the end. What a great message! I am actually going to look for a copy of this for my own personal library.
August 14, 2016
Great reminder that words have power & you can't talk back what you say. Perfect for the start of anew school year.
September 5, 2019
Mr. Peabody is admired in his town. Until one day one boy's misconception changes that all. Will Mr.Peabody be admired once again?
September 5, 2019
Mr. Peabody is a coach for a baseball team, and he is admired and respected by all of the people in his small town. One day he is seen "stealing" an apple and rumors spread quickly. His reputation is now tarnished, and the team even goes as far as not showing up for their game one Saturday. With the help of one little boy, Mr. Peabody gets to the bottom of all the trouble and teaches the reader a powerful lesson using a feather pillow and a little wind.
I used this book to teach a lesson to my seventh grade students at the beginning of the school year. I thought it was important for them to know that they should work to make a positive start in middle school. That way, they won't have to go around picking up all of the "feathers" mid-year. I thought this book worked well for my objective, and I was happy to find a modernized version of an ancient tale.
I used this book to teach a lesson to my seventh grade students at the beginning of the school year. I thought it was important for them to know that they should work to make a positive start in middle school. That way, they won't have to go around picking up all of the "feathers" mid-year. I thought this book worked well for my objective, and I was happy to find a modernized version of an ancient tale.
July 8, 2018
The picture book, Mr. Peabody's Apples is a story of a man who lives in a small town. In the book, Mr. Peabody is quickly judged by a boy who saw a strange occurrence at the outside market. When it happened again the following week, he damaged the reputation of Mr. Peabody by spreading the rumor of what he saw and did not quite understand. This caused trouble for the man in the small town, until he confronted the boy who started the rumor.
This is an incredible story to explain why we need to go to the source right away and ask questions before we start a rumor about something we do not fully understand. In the end, Mr. Peabody is able to show this young boy how difficult it is to pick up the pieces after a rumor is spread through a creative activity.
This is an incredible story to explain why we need to go to the source right away and ask questions before we start a rumor about something we do not fully understand. In the end, Mr. Peabody is able to show this young boy how difficult it is to pick up the pieces after a rumor is spread through a creative activity.
January 27, 2017
Ini cerita tentang hoax.
Madonna (iya Madonna yang itu) terinspirasi dari kisah yang sering disampaikan gurunya di Kabbalah. Madonna meramu kisah yang telah berusia 300 tahun itu menjadi cerita masa kini yang bagus untuk pendidikan karakter anak. Untuk tak mudah menyebarkan berita tanpa kita verifikasi sebelumnya. Sebab sebuah berita bohong yang sudah menyebar sangat sulit untuk ditarik kembali. Pun akan sangat merugikan orang yang menjadi "tersangka" kabar hoax . Mr Peabody menggambarkan dengan analogi bantal bulu. Kita sobek bantal tersebut kemudian menyebarkan bulu tsb. Akan sulit untuk mengumpulkan bulu-bulu tsb yang sudah tersebar dan tertiup angin, bukan?
Pesan moral yang sangat dalam, meski bila merunut jauh ke belakang, bahkan saat penciptaan manusia, hoax sudah ada. Ingat kan kisah Nabi Adam as dan Hawa yang memakan buah khuldi karena "kebohongan" iblis? Juga haditsul ifki yang menimpa Ummul Mukminin Aisyah ra.
Jadi, berhati-hati lah. Islam misalnya lebih keras memberi peringatan bagi penyebar hoax. Yakni seperti memakan bangkai saudaranya sendiri.
*perasaan pernah punya buku ini, entah di mana dan ternyata belum terbaca...
**baru baca lagi...
Madonna (iya Madonna yang itu) terinspirasi dari kisah yang sering disampaikan gurunya di Kabbalah. Madonna meramu kisah yang telah berusia 300 tahun itu menjadi cerita masa kini yang bagus untuk pendidikan karakter anak. Untuk tak mudah menyebarkan berita tanpa kita verifikasi sebelumnya. Sebab sebuah berita bohong yang sudah menyebar sangat sulit untuk ditarik kembali. Pun akan sangat merugikan orang yang menjadi "tersangka" kabar hoax . Mr Peabody menggambarkan dengan analogi bantal bulu. Kita sobek bantal tersebut kemudian menyebarkan bulu tsb. Akan sulit untuk mengumpulkan bulu-bulu tsb yang sudah tersebar dan tertiup angin, bukan?
Pesan moral yang sangat dalam, meski bila merunut jauh ke belakang, bahkan saat penciptaan manusia, hoax sudah ada. Ingat kan kisah Nabi Adam as dan Hawa yang memakan buah khuldi karena "kebohongan" iblis? Juga haditsul ifki yang menimpa Ummul Mukminin Aisyah ra.
Jadi, berhati-hati lah. Islam misalnya lebih keras memberi peringatan bagi penyebar hoax. Yakni seperti memakan bangkai saudaranya sendiri.
*perasaan pernah punya buku ini, entah di mana dan ternyata belum terbaca...
**baru baca lagi...
June 1, 2020
I loved this book! This is a cute and meaningful children’s picture book that teaches the lesson of the importance of words, truth seeking, and the harm that gossip can cause.
December 22, 2017
Great book to use for teaching theme.
September 20, 2018
This reminds me of a lesson I saw a teacher give with a tube of toothpaste. She told students that the toothpaste was their words and then she said mean and hateful things that kids often say as she squeezed the toothpaste out on her hand. Then she talked about how she couldn't put the toothpaste back into the tube and how they needed to be careful with their words because once the words are said you can't take them back. It was a powerful lesson and it would pair nicely with this book.
April 24, 2021
داستانی جذاب درباره قضاوت بی جا. برای کودکان مناسب است.
Read
May 31, 2017I think it was a good book.
February 22, 2013
Set in 1949 in the small town of Happville, Mr. Peabody's Apples , written by Madonna (Yes, the "Material Girl"...) and illustrated by Loren Long, is a story that will captivate younger readers due to the story line and its lush illustrations. Mr. Peabody, a well-loved teacher and baseball coach, is spotted taking an apple one day without paying for it. Tommy Tittlebottom sees Peabody do this several times and then shares his concern with others. This then becomes gossip all around Happville and people begin avoiding Peabody. Billy Little, a boy who idolizes Peabody confronts Peabody about this and learns the real story. Later, Tommy learns about the damage he has done and realizes it can never be undone. Through this story, children learn that things are not always what they seem to be and that they need to be careful of what they say--as sometimes the damage remains forever.
It's interesting to me that this message is coming from Madonna, who, according to Booklist, was inspired by an old tale from a Hassidic master to create this story. We all recognize she has had her own fair share of rumors and harsh words spewed on her behalf, so it appears she wants to make others more conscious of their thoughts and words, a lesson we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
I also listened to this piece on YouTube using the link in the comments section for this book. It was Madonna reading the book. She did a fine job reading this piece, and I found both her reading and the beautiful illustrations brought me back in time to the simple town of Happville. This is a good read for K-3, as it explicitly states the morals of the story in the end and would be a good springboard for discussion in class or at home.
It's interesting to me that this message is coming from Madonna, who, according to Booklist, was inspired by an old tale from a Hassidic master to create this story. We all recognize she has had her own fair share of rumors and harsh words spewed on her behalf, so it appears she wants to make others more conscious of their thoughts and words, a lesson we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
I also listened to this piece on YouTube using the link in the comments section for this book. It was Madonna reading the book. She did a fine job reading this piece, and I found both her reading and the beautiful illustrations brought me back in time to the simple town of Happville. This is a good read for K-3, as it explicitly states the morals of the story in the end and would be a good springboard for discussion in class or at home.
October 15, 2016
Mr. Peabody’s Apples starts with still pictures of a baseball game happening. Then we meet Mr. Peabody who is a teacher and baseball coach in the town of Happville. Tommy is a quiet child who notices Mr. Peabody take an apple from a fruit stand outside a store after a baseball game and notices that Mr. Peabody does not pay for it. The next week no one shows up to the baseball game but Tommy. Tommy tells Mr. Peabody that he saw him take the apple without paying and that the whole town now thinks he is a thief. Mr. Peabody teaches Tommy a lesson about spreading rumors and watching what we say.
A teacher I work with used this book as a read aloud at the beginning of the year for our fourth grade classroom. The students and I hung on to every word. The book is so engaging and emotional because the whole time the reader is scared for Mr. Peabody. The book is great for analyzing characters. Some students used context clues to argue that Mr. Peabody was truly a good person and guessed that there must be a good explanation for him taking the apples without paying. Other students thought that the should be punished for the one act he committed, but did think that it was bad to spread rumors about him without asking him first. The book is a wonderful read for any age, and is a great way to remind us that we must be kind and watch the words that we put out into the world, especially about others. Teachers can discuss with students questions such as:
-What should you do if you see someone do something you think is not right?
-Is is okay to spread rumors about others?
-How can rumors affect our classroom community?
A teacher I work with used this book as a read aloud at the beginning of the year for our fourth grade classroom. The students and I hung on to every word. The book is so engaging and emotional because the whole time the reader is scared for Mr. Peabody. The book is great for analyzing characters. Some students used context clues to argue that Mr. Peabody was truly a good person and guessed that there must be a good explanation for him taking the apples without paying. Other students thought that the should be punished for the one act he committed, but did think that it was bad to spread rumors about him without asking him first. The book is a wonderful read for any age, and is a great way to remind us that we must be kind and watch the words that we put out into the world, especially about others. Teachers can discuss with students questions such as:
-What should you do if you see someone do something you think is not right?
-Is is okay to spread rumors about others?
-How can rumors affect our classroom community?
Read
September 12, 2016 I would read this book to a first or second grader because the book doesn't have that many words, it has pictures and little kids mostly focus on the pictures. This book would also teach kids life lessons. It would also teach kids not to be a bully. This book is a good book because it would teach little kids to tell the truth when they did something wrong.
February 9, 2020
A wonderful story written by the singer Madonna about apples, baseball, and rumors. Can't get more American than that.
March 28, 2016
After the town baseball games, some of the boys observe their coach and history teacher, Mr. Peabody, taking an apple from the fruit seller's stall without paying for it. Soon the rumor spreads around town that Mr. Peabody is a thief. The next Saturday only one boy shows up for the baseball game, and Mr. Peabody learns about the rumor. He straightens things out by having the fruit seller explain that Mr. Peabody pays for his apples weekly, and then goes on to teach the main rumor spreader about the damage he has done.
The note in the back of the book says this is based on a tale by the Baal Shem Tov. The moral of the story is an important warning, and the art is fantastic. I've never read this till now because I honestly am skeptical whenever famous people write children's books. I've seen some train wrecks result. This was surprisingly good. Loren Long's illustrations are spectacular.
The note in the back of the book says this is based on a tale by the Baal Shem Tov. The moral of the story is an important warning, and the art is fantastic. I've never read this till now because I honestly am skeptical whenever famous people write children's books. I've seen some train wrecks result. This was surprisingly good. Loren Long's illustrations are spectacular.
November 13, 2014
In Mr. Peabody's Apples, Madonna (a surprising source) tells the story of the power of words. Be careful what you say, when you say it, and to who you say it, because if it doesn't quite ring true, your words may change a person's life irrevocably.
Mr. Peabody loved the kids, so much so, he played baseball with them every Saturday. But when one boy sees Mr. Peabody take an apple from the fruit stand on his way home from baseball, he paints Mr. Peabody as a thief and spreads the word. When the truth comes out (he pays for his apples early in the morning), retracting words may be much harder to take back.
Mr. Peabody loved the kids, so much so, he played baseball with them every Saturday. But when one boy sees Mr. Peabody take an apple from the fruit stand on his way home from baseball, he paints Mr. Peabody as a thief and spreads the word. When the truth comes out (he pays for his apples early in the morning), retracting words may be much harder to take back.
Read
September 9, 2016This is is about Mr.Peabody baseball team and his player thinks he shoplifted.Tommy thought Mr.Peabody shoplifted.
I like this book because,I like the pictures and it had a good story.I liked the story because,It had to do with 1 of my favorite sport and my favorite fruit.It is also about him taking an apple and Tommy thinks he shoplifted Tommy runs to his friends and say he shoplifted.None of the players come to the game because,Tommy said Mr.Peabody shoplifted.Then Tommy says he stole from the store then Mr.Peabody explains to Tommy.Then Tommy understands and says he is sorry what can I do to help Tommy says, Mr.Peabody says to come the field.Tommy came to the field.
I like this book because,I like the pictures and it had a good story.I liked the story because,It had to do with 1 of my favorite sport and my favorite fruit.It is also about him taking an apple and Tommy thinks he shoplifted Tommy runs to his friends and say he shoplifted.None of the players come to the game because,Tommy said Mr.Peabody shoplifted.Then Tommy says he stole from the store then Mr.Peabody explains to Tommy.Then Tommy understands and says he is sorry what can I do to help Tommy says, Mr.Peabody says to come the field.Tommy came to the field.
Read
September 12, 2016I would review this book to a 1st grader or second grader because the book doesn’t have that many words and a 1st grader might like it or second grader because it has baseball in it and a life problem. It may teach kids to not be mean like Tommy Tittle Bottom. It can teach kids to be nice to each other like billy little.
In sports It can help kids not be sad when they loss all the time and maybe cheer them on. I would recommend this book to my sister because she needs to know how not to be mad when she loses in sports.
In sports It can help kids not be sad when they loss all the time and maybe cheer them on. I would recommend this book to my sister because she needs to know how not to be mad when she loses in sports.
March 9, 2011
this is a fantastic book with a really good meaning.
this book's moral is really important. the moral is: you should start a rumour. you should go telling things if you don't know the full story.
i will not tell the story line because i dont want to tell it. so if you are already hooked to this book i suggest you go read it.
this book's moral is really important. the moral is: you should start a rumour. you should go telling things if you don't know the full story.
i will not tell the story line because i dont want to tell it. so if you are already hooked to this book i suggest you go read it.
September 15, 2016
I would review this book to maybe a 1st or 2nd grader because it is kind of about how words can hurt people and it takes a lot to get the people you hurt back. It is also about how Billy little is telling the truth, and how Mr. Peabody is explaining how to still be nice to the people who are mean to you also Mr. Peabody wanted to make things right between the town.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews