We’ve been spending a lot of time this week with kindergarteners. And the Hands Down Favorite book all week has been Ten Apples Up On Top! We’ve read it over and over and over!
I have found over the years of my reading career that this book is ALWAYS a crowd pleaser! It is an interactive book that the little guys and girls can help read. It has hilarious illustrations. The characters get involved in crazy antics. And what’s not funny and engaging about apples on top of somebody’s head?!
And here are the pertinent FACTS about this book: It was written by Theo. LeSieg (aka Dr. Seuss) ( and did you know that LeSieg was the name that he used when someone else illustrated the book and it is Geisel spelled backwards and that Geisel is Dr. Seuss‘s real name?) This book is illustrated by Roy McKie. Burgin Streetman did a nice interview with him on her blog Vintage Kids Books My Kid Loves.
Ten Apples Up On Top! was published in 1961 by Random House. It is an I Can Read It All By Myself Beginner Book for those with a 75 word vocabulary.
This is such a great book for a classroom read! It is a counting book. From 1 – 10. It is a mystery book – What will happen next?! It is a book that young readers can read along with. It is a science book – How do you balance so many apples?! I’m sure that teachers have been using this book in their classrooms since 1961, but here is a link to some classroom activities. And Annie at Kindergarten at Heart had a nice post with some fun activities that you might check out. And there is the fabulous Seussville website with games and activities and videos and all sorts of Seuss stuff.
This lovely classic book is probably on the PPBF list already, but I thought that I would add my pawprint to it.
You might want to check it out if you haven’t already! And while you’re at it check out the other Perfect Picture Books on Susanna Hill’s blog!
Reading With Rhythm 
Looks like someone else helped read it as well. Love your photos. đ
Thank you! Yes we had lots of help all week with this one!
Another favorite in our house. Such a clever and fun book!
That it is! And timeless!
And did you know that Geisel means hostage in German, and that Germans don’t know his books! Eine Schande! (a disgrace!).
Wow! I wish I knew more German. And it is eine schande if the Germans don’t know his work! I thought the whole world knew Dr Seuss! Poor,poor Germans.
Ah, but they have Janosch: http://www.janosch.de/content/intro.php (under the ‘Tiger-Duck” it says, “Catch me”, when you click on it the frog says,”Gotcha! QWAK!” Which is the sound the Germans say for ribbit!
I’m going to check that one out right now! That sounds fun!
That is pretty cute — but it’s all in German! I need to acquire some German Shepherd friends.
lol!
Oh, another hidden talent revealed! Nose-based-ball-balancing….I’m impressed. Such a classic book, too.
I am just full of surprises! I even surprise myself sometimes! But never the Mom Person.Except maybe when I ignore her altogether. That really gets her goat, as they say. The Mom Person seems to have complete faith in my incredible capabilities.
Your pics remind me of my little boy who is no longer with us. He loved balancing a ball on his nose to. Fun book and fun activities. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I wouldn’t say that I love balancing balls or other objects, but I sure like the treats I get when I do a good job!
We love that series of Cat in the Hat “I Can Read It” books. In fact, we read THE CAT IN THE HAT and HOP ON POP yesterday. Great pick!
Dr. Seuss was just an absolute genius!
You can only love Dr. Seuss! Wonderful choice! đ
Isn’t that the truth!!
This was one of the first books my son actually read to himself. It’s nice to see it listed here. Great choice!
Fabulous book choice.
You are a very talented doggy to balance an apple on your nose:)
Thank you for visiting and for the very kind words.
We’re reading this right now with my 3 y o, what a fun coincidence on the day I first discover your site. đ
Oh! Yay for you two! Hope you’re enjoying it!
Thank you so much for adding this to the PPBF list….if it is already on it…then it is twice as good.:) Great review and activity list.
Thank you for your nice words! It was certainly my pleasure to read and play with this book!
Looks like Rhythm is right in the Ten Apples Up on Top spirit. Teachers have been loving this book for the last 50 years and I am sure that they will love it for the next 50.
We have a reading therapy dog that visits our school on Tuesday afternoons. The kids who get to go and read with him LOVE it. It is the highlight of their week.
I’m glad that your school has a reading dog! Kids do get very excited to be able to read with furry friends. I’m always feeling the love energy when I’m at school.