Apple follows the life of an apple throughout the year, demonstrating the cyclical patterns in nature. The youngest readers will delight in following the journey of the bright red apple-the only splash of color in the otherwise black-and-white illustrations-as it travels from tree, to harvest, to snack, to compost, and finally to sprout. A single word complements each illustration, urging early readers to reflect on each stage in the apple's life. Apple is acclaimed cut-paper artist Nikki McClure's very first book, originally self-published and sold in a limited edition of just 200 copies. Now, 16 years later, it is available in wide release, and fans will relish the chance to own the book that launched McClure's signature style. Praise for Apple STARRED REVIEW "Run your fingers across this satisfyingly square book's cover and feel the subtle, smooth outlines of a ripe apple and simple letters. You'll immediately sense the solid, soothing storytelling at work inside, achieved through astute manipulations of paper." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review "The art is gorgeous, the text is one-word-per-page minimal and the "story" is sprinkled with welcome surprises." -The New York Times Book Review "The emphasis on the cycle of life makes this a useful classroom and library addition." -School Library Journal|Nikki McClure is a self-taught cut-paper artist and the author-illustrator of many books for children, including In; To Market, To Market; Waiting for High Tide; and Mama, Is It Summer Yet? She lives in Olympia, Washington.