The story takes place in the fall of 1910 after the Bieman family moved to Mountaindale, a hamlet in the Catskills, from the Lower East Side of New York City, so that the ailing father could take advantage of the fresh mountain air. Papa is too sick to work and food is scarce. On his way to school, twelve-year-old Adam Bieman is hungry and sees the apples in the Friedland orchard. He cannot resist the ripe, red fruit.
This engaging American tale, interwoven with historical details about the Catskills, captures the essence of the Jewish High Holidays. When trouble begins to multiply for Adam, can he learn to ask for forgiveness, make amends, and start anew?
Through the story's rich descriptions and the distinctive fine art illustrations, the characters in the Bieman family come alive. With his hair sticking up like a stalk of corn when it is not hidden by Papa's oversized cap, Adam Bieman will capture your heart.
Although geared for children, this book will delight readers of all ages.
The second book (upcoming) in the Apple Tree Series is titled
The Night Sky Lined With Silver
by
Yvonne David
Illustrated by Robert Sauber
In the winter of 1938, a severe snowstorm blankets the hamlet of Mountaindale in the Catskills and fierce winds snap branches from the two-hundred-year-old tree like little twigs. Doc Adam Bieman’s twelve-year-old son, Eliot, is a boy who hates to take chances. However, when the hometown war hero and his dog go missing, it is up to Eliot to find them before it is too late. He should never have convinced the old man to tell one more war story in the train station waiting room. Everyone in the village comes together in the search and rescue mission, including Eliot’s uncle, aunt and cousins, who recently arrived in America following their escape from Germany after Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. Despite the knot in his stomach and his knees trembling, Eliot leads the Bieman Buddies in the rescue efforts. He also discovers that his six-year-old sister becomes his best ally. “You’ll see that I can help,” said Abbie, looking up at her brother. “I’m a good finder!”
This charming American tale, interwoven with historical details about the Catskills, captures the essence of Hanukkah: a story of miracles and survival. A gripping account of searching for lost loved ones, it also shows how to look for the light, the silver lining, in a dark situation. Moreover, what Doc Bieman finds will shock everyone to the core.
Through the rich and poetic story, together with the beautiful and extraordinary illustrations, these endearing characters, especially Eliot and Abbie, will tug at your heartstrings.
Although geared for children 9 – 12, this book will delight readers of all ages.
