Who Was Johnny Appleseed? by Joan Holub

 Who Was…? biography series for middle grade fascinates with the story of Johnny Appleseed – a nature lover who planted thousands of apple trees for pioneer families to enjoy and earned his nickname of Johnny Appleseed. His real name was John Chapman.

John Chapman (1774-1845) was born in Leominster, Massachusetts. He had lots of siblings. They all lived in a small farmhouse. Thus, in order to get some peaceful time, he spent much of his time outside. His fascination with apples began in his teenage years.

As settlers were moving westward, Johnny decided to do the same at the age of twenty-three. As he passed cider mills in Pennsylvania, he collected apple seeds, and began his journey of planting orchards.

In 1800, at twenty-six, he moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio as Pennsylvania was getting too crowded for him. In Ohio, he continued planting orchards. What made him stand out was his knack for figuring out where people moved next. He got there first and planted apple trees for them to enjoy.

He was also a good storyteller and entertained settlers with stories of wilderness. He interacted with Native Americans as well. Through his travels, he met many people.

He always carried a book with him written by Emanuel Swedenborg, who believed in importance of thinking for yourself and being useful in life, and not being afraid of being different.

This biography exemplifies a man who did what he loved all his life, always peaceful, never letting life to rush him. He was deeply connected with nature where he took long hikes which made space in his mind to show the way for his happiness in life. When he felt the rush invading his life, he moved away from it. Always, seeking freedom and calmness over materialistic things. He never settled down in a home or owned many things. It wasn’t necessary for his happiness. The traits that embody him are generous, kind, helpful to others, living simply and staying true to oneself.

This illustrated biography for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.

Published by Penguin Workshop in 2005

 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: He did what he loved all his life, remaining peaceful, feeling whole without any need to rush to achieve different things.

 

 

Traits:

·         He lived with many siblings in a small house, thus, in order to find his own space and comfort he spent a lot of time outside.

·         The outside showed him the way to his happiness.

·         He followed the settlers to find his purpose.

·         As he passed cider mills, he collected apple seeds and began his journey of planting trees.

·         He didn’t need much to be happy in life. Thus, he hardly had anything.

·         What made him happy was to be in nature, to be surrounded by peacefulness which led him to serve other people by planting orchards for them.

 

 

“Do not worry at being worried; but accept worry peacefully. Difficult but not impossible.” – Johnny Appleseed

 

 

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

 Dr. Wayne Dyer explores the subject of Prayer in his book “Wisdom of the Ages.”

The prayer can come in many different forms, one of them is to be connected to nature and that’s what Johnny Appleseed did. In being connected with the One, he found his happiness and meaning in life.

The prayer should be an expression of “a wish to be the vehicle for God’s desires rather than a request for favors from an entity outside ourselves. (…) Instead of asking to be sheltered from danger, we ask for the strength to be fearless.”