Johnny Appleseed’s Big Heart: Sharing Tales of Compassion & Apple Crisp

As the leaves begin to turn and the air fills with the crispness of autumn, it’s the perfect time to gather our little ones and dive into the heartwarming tale of Johnny Appleseed, as retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. This story isn’t just one of adventure and apples—it’s a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of Christian morals, kindness, and the fruits of the Spirit, which we can pass down to our children as they grow in faith and love.

Johnny Appleseed: The Man Behind the Legend

John Chapman, known as Johnny Appleseed, was more than just a man who planted apple trees across the American frontier; he was a symbol of goodness, a missionary spreading not only seeds but also the Word of God. Steven Kellogg’s book brings this historical figure to life with vivid illustrations and engaging text that captures the imagination of young readers.

As we explore his story with our children, we find many lessons aligned with Christian teachings—lessons about God’s provision, stewardship of the earth, and the importance of spreading kindness and charity.

Planting Seeds of Compassion

Johnny Appleseed’s legacy is not merely in the apple orchards that dot the landscape, but in the seeds of compassion he planted in the hearts of those he met. He gave without expecting anything in return—a true embodiment of Biblical love (1 John 3:18). His story is a springboard for discussions with our children about how we can live out our faith by helping others, sharing what we have, and being a light in our communities.

A Simple Apple Crisp Recipe

To bring Johnny’s story from the pages of a book into our homes, what better way is there than baking a delightful apple crisp together? Here’s a simple recipe that you can make with your children, creating memories and delicious treats as you discuss Johnny’s adventures and the lessons he teaches us.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Arrange the apple slices in a baking dish and sprinkle cinnamon over them. Pour water evenly over the slices.
3. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, oats, flour, and salt. Add the butter pieces and use your hands to mix, creating a crumbly texture.
4. Spread this mixture over the apples in the dish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Let it cool slightly and serve warm. For an extra treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

This recipe is perfect for small hands to help with—from arranging the apple slices to mixing the crumble topping. As you work together, it’s an excellent opportunity to talk about the fruits of labor, both in baking and in life.

Lessons from Johnny’s Journey

In Kellogg’s tale, Johnny traverses the land, facing challenges and using his wits and kindness to overcome them. This mirrors the journey we all take in life, walking with faith as our guide. Children can learn that with a heart full of love and hands ready to serve, they can make a significant impact in the world, just like Johnny did.

Johnny’s Work Is Never Done

Even as we close the book, Johnny’s journey doesn’t end. It continues in every act of kindness we show, and in every seed of faith we plant in this world. The story of Johnny Appleseed reminds us that our actions, big or small, go a long way.

Johnny Appleseed’s story is much more than American folklore; it’s a living lesson on how to walk through life with a big heart. Through Steven Kellogg’s captivating retelling, we can impart values of compassion, generosity, and faith to our children—values that are evergreen, much like the apple trees Johnny lovingly planted. And as the sweet aroma of apple crisp fills our homes, we are reminded that the simplest acts—like baking with our children—can be rich with meaning and love.

So, let’s take this time to not only feed our bodies with the sweetness of apples but also nourish our souls with the sweetness of Johnny’s big heart, sharing tales of compassion and apple crisp with the next generation.