  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 06/01/2020 Gr 2–5—The Summer Time Fair is almost here, and the Forest Fairy Kingdom has promised prizes for the winners of the produce competition. While everyone in the orchard has amazing ideas, Callaway, who sells crabapples and has an apple-shaped head, can't think of anything. Worst of all, she becomes so worried that her head keeps popping off. During one of these episodes she meets Thistle the fairy, who helps get her head back on straight, literally and figuratively. Callaway is a relatable character who's so overwhelmed by an impending deadline that she is unable to function, but Thistle's "you do you" attitude gives her the reassurance she needs to figure out her contribution to the fair. While the other fairies disapprove of Thistle's unorthodox methods, he doesn't care what they think of him and focuses instead on accomplishing his goals. Together, the two convey a message of self-acceptance—it's OK to take time to discover oneself and one's role in a community. Vandorn's vivid pastel illustrations are enchanting and surreal—like Callaway, all the other orchard characters have heads made of the fruits or vegetables that they are responsible for producing. VERDICT With whimsical artwork and honesty, this is ideal for young readers needing reassurance that they do not have to be like everyone else.—Amanda Melilli, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 07/01/2020 There’s a produce contest at the Summertime Fair, and all the fruit-headed denizens of the orchard are as excited as can be, except for crabapple Callaway. When she tries to come up with an idea of what to bring, she “can’t stop thinking about what other people will say.” She’s so worried, in fact, that her head pops right off. Enter Thistle the fairy, who helps her recover her noggin, but also makes soothing suggestions about how to deal with her anxiety—between her frequent naps, that is. Callaway is a great helper, a good friend, and a creative thinker, but with the help of her new pal, she realizes she just does not like the spotlight, and after she finds out that the much-admired Clementine has similar losing-her-head problems with anxiety, they all find a way to participate without pushing themselves into uncomfortable situations. An age-appropriate bull's-eye for gently examining social anxiety, Crabapple Trouble offsets potential discomfort through lively characters and warmly engaging art filled with bright colors, upbeat faces, and magical fairy dust. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Booklist - 07/01/2020 There’s a produce contest at the Summertime Fair, and all the fruit-headed denizens of the orchard are as excited as can be, except for crabapple Callaway. When she tries to come up with an idea of what to bring, she “can’t stop thinking about what other people will say.” She’s so worried, in fact, that her head pops right off. Enter Thistle the fairy, who helps her recover her noggin, but also makes soothing suggestions about how to deal with her anxiety—between her frequent naps, that is. Callaway is a great helper, a good friend, and a creative thinker, but with the help of her new pal, she realizes she just does not like the spotlight, and after she finds out that the much-admired Clementine has similar losing-her-head problems with anxiety, they all find a way to participate without pushing themselves into uncomfortable situations. An age-appropriate bull's-eye for gently examining social anxiety, Crabapple Trouble offsets potential discomfort through lively characters and warmly engaging art filled with bright colors, upbeat faces, and magical fairy dust. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Booklist - 07/01/2020 There’s a produce contest at the Summertime Fair, and all the fruit-headed denizens of the orchard are as excited as can be, except for crabapple Callaway. When she tries to come up with an idea of what to bring, she “can’t stop thinking about what other people will say.” She’s so worried, in fact, that her head pops right off. Enter Thistle the fairy, who helps her recover her noggin, but also makes soothing suggestions about how to deal with her anxiety—between her frequent naps, that is. Callaway is a great helper, a good friend, and a creative thinker, but with the help of her new pal, she realizes she just does not like the spotlight, and after she finds out that the much-admired Clementine has similar losing-her-head problems with anxiety, they all find a way to participate without pushing themselves into uncomfortable situations. An age-appropriate bull's-eye for gently examining social anxiety, Crabapple Trouble offsets potential discomfort through lively characters and warmly engaging art filled with bright colors, upbeat faces, and magical fairy dust. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Booklist - 07/01/2020 There’s a produce contest at the Summertime Fair, and all the fruit-headed denizens of the orchard are as excited as can be, except for crabapple Callaway. When she tries to come up with an idea of what to bring, she “can’t stop thinking about what other people will say.” She’s so worried, in fact, that her head pops right off. Enter Thistle the fairy, who helps her recover her noggin, but also makes soothing suggestions about how to deal with her anxiety—between her frequent naps, that is. Callaway is a great helper, a good friend, and a creative thinker, but with the help of her new pal, she realizes she just does not like the spotlight, and after she finds out that the much-admired Clementine has similar losing-her-head problems with anxiety, they all find a way to participate without pushing themselves into uncomfortable situations. An age-appropriate bull's-eye for gently examining social anxiety, Crabapple Trouble offsets potential discomfort through lively characters and warmly engaging art filled with bright colors, upbeat faces, and magical fairy dust. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Loading...
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