Kathrin Schärer
Death in the Apple Tree
An old fox catches a magical weasel. He lets the weasel go when it promises that from now on, any apple thief will get stuck to the tree – for evermore. Now the fox can enjoy his apples in peace …
until his Death comes to claim him.
The fox, however, does not want to die just yet. He asks Death to get him one last apple: Now Death is stuck in the tree and the fox triumphs. But he is getting older. His vixen dies, his children grow old and he does not belong anywhere, any more. Is he doomed to go on and on?
Using a classic fairy tale motif, Kathrin
Schärer tells her story about Death being part of Life with her trademark gentle wit.
Atlantis
Picture Book
Original title: Der Tod auf dem Apfelbaum
Age 4+
36 pp
hc | 263 x 252 mm
Publication: 2015
Author & Illustrator: Kathrin Schärer
Rights sold: Arabic, Chinese (complex & simplified), Danish, French, Japanese, Korean, Persian
- A beautiful and sensitive approach to the topic of death
Awards
- LesePeter, April 2016
- 7 Best Books for Young Readers, November 2015
“The book stands out for its sensitively written text, which, with plenty of humour and its lovingly designed illustrations, manages to tackle the not-exactly-easy subject of ‘death’ with great ease, even for children. A highly recommended book for children and adults to read and read aloud.” – Lesen in Tirol
“This book can be a great help in talking to children about the end of life, whether there is a specific reason to do so or simply to introduce children to the subject.” – buecherkinder.de
“This simple, rich world – which may initially seem unfamiliar to children – becomes a symbolically powerful and memorable experience for young and old alike.” – seniorweb.ch
By the same illustrator
