Welcome to The Apple Tree, a picture book that is a parable – looks like it is for children but it has a deeper message. It was written by Steven Moe with illustrations by Cricket McCormick and a song (here) composed by Matthew Goldsworthy. A video of the book being read with the music being played, is below and also when it was read out at the opening of the Wellington City Mission.
As the seasons pass, an apple tree grows and wonders why it has been left alone with no purpose. This story is a reflection on the nature of things we can’t perceive, and the impact we can have on the world beyond our own imagination.
Please also visit this interactive sitewhere you can leave a story about “who has been the Apple Tree in your life?” and listen to the music composed by Matthew Goldsworthy.
Measure gifts of days, not by how much you harvest but by seeds you plant. ❤️
I got given this book in the air nz lounge by Steven Moe. It’s called the apple tree, and I had the best weekend after reading it.
Really simple but the message really made me sit back and think about what we are doing in BBM. We are planting a lot of seeds.
Dave Letele
I think Steven Moe’s book is a mini masterpiece. It looks like a Childrens’ book but, trust me on this, it isn’t. I loved it, and I gave my first copy to my mum. You should get a copy and give it to whoever the person is in your life that helped shape you. It’s a superb way to let them know about the impact they have had. And I’m not crying, you’re crying!
Carl Davidson
I read ‘The Apple Tree’ yesterday and it really touched me. I have been so busy doing what needs to be done I hadn’t given much thought of the size of the impact or the trickle effect we are creating by doing what we do. Your book has given me more perspective and encouragement to keep going. So, thank you.
Jenni Matheson
Of course you had already provided a special place in the book to write a dedication to the Apple Trees in my life! I just loved that thoughtfully added little touch at the back. I envisioned many names and reasons materialising on those pages as each book is passed on over time.
Take heart knowing these books take momentary pride of place on my bookshelf until continuing their journey “far beyond the realm”. The story and illustrations are just too good not to share.
Thank you both – Steven and Cricket – for joining together your unique gifts and talents to produce this absolute treasure to share with the world.
Amy Stewart
This awesome picture book was the brainchild of Steven Moe, a local legend, lawyer, podcaster and ecosystem connector here in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and illustrated by Cricket McCormick. While it is a great read for children it is a wonderful futures book for adults, focused on intergenerational impact. You should have this on your coffee table. “Measure gifts of days not by how much you harvest but by seeds you plant.”
Cheryl Doig
Reading of The Apple Tree along with Music by Matthew Goldsworthy.
The Apple Tree was read by Kath Bier at the opening of The Wellington City Mission in October 2024. Here is the recording (thanks Murray Edridge for sending this and arranging for it to be read):
The book has been bought to give to many groups such as leaders – in this case youth leaders! This is the message I got from Ruby about why she wanted copies of the book:
My name is Ruby. I came across your book The Apple Tree in Ballantynes the other day, and I think it would tie in perfectly with the themes of two Leadership Breakfasts that I am organising for young people in Waimakariri, with the purpose being to encourage servant-hearted young leaders in Waimakariri, by hearing from people who show servant-hearted and value-led leadership within their day-to-day lives.
I hope for attendees to leave these breakfasts inspired and having made connections that will help them in their future as a leader, whatever that may look like! Attendees will be nominated by their schools or community organisations to attend, with the aim for these nominees to be chosen for their display of servant-leadership. These students are often not seen within their schools, with many of them serving and volunteering within the community.
I am hoping to order 42 copies of your book to give to each attendee and panellist, as a reminder of their impact as a leader (whether they see it directly or not!).
Tell your Apple Tree story
The Apple Tree in this book is an inspiring character who has a great impact on the world, but doesn’t always see the results or know how big an effect they have.
On this interactive webpage, you can tell a short story about someone who is an “apple tree” in your life, or read stories others have written.
There are a number of influences that shaped the story. One of them is that my Grandfather planted this Apple Tree back in the late 1940s, in a sunny meadow full of wild sweet peas and birds swooping in among its branches, right near a small stream that I lived by for a time when I was a child. It is near a place called Twain Harte in California. My Uncle lives there now and says that it is still producing apples today.
I wonder how far and wide its apples have spread, and how many people have tasted them? I certainly remember my Grandmother’s apple pies, mixed in with the wild blackberries that grew in the valley as well that we picked on hot summer days.
There are some themes, some subjects, too large for adult fiction; they can only be dealt with adequately in a children’s book. – Phillip Pullman
