Toto’s Apple is Mathieu Lavoie’s third picture book. The (deceptive) simplicity and wit of the narrative, combined with his bold hand-painted illustrations make this picture book quite something.

Toto, a pink worm, has spied an apple in a tree – too high for the average worm. When a bird flies past, Toto has an idea. He tricks the bird down to the ground, climbs on the back of the bird… only to be plonked in the wrong tree.

And so the narrative continues, using beautifully short sentences, as Toto comes up with savvy plans to try to reach the beloved apple.

With just one or two short sentences on each double page spread (there are 64 pages in total), the pace is sharp and attention holding, as Toto comes up with more and more crazy stunts.

The ending… well that was good!

The brevity, sharp observation and wit make Toto’s Apple highly enjoyable. Lavoie’s colourful and animated illustrations bring this fabulous character to life in a most enjoyable manner.

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