If there is such a thing as a children’s coffee table book, this may be it.

Apple by Nikki McClure is stunning. The ‘story’ is simple – it follows the life of a bright red apple throughout a year as it goes from tree, to harvest, to snack, to compost and finally to sprout in spring. It’s a neat way to show the cycle of nature.

Each illustration is accompanied by a single word – my favourite pages show a girl taking the apple from a pile her mother is using to make apple pie – this picture is accompanied by the word ‘sneak’. The girl then slips the apple into her backpack (‘hide’).

McClure’s paper cut-out illustrations are absolutely beautiful – eye-catching, bold and while at first glance they appear simple, on closer inspection you will marvel at the detail McClure achieves with a single sheet of paper and a knife.

Apple was originally self-published as a limited edition by McClure in 1996. I suggest snapping up this new, wider release edition while you can – it’s a fabulous example of McClure’s work.

Find Apple at Book Depository. The book is suitable for children aged two years and over. Book Depository deliver free to Australia.