Tell Me About Your Apple Festival

A heartwarming children's book inspired by the Murphysboro Apple Festival and the traditions that connect us across miles and time.

Children at an apple festival participating in activities with drawings of a smiling apple character, a Ferris wheel, and trees, on the cover of a book titled "Tell Me About Your Apple Festival."

Tell Me About Your Apple Festival

Written by Meg Cappel · Art by Paula J. Maloney

Betty can’t wait for the Murphysboro Apple Festival™—but she’s not ready for bedtime. As her mom shares stories of their family’s four-generation love for the festival, Betty discovers the magic of tradition and how it connects our hearts to family, community, and the wonder of childhood.

Ages 4–8 | Hardcover | Releasing September 2026

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What people are saying about

Tell Me About Your Apple Festival…

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a yellow blouse and a small necklace, smiling at the camera against a blue backdrop.

Nancy Meehan - Early Childhood Director, Saint Anne Catholic Preschool

“A heartfelt story that reminds us what we give our children need not cost anything but time, and highlights the lasting value of family traditions.”

A smiling man wearing sunglasses and a red shirt with an apple logo at the Mississippi Apple Festival.

Shawn Stearns - President, Murphysboro Apple Festival Inc.

“Reaching our 75th year is a testament to the generations of families who have made the Apple Festival part of their lives. Stories like this show how those traditions continue to grow and be passed on.”

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, blue eyes, smiling, wearing a white shirt and denim jacket against a blue textured background.

Colleen Cunningham - Preschool Teacher, Saint Anne Catholic Preschool

“A beautiful celebration of tradition, community, and family connection. I can already imagine this book being shared in classrooms and inspiring children to talk about their own family traditions.”

Ashley Shein - Wild Writes

“I love it even more with each reading. I know one thing for sure – I really want to come to the Apple Festival.”

A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair and freckles, wearing a sleeveless light-colored top, standing outdoors.