We’ve all seen them - apples with blemishes, bumps, or bruises that never make it off the supermarket shelf. But what if those “ugly” apples were the key to teaching kids about sustainability, food waste and the value of every bite?

That’s the message at the heart of Hailstorm Heroes, one of our most-loved picture books and part of George the Farmer’s larger apples education suite, designed for early years and junior primary students across Australia.

🍏 The Problem with “Perfect”

In the book, a freak hailstorm puts the farm’s apple harvest under threat. But instead of giving up, George, Ruby and the kids rally the community to find a solution, turning so-called “damaged” apples into delicious juices and snacks.

The story helps young readers see that food doesn’t have to look perfect to be valuable. It’s a gentle, humorous way to start conversations about supermarket standards, food waste and problem-solving on the farm.

🎥 More Than a Book: A Full Learning Experience

Hailstorm Heroes isn’t just a standalone story - it’s backed by a full suite of curriculum-aligned resources for Foundation to Year 4, including:

  • A Paddock-to-Plate Apples Video (available on YouTube and ABC iView) that shows how apples are grown, picked, sorted and packed using modern farming tech. You'll see:

    • Farmers using iodine to check apple ripeness

    • Cold storage systems that put apples "to sleep" for year-round freshness

    • 3D imaging that detects skin colour and defects

    • Apple varieties like Pink Lady, Gala, Fuji and Rocket

    • Plus, a bonus kid-friendly apple turnover recipe!

  • The Song “Crunchy, Munchy Apples” - a toe-tapping tune available on all major streaming platforms to bring fun and rhythm into the classroom.

  • Free Educator Resources with 12 hands-on, cross-curricular activities that cover literacy, STEM, sustainability and more.

It’s a multi-touchpoint learning experience that reaches every type of learner -  whether they prefer reading, singing, watching or doing.

🧑🏫 What Teachers Are Saying

We regularly hear from educators who’ve used our apple resources to light up their students’ understanding of food and farming. Here are just a couple of notes that made our day:

“My Year 2s were absolutely captivated — especially when we talked about food waste. They had so many ideas!”
– Melissa, NSW

“The book led perfectly into our class juice-making session. The kids loved using the ‘hailstorm apples’ we collected from our school garden!”
– Jenny, VIC

🧠 Why This Matters

Studies show that kids who understand the work and resources that go into food production are more likely to make informed food choices and waste less. Starting this education early is key - while kids are still curious, open-minded and mad about tractors, animals and snacks.

The Hailstorm Heroes suite is built to hook that natural interest and turn it into real learning. Whether you're in a classroom or a kitchen, there’s something in it for every young explorer.

📚 Ready to Dive In?

  • Watch the video: “Learn About Apples” on YouTube

  • Stream the song: “Crunchy, Munchy Apples” on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon

  • Download the free teacher resource

  • Pick up the book via our website or at one of our wonderful stockists

Let’s raise a generation that values every apple - lumpy or not. 🍎💚