“In a tall, tall tree, at the tip-tippy top, hung a single red apple, just about to drop.” Mouse is the first to see the tempting fruit and claim it as her own: “‘An apple,’ squeaked she. ‘Mmm-mmm, how divine. When it tumbles to the ground, it’ll all be mine!’” She lingers beneath a leaf, imagining it as her own. Hare is the next to spy the prize, and he settles in the grass to await its fall. Then comes Fox, followed by Deer, and finally Bear. Each of them hovers nearby, anticipating solo ownership, and a melee ensues when the apple eventually drops. The contested treasure rolls free, unnoticed by all except a passing possum, who first considers it as “mine?” but then declares “ours!” to the smiling worm who has already occupied the coveted fruit. The patterned rhyming text and ever-increasing size of those vying for the fruit amps up the suspense, tempered by the finale’s generosity. Bold black outlines and framed double-page spreads showcase the parade of animals created with stained paper and relief printmaking. (Ages 3-6)