The monastery makes applesauce to make ends meet. And Brother Bartholomew has tended the apple grove longer than any monk can remember. Though he works as hard as his rheumatism will allow, Brother Bartholomew has never mended the fence that surrounds the grove. Sometimes he is forgetful and leaves the gate open, which allows the deer to enter and eat the valuable apples. Whenever the monks express their concern, he simply replies, "God will provide." One day a young monk named Brother Stephen arrives at the monastery. He is appalled at the lack of care Brother Bartholomew has given the apple grove. Over the months, he imagines himself repairing the fence, and harvesting the apples, and receiving praise for his hard work. More than anything in the world, Brother Stephen wants the apple grove. And now he has a chance to get it. Jan Cheripko's haunting fable, which speaks to young and old, is lovingly illustrated by Kestutis Kasparavicius.