Pies in the Oven - Hardcover

PreSchool-Grade 2?A young boy and his grandfather bring home apples from the orchard. But most of the morning is spent with Grandma as she prepares and bakes sweet and spicy apple pies. Soon a variety of friends, neighbors, and family members gather to share the sweet treat hot from the oven. Just when it appears that the pie will run out before the boy can get a piece, Grandma comes with a small pie she made for him alone. The narration offers the exuberant younster's perspective on the events. Although the text is not rhymed, it maintains a steady rhythm, with a cadence reminiscent of square-dance calls. Meade's collages reinforce the country feeling. Leaves falling in many scenes remind viewers of the season, and the flat patches of color in clothing establish individual differences even in the crowd. Together, text and illustrations offer a pleasant choice for young listeners, especially on a crisp autumn day.?Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ages 4^-6. Although reminiscent of the recent The Unbeatable Bread , where home baked bread was the draw, this story has everyone wanting pie. The text is written as a straightforward chronicling of events ("Grandma has a big surprise" ), and as the thoughts of a little boy, which appear in italics ("Pie's in the oven. / I can't wait!" ). But the boy isn't the only one who can't wait for pie. Aunts, uncles, friends, even the postman and the dog, show up, all being served before the boy. When it comes time for the child to get his piece, the pie is gone. But Grandma has another surprise--a pie just for him. The text is bouncy if not unique in any way, but it's the artwork that really delights. The pictures look like thick oil paintings, with each element outlined in sky-blue. Actually, they are paper collages, deftly rendered, full of life, and demanding a second look. A visual treat. Ilene Cooper