More Pies!

Text: Robert Munsch

Illustrations: Michael Martchenko

Year: 2002

Publisher: Scholastic, Canada

Age: 5 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 0 43998 896 4

Little Samuel is very, very hungry. After a shockingly big meal, he’s still hungry enough to eat “seven fried chickens”. His exasperated mother sends him out to play where his little brother suggests that he join the pie-eating contest at the park.

Samuel competes against a fireman, a lumberjack and a construction worker to take home the first prize – a pie…

This rib-tickling book is yet another gem from the Munsch-Martchenko duo.:-)

A big thumbs up!

Excerpt

Samuel woke up really hungry.

He went downstairs and ate a bowl of cereal: Chuka – chuka – chuka – chuka – chuka – chuka – CHOMP!

Easy as Pie

Text: Cari Best

Illustrations: Melissa Sweet

Year: 2010

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux, New York 

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 36

ISBN:  978 0 37439 929 0

This book reminded me a lot of Harvey the Baker in that it introduces children to the delights of baking.

The story takes us through the baking (and cleaning!) routine as Jacob bakes a pie for his parents’ anniversary. He’s also a fan of Chef Monty, who hosts Jacob’s favorite television show.

Chef Monty’s culinary wisdom peeks through the pages every step of the baking process. Sample this: A happy baker bakes a happy pie.

Naturally, who would contradict such delightful insights?

Excerpt

“This pie business is harder than I thought,” he worried out loud.

But only for a second, because Jacob remembered another one of Chef Monty’s rules: Don’t give up even when what you’re making doesn't look the way it’s supposed to.

Ducking for apples

Text: Lynne Berry

Illustrator: Hiroe Nakata

Year: 2010

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, New York 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 28

ISBN: 978 0 80508 935 6

The title “Ducking for Apples” is merely a play on words because the story is about five little ducklings that set out bicycling one fine day and chance upon an apple tree. That means snack, a pie and a cake. :-)

The vibrant watercolor illustrations burst with innocence and gush of energy that only little ones enjoy.

Excerpt

Three little ducks cut fruit in slices,

Mix with sugar, toss with spices.

Two little ducks press sticky dough

Down in the dish where the fruit will go. 

Mrs. Hippo’s Pizza Parlor (I am Reading)

Text: Vivian French, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Clive Scruton

Year: 1999

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN:  978 0 75341 037 0

William’s birthday is about to arrive but he also know his mother Pizza Parlor is going through a tough time and he might not get the gift he truly wants. William knows better than to make a fuss. Soon, his dream comes true and it’s good times for his mum’s business too!

Excerpt

“Look at all those people outside our pizza parlor!”

“Dear me,” said Mrs. Hippo.

“I think they’re waiting to come in!”

“What do they want?” asked Ellie.

“PIZZAS!” said William.