Review by Booklist Review
Ages 4^-6. Although reminiscent of the recent The Unbeatable Bread [BKL Ap 15 96], 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
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2A 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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
While a boy eagerly anticipates the apple pie his grandmother is baking, all their friends and neighbors arrive to share the treat. Will there be enough for him? The rhythmical, repetitive verse creates just the right amount of tension to worry the reader, but fortunately Grandma has planned ahead, and there's plenty for everyone. Cheerful painted collages accompany the story. From HORN BOOK 1996, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A sweet celebration of family and friends. Grandma has made apple pies and they're in the oven. As the irresistible smells fill her rambling old house, her apple-cheeked grandson excitedly longs for his share (``Pie's in the oven,/My favorite kind!''). Relatives, the letter carrier, neighbors, friends, even an apple- red fire truck full of firemen are all beckoned: ``Pie's in the oven./You're just in time.'' Soon the house is full of good smells and chatter, milk is poured, plates and forks are set out, the pie is served. Guess who doesn't get any pie? Grandma presents the narrator with a little apple pie, ``Just for me!'' Meade's sky-blue outlined collages are childlike and appealing, as bright as hand- painted pottery and just as welcoming as the text. (Picture book. 3-7)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
