Add this book to your collection: Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Treats

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©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Phoebe Vreeland, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 4, 2010

Thanksgiving is a time for pie.  Pie makes me think of Harold and his purple crayon.  Remember that picnic on the sandy beach?  “There was nothing but pie.  But there were all nine kinds of pie that Harold liked best.”  My daughter and I love to imagine what all the different fillings could be. Who doesn’t love freshly baked pie, the most amazingly delectable dessert that fills the home with its tantalizing aroma?  It’s such a perfect vehicle for a scoop or dollop of some cool creamy topping.  Kids love to help bake, especially mixing, licking their sweet, sticky fingers and rolling out pie dough.

Here follows a list of picture books—all about pie—to share with your little ones.  Some simply get your mouth watering, but most are laced with a secret ingredient.  There is a reminder about abundance, a lesson on humility, and a tale of perseverance.  You will also find a trip around the world, a juicy alphabet primer and a cautionary tale for the literal-minded—from Amelia Bedelia, of course.  A few even include a recipe so good that you won’t need to invite a very hungry moose and deserving porcupine to help you finish.

All for Pie, Pie for All

by David Martin (Author), Valeri Gorbachev (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 0-5

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Candlewick; Reprint edition (August 12, 2008)

Source: Library

Publisher’s synopsis: In this merry, multi-species story cooked up with folksy warmth and humor, everybody gets a piece of the pie — and then some.

Grandma Cat makes a delicious apple pie, and there’s plenty for everyone — and even a piece left over. Grandma Mouse finds a piece of apple pie, and there’s plenty for everyone — and even crumbs left over. Grandma Ant spies some crumbs of apple pie, and there’s plenty for everyone. But what’s left over after cats, mice, and ants have had their fill? Little readers will eat up this scrumptious, gently math-related story that’s as sweet and satisfying as a fresh-baked dessert.

Add this book to your collection: All for Pie, Pie for All

The Apple Pie Tree

by Zoe Hall (Author), Shari Halpern (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Blue Sky Press; 1 edition (September 1, 1996)

Source: Library

Publisher’s synopsis: Two young sisters follow the progress of their apple tree through the seasons, from a bare tree in the winter, through the pink blossoms of the spring, to the apple picking in the autumn.

Add this book to your collection: The Apple Pie Tree

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

by Marjorie Priceman

Reading level: Ages 5-8

Paperback: 40 pages

Publisher: Dragonfly Books (September 9, 1996)

Source: Library

Publisher’s synopsis: An apple pie is easy to make…if the market is open. But if the market is closed, the world becomes your grocery store. This deliciously silly recipe for apple pie takes readers around the globe to gather ingredients. First hop a steamboat to Italy for the finest semolina wheat. Then hitch a ride to England and hijack a cow for the freshest possible milk. And, oh yes! Don’t forget to go apple picking in Vermont! A simple recipe for apple pie is included.

Add this book to your collection: How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

The Apple Pie That Papa Baked

by Lauren Thompson (Author), Jonathan Bean (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (July 24, 2007)

Source: Personal collection

Publisher’s synopsis: “These are the apples, juicy and red,

that went in the pie,

warm and sweet,

that Papa baked…

for guess who!”

Add this book to your collection: The Apple Pie That Papa Baked

Easy as Pie

by Cari Best (Author), Melissa Sweet (Author)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); First Edition edition (March 30, 2010)

Source: Library

Publisher’s synopsis: Jacob learned the rules of baking from watching Chef Monty on TV, and now he is ready to make his own peach pie in his Easy-On Oven. Even when things get messy and Jacob’s parents say there is no more time for baking, he is determined to see his pie through to the end. Cari Best’s tasty text and Melissa Sweet’s scrumptious collage illustrations combine to make a picture book as satisfying as a perfect slice of pie.

Add this book to your collection: Easy as Pie

Sweet Potato Pie

by Kathleen D. Lindsey (Author), Charlotte Riley-Webb (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 5 and up

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Lee & Low Books (March 30, 2008)

Source: Library

Publisher’s synopsis: During a drought in the early 1900s, a large loving African American family finds a delicious way to earn the money they need to save their family farm.

Add this book to your collection: Sweet Potato Pie

Humble Pie

by Jennifer Donnelly (Author), Stephen Gammell (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Aladdin (October 29, 2007)

Source: Library

Publisher’s synopsis: Only Theo’s grandmother sees the truth about the boy: He’s as spoiled as a rotten old apple!

That is why, on one of Theo’s naughtiest, grabbiest, mouthiest days, Grandmother decides to bake him a pie.

Young Theo has never seen the like. Its crust is as big as a bedsheet; its filling of plums, cherries, peaches, pears, apples, and quince is as tempting as any sweet feast ever set before a boy. But when he greedily reaches out for a taste, little Theo bites off a lot more than he can chew!

Jennifer Donnelly’s wise and funny tale has inspired pictures of modern-day wit and medieval charm from a master of artistic antics, Stephen Gammell.

Add this book to your collection: Humble Pie

A Apple Pie

by Gennady Spirin

Reading level: Ages 3-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Philomel (August 18, 2005)

Source: Library

Publisher’s synopsis: In this spectacular recreation of one of the most beloved alphabet rhymes of all time, New York Times Best Illustrator Gennady Spirin brings to life the delicious and whimsical fortunes of an apple pie—through the alphabet! Look for the tiny butterfly in the picture where B bit it. Find the fox on the page where F fought for it.

Discover hundreds of delightful details in these enchanting pictures each time the book is shared. A timeless celebration of the alphabet, and an incredible work of art by the great artist Gennady Spirin.

Add this book to your collection: A Apple Pie

Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie

by Herman Parish (Author), Lynne Avril (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (July 27, 2010)

Source: Library

Publisher’s synopsis: Amelia Bedelia is sure she will love everything about autumn.

The colorful trees
Jumping in the leaves
Apples, apples, apples
Warm apple pie
Fun family projects

Amelia Bedelia can’t wait. What could be better? Autumn! Hooray for apples and fall!

Add this book to your collection: Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 21, 2010

Exciting news: Eric Carle’s classic story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, is available as a BILINGUAL First Book Marketplace Special Edition exclusively through the First Book Marketplace—an online store selling high-quality children’s books and educational materials at deeply discounted prices to registered organizations serving children from low-income families.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a school and home library staple. ”As a tiny green caterpillar eats his way through the book, he is transformed into a beautiful butterfly.” From the scientific wonder of caterpillar-to-butterfly, the critter’s voracious hunger for many familiar foods, the tissue-paper illustrations, and the creative design of the pages; it’s no wonder that this ravenous caterpillar has been touching hearts for decades—including mine! I’m thrilled that this book is available in such a useful format, I just had to let you know.

If you’re a registered organization you can purchase this exclusive bilingual edition from the First Book Marketplace.

Otherwise, you can purchase the Spanish or English edition from our affiliate store: La oruga muy hambrienta or The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Cindy Rice Andrea , for The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 13, 2010

Author Showcase: A place for authors and illustrators to gain visibility for their works.*

Green Apple Tales Book Series

By Cindy Rice Andrea (Author), Stan Jaskiel (Illustrator)

Ages: Parents, Grandparents, Education, Healthcare and Children (target age 3-10)

Features:
Full color illustrations
Easy-to-understand explanations of food safety principles
Based on USDA and FDA guidelines
Both child and parent learn together
Fun, easy to follow cooking activities
“Green Apple Buddies” in starring roles
Soft cover 24 pages
10 books, each with its own food safety lesson

Publisher: Dining in the Light Publications ( 2009)

What to expect: For the Children—Green Apple Tales promise to enlighten you and your children in a fun-loving way. The interactive stories will delight children as they learn about basic food handling, health and hygiene. Included in each book is a simple cooking activity featured by that story’s character, which you can also practice with your child, and help to reinforce the food safety principles in that book. And they love to “Follow the apple” in each story! For the Adults—Each of the 10 books focuses on a different food safety practice in an easy-to-understand way. A more in-depth explanation of the principle is included at the end of each book for the adult reader who desires a more scientific discussion of the food safety principle. All stories are based on USDA and FDA guidelines. Studies have demonstrated increased understanding of food safety principles by those reading Green Apple Tales’ simple stories. The result is an effective way of learning important safety practices in a most enjoyable way for all.

Publisher’s synopsis: Green Apple Tales are meant to be shared by parents and children together, one story at a time. By teaching our children at an early age, we can train our sons and daughters early on to blend the concepts of food safety, cooking and nutrition into their daily lives through these simple yet powerful stories. By giving them these life skills, they may be better parents to their own children and healthier themselves lifelong.

Delilah Washes her Hands (Principle to be taught:  Hand washing)

Delilah loves going to the playground with her friends. But her lunch is ready and there is one important thing she must do before she eats. Do you know what it is?
Pansy’s Garden Party    (Principle: Temperature controls of Foods)

Pansy the Pig loves giving parties!  But what happens when she leaves her party foods out in the summer sun for too long?  You’ll find out and see how her friend comes to the rescue!

Gabby’s Sore Throat and the Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes  (Principle:Illness behavior)

Gabby the Goose is coming down with a cold, but she is supposed to make cupcakes for her friend’s party. Can she still go to the party if she is sick? Who will make the cupcakes? And what is the best way for her to cough and sneeze?

Tony the Pony’s Big Dream    (Principle: Preventing cross-contamination)

Tony the Pony has a big dream…. he wants to be a rootin’ tootin’ cowboy!   See how he lives the cowboy life, and what he does for fun with his 2 brothers.  And how does he keep the foods he is cooking for their Rodeo dinner safe and delicious?  Yee- haa!

Roxy and Zav’s Barbecue   (Principle: Proper cooking temperatures)

Roxy Raccoon has a pleasant surprise while she is relaxing by the river.  What will her new friend Zav cook at their barbecue picnic, and are these strange, delicious foods safe to eat?

Allergy Buddy Club    (Principle:  Allergen safety)

Ollie the elephant and his 2 friends Bruno and Maleeka are very sad.
They are each allergic to a certain food that they love, and they must find ways to protect themselves from getting sick from these foods. Find out how they solve their problems, make new friends and help others along the way.

Speedo Tito’s Sunset Party     (Principle: Safe food preparation practices)

Speedo Tito is not like any other turtle… he is very fast!  Discover how he throws a fabulous party for his friends, but what happens when he is done with all of the preparations for the party?  And how do his friends help him safely enjoy his own party foods in the end?

Chickita’s Salads     (Principle: Produce safety)

Chickita is a little chicken who just loves to eat fruits and veggies. But how to keep them fresh and delicious?  Watch her prepare some of her mother’s fruit specialties for her Nana and Papa, and see how she keeps her favorite foods safe until their visit.

Cristabel’s Supermarket Spree    (Principle:  Shopping safety)

Cristabel the Cow goes food shopping with her father, which makes her very cheerful and laugh out loud!  Learn about the special dinner they
will make, and why her visit to the playground will have to wait.

Sam’s Pizza Pies    (Principle: Personal safety, Burns, cuts)

Sam the Lamb is an expert pizza maker!  See how he stretches, flips and spins the dough to make the perfect pizza for his friends. But he needs a helping hand from his Grampa Sam to stay safe from burns and cuts during the process!  How does Grampa Sam help make the party a success?

The first six in the series are in print and the others are expected to be available in early 2010.

About the author: National Food Safety Expert, Cindy Rice-Andrea, RS, MSPH, CPFS is an Epidemiologist and Certified Professional in Food Safety. She is a food safety educator and consultant to the foodservice and regulatory industry. She serves on the Massachusetts Dept. of Education Lifeskills Advisory Council and the Partnership for Food Safety Education. Cindy is a speaker to national professional organizations and consumer groups on food safety, health and nutrition topics. Her articles appear regularly in the national publication “Food Safety Solutions” and her “Pocket Guide to Food Safety” is distributed internationally. Rice-Andrea’s background includes conducting food protection management classes and seminars, and trains and certifies food handlers in accordance with state and federal regulations.  Rice-Andrea holds numerous food safety and public health certifications from state and national organizations.

For more information, visit: http://www.greenappletales.com

*Titles featured in the Author Showcase have not been reviewed by The Children’s Book Review, and reflect the thoughts of the author, illustrator, or publishing company. Read more …

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake

by Laura Numeroff (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 3 – 7

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Laura Geringer (September 30, 2008)

I just learned from A Fuse #8 Production that yesterday was National Chocolate Cupcake Day, which prompted me to write about If You Give a Cat a Cupcake. It’s Adorable and is truly in Numeroff style, just like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. The fact that this book is about cupcakes is enough for me! Who can resist a cupcake — especially one with sprinkles?

… If you give a cat a cupcake, he’ll ask for some sprinkles to go with it. When you give him the sprinkles, he might spill some on the floor. Cleaning up will make him hot, so you’ll give him a bathing suit . . . and that’s just the beginning! …

Links: Laura Numeroff’s website.
Cupcakes Take the Cake, a blog dedicated to cupcakes!
The Harper Collins children site has some downloadable coloring pages and activity books.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.