The Pie List: In Honor of Harold and His Purple Crayon

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

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