Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray
A small black-and-white dog desperately wants a piece of apple pie in this alphabetical story. It all starts with a girl making A for apple pie and a happily sleeping dog. But as soon as the pie is in the oven with B for bake it, the dog is very interested in the pie. Then the pie must C for cool it and D for dish it out. Though the girl gets to eat some pie, the dog must make due with just a crumb. But after that one delicious crumb, he just can’t stop thinking about eating pie! This cheery picture book mixes the alphabet with an alphabetical storyline more robust than in other books that try this technique. Readers will love the many ways the dog tries to get pie and then the very satisfying and delicious conclusion.
Murray has created a book that really works the alphabet into the story. Even without the alphabet as part of the book, this story and the writing would stand on its own. That’s something that can rarely be said about an alphabet picture book. The writing is kept very simple and solid.
Murray’s illustrations are a treat in this book. They have a natural, old-fashioned quality to them that makes the book warm and inviting. Add the apple pie element, and you have a book that feels like a classic picture book yet still has a modern perspective too.
A delight of a picture book that will satisfy yet leave young readers eager for seconds. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
Reviewed from library copy.
Also reviewed by
Waking Brain Cells 