Overview
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.
Easy as Pie is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
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.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3—Inspired by his favorite television show, Baking with Chef Monty, Jacob decides to make a pie. He finds a bowl of cut-up peaches in the refrigerator and ingredients for the crust in the cabinet. Though his sister tells him they are all going out to eat for his parents' anniversary, he keeps baking because one of Chef Monty's rules is to concentrate—no matter what. He pats the dough into the pan ("Pat! Snip! Cut! Trim!") and cleans up his mess when he spills the peaches. Though the steam holes in the crust look too large, he knows not to give up—another of Chef Monty's rules. When he slips on the damp floor, his sister catches the pie ("Jump! Up! Quick! Catch!") and he puts it into the oven where it hums while Jacob hums to himself. His parents wait as the pie bakes. To cool it quickly, Jacob plops ice cream on each slice, and everyone has pie—Jacob's anniversary gift to his parents—before dinner. With pencil and watercolor illustrations done in a palette of soft colors, Sweet captures the warmth and security Jacob feels in the kitchen. Words from Best's text are repeated in the art, especially the four-word sequences. While young readers can make Happy Peach Pie (recipe on the back jacket), this is about more than pie making. Important themes abound—love, security, cooperation, warmth, respect—and somehow all are tied to the simple acts of cooking and eating together. A delicious book for all collections.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN
Editorials
From the Publisher
“Cari Best has done it again with a charming text full of the meaning of life.” –Library Media Connection, STARRED review
“A sweet look at a spunky kid with great problem-solving skills and some rules that are easily applicable to everyday life.” —Kirkus Reviews
“While young readers can make Happy Peach Pie (recipe on the back jacket), this is about more than pie making. Important themes abound–love, security, cooperation, warmth, respect–and somehow all are tied to the simple acts of cooking and eating together. A delicious book for all collections.” -School Library Journal
“Sweet’s glowing, citrus-bright collage scenes capture all the warmth, energy, and fun in this well-paced story that folds sly messages about working through problems into the celebratory tale. Chef Monty’s list of rules and a recipe for “Happy Peach Pie” complete this sweet treat.” -Booklist