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Title: Rufus Goes to Sea Written by: Kim T. Griswell Illustrated by: Valeri Gorbachev Published by: Sterling Children’s books, April, 2015 Themes/Topics: pirates, pigs, adventure, reading & writing, stereotypes Suitable for ages: 4-8 Sequel to Rufus Goes to School Opening: Rufus Leroy William III … Continue reading →

If you don’t know that I am a huge feline fanatic, you haven’t been following me for long. I fell in love with Valeri’s art when I read and reviewed CATS ARE CATS last November. And I am seeking to … Continue reading →

Title: Cats Are Cats Written and illustrated by: Valeri Gorbachev Published By: Holiday House, 2014. Themes/Topics: cats, pets, tigers, fish Suitable for ages: 3-5 Opening:                                     … Continue reading →

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

Several weeks ago I read a lovely post about collecting postcards at an Australian blog called Adventures with Kids. This got me thinking about a postcard swap for M and J – they both love making cards and receiving post – but when I searched online for one I couldn’t find any open internationally specifically for families. Not one to give in easily I thought I would set up my own… but of course before I could do that I wanted to find some lovely books to share with my girls, and with you, about writing, sending and receiving post.

Photo: Post Box

The Giant Hug by Sandra Horning, illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev is a heart warming, funny and informative book about the joys of sending and receiving mail. When Owen is asked what he wants to send his Granny for her birthday he is determined to send her a giant hug. Not a picture of a hug, but the real thing.

At the post office the clerk is rather surprised at this request but plays game. “We don’t normally send hugs, but I suppose we could give it a try.” And so starts the journey of Owen’s hug – passed from person to person involved in sorting and delivering the mail right across the country, sometimes accompanied by laughter, bristles, blushing and delight. Granny is thrilled when her giant hug is finally delivered right into her arms, and we’re all left laughing when we discover what she sends back to her much loved Grandson.

We all loved this story. M’s interest was immediately captured because the illustrations reminded her of Richard Scarry – and not just because they depict cute animals doing all sorts of human jobs. The generosity and willingness of all participants to play their part in spreading the happiness was lovely to see – I’d love my kids to live in such a community. As well as providing us with many good giggles, it also gave us the opportunity to discuss how post actually gets from A to B, and M found it intriguing to think of all the different people and places that would see her next card she puts in the post. J loved the book because of all the cuddles and hugs we had as we read it! All in all a perfect book about how you can post a little bit of love to friends and family wherever they are.

The Giant Hug: ** (2 stars)

In response to this delightful story J and I illustrated some postcards of our own in anticipation of mailing them to some of you in what I hope w

Illustration from ONE RAINY DAY