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Apple Pie ABC
When an apple pie arrives piping hot on the kitchen table, a little pup does everything from A to Z to get his paws on it. He Ogles it. He Pines for it. But will his ABC antics land him a slice?
APPLE PIE ABC is a delicious twist on traditional verse brought to life by Alison Murray’s simple words and whimsical illustrations. Sure to delight readers of all ages, it’s a book to savor again and again.
APPLE PIE ABC is a delicious twist on traditional verse brought to life by Alison Murray’s simple words and whimsical illustrations. Sure to delight readers of all ages, it’s a book to savor again and again.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2010
5 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Alison Murray
24 books25 followersAlison Murray studied textile and interactive media design. After graduating, she moved to London where she did a variety of jobs, including selling books and designing rugs, before cofounding a successful interactive media company. She now mainly works as an illustrator and author of picture books, but still dabbles with interactive media and web design. She has published several books, including Hickory Dickory Dog. Alison Murray lives in Scotland with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 15, 2011
I absoluteley loved, adored, rooted this book on until I turned to the very last page. Ugh...
Really, the illustrations are amazing, the text is fun, the choice of words, awesome... Even the feel of the paper and the choice of colors is just what I would have wished for on a book about apple pies and little girls and puppies...
Chalk this one up to another case of really bad manners. Here's the thing. There's this little dog who wants some of his (cute little girl) owner's apple pie. She eats her piece early on, and then he schemes and begs and does everything he can think of to get a piece, too. Wouldn't you? Just imagine the aroma filling that kitchen. Well, finally he pulls the pie from the table, onto the floor, and gobbles it up. The last page is the little girl, smiling at the satisfied dog.
Two things. The dog was naughty and wasn't even given a talking to. And the little girl didn't share. In this book we're subtly teaching our kids to fend only for themselves and to reward doing something they were told not to.
It would have been so easy for the girl to give the dog some pie on the sly at the end. She could have set a fun little treasure hunt for him to find a bowl of the pie secretly... Or... who knows, there could have been a thousand other ways to turn the story.
My two cents in four short paragraphs...
Really, the illustrations are amazing, the text is fun, the choice of words, awesome... Even the feel of the paper and the choice of colors is just what I would have wished for on a book about apple pies and little girls and puppies...
Chalk this one up to another case of really bad manners. Here's the thing. There's this little dog who wants some of his (cute little girl) owner's apple pie. She eats her piece early on, and then he schemes and begs and does everything he can think of to get a piece, too. Wouldn't you? Just imagine the aroma filling that kitchen. Well, finally he pulls the pie from the table, onto the floor, and gobbles it up. The last page is the little girl, smiling at the satisfied dog.
Two things. The dog was naughty and wasn't even given a talking to. And the little girl didn't share. In this book we're subtly teaching our kids to fend only for themselves and to reward doing something they were told not to.
It would have been so easy for the girl to give the dog some pie on the sly at the end. She could have set a fun little treasure hunt for him to find a bowl of the pie secretly... Or... who knows, there could have been a thousand other ways to turn the story.
My two cents in four short paragraphs...
February 15, 2016
Title: Apple Pie ABC
Author: Alison Murray
Genre: Alphabet (ABC) Book
Theme(s): Alphabet, Dog
Opening line/sentence: (A apple pie)
Brief Book Summary: (Apple Pie ABC is an alphabet book about a little black and white dog begging for a piece of freshly baked apple pie. Once the dog has a crumb of the pie, he cannot stop thinking about it! Eventually he succeeds in getting the pie and he eats so much that it puts him to sleep.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: (CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2012)
It s unusual to find an alphabet book that tells a good story, but together the narrative and artful illustrations in Alison Murray s picture book do just that. Murray s stylized prints, in a subdued but striking palette of red, orange, and blue with splashes of yellow, black, and white on cream, show a small girl making an apple pie, and her small black-and-white dog, who longs for a bit, a bite, or every last crumb. Each alphabet letter is presented like a quilt block on a page in which the narrative details the dog s continuing quest for the coveted pie with a significant word or phrase that starts with the letter featured. When the pie is done, the dog must [L] leave without it but later is [Q] quietly determined to return. [Y] yum yum ... [Z] zzzzzzzzz ... go to sleep and dream of it. Terrific word choice in the brief text, and delightful images of the dog in action and his interactions with the often admonishing girl, add to the fun of this handsomely designed, appealing volume. Honor Book, 2012 Charlotte Zolotow Award CCBC Category: Concept Books. 2011, Disney / Hyperion, 24 pages, $16.99. Ages 2-5.
(PUBLISHER: Disney-Hyperion Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2011.))
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: (Janice DeLong (Children's Literature)
With letters large enough to be seen by a group and white space aplenty to encourage focus, Murray presents her story through letters and simple phrases following the chronological order of the alphabet. A smiling young lady and her mischievous dog are introduced on the first page as the child is shaking delectable cinnamon on the about-to-be-baked crust of an inviting apple pie. As the letters progress through B, C and D, child and pet watch the baking dessert with anticipation. However, our little cook has a different idea about the end result than her pet does! Leaving the aromatic dish to cool proves to be the undoing of both dog and pie--almost. Just in time, the child returns and prevents a catastrophe at the paws of her four-legged friend. At this point in the story, a teacher, parent, or librarian might introduce foreshadowing and prediction by having the young audience guess whether or not the dog will get a piece of pie. Although there are some words such as miserable, ogle, determined, and underneath that will be beyond the reading level of beginners, the context and vivid illustrations provide ample opportunity for well-informed guessing. In this reviewer s experience, the ending is a bit unrealistic, but it does provide fertile ground for discussion. Of course, this title begs for a treat of apple pie to be baked as a delicious culminating activity to the shared read. 2011 (orig. 2010), Disney Hyperion/Disney Book Group, $16.99. Ages 2 to 6.
(PUBLISHER: Disney/Hyperion Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2011 c2010.))
Response to Two Professional Reviews: (Both reviews discuss the illustrations and how they are simple enough to keep children interested. They discuss also discuss how the mischievous little dog brings humor to story. Overall, I agree with each of the reviewers. I feel that they did an accurate job describing how the text flows yet at times can be a little above the age level for potential readers.)
Evaluation of Literary Elements: (The simplicity of this book makes it very reader friendly for children of all ages. It uses each letter of the alphabet to describe the feelings of the dog toward the apple pie. While some of the words will be above the age level of the readers, it will expand their vocabulary. Those who have dogs will be able to relate to the mischief that the dog goes through for the pie.)
Consideration of Instructional Application: (This book would be ideal for preschool or kindergarten classroom. Students could practice prediction as they read through the story thinking about what the dog is going to do next. Once they read the story, the class could recreate the book by writing the letters and drawing pictures to describe the letter.)
Author: Alison Murray
Genre: Alphabet (ABC) Book
Theme(s): Alphabet, Dog
Opening line/sentence: (A apple pie)
Brief Book Summary: (Apple Pie ABC is an alphabet book about a little black and white dog begging for a piece of freshly baked apple pie. Once the dog has a crumb of the pie, he cannot stop thinking about it! Eventually he succeeds in getting the pie and he eats so much that it puts him to sleep.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: (CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2012)
It s unusual to find an alphabet book that tells a good story, but together the narrative and artful illustrations in Alison Murray s picture book do just that. Murray s stylized prints, in a subdued but striking palette of red, orange, and blue with splashes of yellow, black, and white on cream, show a small girl making an apple pie, and her small black-and-white dog, who longs for a bit, a bite, or every last crumb. Each alphabet letter is presented like a quilt block on a page in which the narrative details the dog s continuing quest for the coveted pie with a significant word or phrase that starts with the letter featured. When the pie is done, the dog must [L] leave without it but later is [Q] quietly determined to return. [Y] yum yum ... [Z] zzzzzzzzz ... go to sleep and dream of it. Terrific word choice in the brief text, and delightful images of the dog in action and his interactions with the often admonishing girl, add to the fun of this handsomely designed, appealing volume. Honor Book, 2012 Charlotte Zolotow Award CCBC Category: Concept Books. 2011, Disney / Hyperion, 24 pages, $16.99. Ages 2-5.
(PUBLISHER: Disney-Hyperion Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2011.))
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: (Janice DeLong (Children's Literature)
With letters large enough to be seen by a group and white space aplenty to encourage focus, Murray presents her story through letters and simple phrases following the chronological order of the alphabet. A smiling young lady and her mischievous dog are introduced on the first page as the child is shaking delectable cinnamon on the about-to-be-baked crust of an inviting apple pie. As the letters progress through B, C and D, child and pet watch the baking dessert with anticipation. However, our little cook has a different idea about the end result than her pet does! Leaving the aromatic dish to cool proves to be the undoing of both dog and pie--almost. Just in time, the child returns and prevents a catastrophe at the paws of her four-legged friend. At this point in the story, a teacher, parent, or librarian might introduce foreshadowing and prediction by having the young audience guess whether or not the dog will get a piece of pie. Although there are some words such as miserable, ogle, determined, and underneath that will be beyond the reading level of beginners, the context and vivid illustrations provide ample opportunity for well-informed guessing. In this reviewer s experience, the ending is a bit unrealistic, but it does provide fertile ground for discussion. Of course, this title begs for a treat of apple pie to be baked as a delicious culminating activity to the shared read. 2011 (orig. 2010), Disney Hyperion/Disney Book Group, $16.99. Ages 2 to 6.
(PUBLISHER: Disney/Hyperion Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2011 c2010.))
Response to Two Professional Reviews: (Both reviews discuss the illustrations and how they are simple enough to keep children interested. They discuss also discuss how the mischievous little dog brings humor to story. Overall, I agree with each of the reviewers. I feel that they did an accurate job describing how the text flows yet at times can be a little above the age level for potential readers.)
Evaluation of Literary Elements: (The simplicity of this book makes it very reader friendly for children of all ages. It uses each letter of the alphabet to describe the feelings of the dog toward the apple pie. While some of the words will be above the age level of the readers, it will expand their vocabulary. Those who have dogs will be able to relate to the mischief that the dog goes through for the pie.)
Consideration of Instructional Application: (This book would be ideal for preschool or kindergarten classroom. Students could practice prediction as they read through the story thinking about what the dog is going to do next. Once they read the story, the class could recreate the book by writing the letters and drawing pictures to describe the letter.)
July 5, 2018
7/5/18 Read with Naomi & Julia.
August 11, 2011
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.
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.
August 13, 2011
The beagle's name, I find out from the book's website, is Georgie. And the little girl in the blue jumper is Grace. A is for apple pie, and B C and D are the verbs Grace uses to bake it, cool it, and dish it out. After that, it's all Georgie, finding a crumb on the floor and then obsessing over that fat pie, plotting and pining in a realistically single-minded puppy way. Alison Murray's text is cool and simple and perky, getting around the tricky letters so smartly that I had to go back and look - what did she do about X?
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
November 19, 2011
I grew up with the Kate Greenaway book so I was predisposed to like this one too! The illustrations are charming, the block-print feel of the pictures gives this version its own old-fashioned flavor. Lots of great details, like the dog's tail twirling in a circle of anticipation before he makes a break for the pie.
November 21, 2011
Just when I was thinking, "who really needs another alphabet book?"...I picked up this delightful read! A stalwart review of the letters of the alphabet accentuates a gleeful plot line--with both simple text and illustration each adding to the fun--about one character's dogged determination to get some apple pie! An impressive picture book and quite a lot of fun.
January 3, 2018
If this was a grey fluffy dog, this would be my house every time I bake. The author uniquely uses the alphabet to tell the story of a girl, her pie, and her dog who desperately wants a piece. Its simple, but fully developed, and a wonderfully fun story. If you are a dog owner, this will be a familiar tale, that you will want to live again and again.
Read
August 2, 2012Thank you, Professor Nana, for recommending this ABC book. The illustrations have a classic feel and draw upon the pacing of the alphabet to tell the story of a dog who tries to be good. But who can be good when their is hot-baked apple pie so near and so accessible.
December 13, 2013
What a fun, inventive addition to ABC books. I love how each letter helped tell the story of the little dog's attempts to eat an apple pie. Nice change of pace from each letter simply describing an object, for example. The illustrations are cute as can be!
May 28, 2011
Y is for YUMMY!
October 24, 2011
So simple yet so wonderful! Perfectly captures a dog's point of view.
October 9, 2014
Fun twist on apple pies and ABC's
October 5, 2017
Title: Apple Pie ABC
Author: Alison Murray
Illustrator: N/A
Genre: Alphabet (ABC) Book, Concept Book,
Theme(s): Alphabet, Food – Pies/Apples, Dogs, Baking,
Opening line/sentence: A apple pie.
Brief Book Summary: Apple pie ABC follows a dog as he watches his owner bake an apple pic. As the story progresses, the dog finds a crumb and begins attempts at getting to the pie. Despite his owner’s attempts to keep him away, the dog ultimately eats the pie and goes to sleep.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Reviewer name N/A, Horn Book Guide: (2) PS A freshly baked apple pie sets off a series of alphabetical responses. Murray incorporates unexpected action words and an original underlying story of a sprightly black-and-white dog driven to bad behavior by a strong pastry craving. Printed on thick cream-colored paper with a limited palette of blues, reds, and yellows, the monochromatic illustrations resemble linocut prints. Bold uppercase alphabet letters anchor each page. http://www.hornbookguide.com.ezaccess...
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Janice DeLong, Children’s Literature, CLCD: With letters large enough to be seen by a group and white space aplenty to encourage focus, Murray presents her story through letters and simple phrases following the chronological order of the alphabet. A smiling young lady and her mischievous dog are introduced on the first page as the child is shaking delectable cinnamon on the about-to-be-baked crust of an inviting apple pie. As the letters progress through B, C and D, child and pet watch the baking dessert with anticipation. However, our little cook has a different idea about the end result than her pet does! Leaving the aromatic dish to cool proves to be the undoing of both dog and pie--almost. Just in time, the child returns and prevents a catastrophe at the paws of her four-legged friend. At this point in the story, a teacher, parent, or librarian might introduce foreshadowing and prediction by having the young audience guess whether or not the dog will get a piece of pie. Although there are some words such as miserable, ogle, determined, and underneath that will be beyond the reading level of beginners, the context and vivid illustrations provide ample opportunity for well-informed guessing. In this reviewer s experience, the ending is a bit unrealistic, but it does provide fertile ground for discussion. Of course, this title begs for a treat of apple pie to be baked as a delicious culminating activity to the shared read. http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I agree with both reviews that the book has a very good storyline. Especially considering many alphabet books give words in a way that does not tell a story as this one does. Both reviews seem to like the illustrations as well, which are very bright and inviting.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The silly, but realistic dog in this book gives the book a humorous tone. I especially like the style and language of this book, using action verbs throughout and as Janice DeLong’s review states, uses words (such as ogle) that will expand the child’s vocabulary. The dog’s conflict is clear early on and leads to a satisfying conclusion, especially since his owner doesn’t seem to mind him eating her pie.
Consideration of Instructional Application: One way this book could be used in the classroom to teach students to begin making predictions, as the dog’s actions are relatively easy for young students to infer. Asking Kindergarteners what they think may happen next as the owner bakes the pie, or when the dog nears the table prior to pulling at the tablecloth would likely lead students to guess what happens next. As this is an alphabet book, it could also be expanded upon with further work on letters.
Author: Alison Murray
Illustrator: N/A
Genre: Alphabet (ABC) Book, Concept Book,
Theme(s): Alphabet, Food – Pies/Apples, Dogs, Baking,
Opening line/sentence: A apple pie.
Brief Book Summary: Apple pie ABC follows a dog as he watches his owner bake an apple pic. As the story progresses, the dog finds a crumb and begins attempts at getting to the pie. Despite his owner’s attempts to keep him away, the dog ultimately eats the pie and goes to sleep.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Reviewer name N/A, Horn Book Guide: (2) PS A freshly baked apple pie sets off a series of alphabetical responses. Murray incorporates unexpected action words and an original underlying story of a sprightly black-and-white dog driven to bad behavior by a strong pastry craving. Printed on thick cream-colored paper with a limited palette of blues, reds, and yellows, the monochromatic illustrations resemble linocut prints. Bold uppercase alphabet letters anchor each page. http://www.hornbookguide.com.ezaccess...
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Janice DeLong, Children’s Literature, CLCD: With letters large enough to be seen by a group and white space aplenty to encourage focus, Murray presents her story through letters and simple phrases following the chronological order of the alphabet. A smiling young lady and her mischievous dog are introduced on the first page as the child is shaking delectable cinnamon on the about-to-be-baked crust of an inviting apple pie. As the letters progress through B, C and D, child and pet watch the baking dessert with anticipation. However, our little cook has a different idea about the end result than her pet does! Leaving the aromatic dish to cool proves to be the undoing of both dog and pie--almost. Just in time, the child returns and prevents a catastrophe at the paws of her four-legged friend. At this point in the story, a teacher, parent, or librarian might introduce foreshadowing and prediction by having the young audience guess whether or not the dog will get a piece of pie. Although there are some words such as miserable, ogle, determined, and underneath that will be beyond the reading level of beginners, the context and vivid illustrations provide ample opportunity for well-informed guessing. In this reviewer s experience, the ending is a bit unrealistic, but it does provide fertile ground for discussion. Of course, this title begs for a treat of apple pie to be baked as a delicious culminating activity to the shared read. http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I agree with both reviews that the book has a very good storyline. Especially considering many alphabet books give words in a way that does not tell a story as this one does. Both reviews seem to like the illustrations as well, which are very bright and inviting.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The silly, but realistic dog in this book gives the book a humorous tone. I especially like the style and language of this book, using action verbs throughout and as Janice DeLong’s review states, uses words (such as ogle) that will expand the child’s vocabulary. The dog’s conflict is clear early on and leads to a satisfying conclusion, especially since his owner doesn’t seem to mind him eating her pie.
Consideration of Instructional Application: One way this book could be used in the classroom to teach students to begin making predictions, as the dog’s actions are relatively easy for young students to infer. Asking Kindergarteners what they think may happen next as the owner bakes the pie, or when the dog nears the table prior to pulling at the tablecloth would likely lead students to guess what happens next. As this is an alphabet book, it could also be expanded upon with further work on letters.
September 22, 2017
Title: Apple Pie ABC
Author: Alison Murray
Illustrator: Alison Murray
Genre: Concept Book, Alphabet Book
Theme: Alphabet, determination
Opening Line/Sentence: A-Apple Pie.
Brief Book Summary: The book goes through the alphabet while telling a story of a dog wanting to eat the apple pie that he sees. In the end, the dog ends up getting the pie and is satisfied.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)
A long-eared dog with a passing resemblance to early versions of Snoopy longs for his young owner's irresistible apple pie in this ABC book. Red and white letters, reminiscent of toy wood blocks, appear on each page, as the girl happily "bake it," then "dish it out." The expressive hound goes from being "eager for it," to "have to get a lick of it," which results in a gentle scolding before the "quietly determined" puppy devises a scheme for getting his pie. The grainy, retro-style artwork gives the book a deliciously vintage feel, and readers will be glad that perseverance (and pie!) win out over manners.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2012)
It’s unusual to find an alphabet book that tells a good story, but together the narrative and artful illustrations in Alison Murray s picture book do just that. Murray’s stylized prints, in a subdued but striking palette of red, orange, and blue with splashes of yellow, black, and white on cream, show a small girl making an apple pie, and her small black-and-white dog, who longs for a bit, a bite, or every last crumb. Each alphabet letter is presented like a quilt block on a page in which the narrative details the dog’s continuing quest for the coveted pie with a significant word or phrase that starts with the letter featured. When the pie is done, the dog must [L] leave without it but later is [Q] quietly determined to return. [Y] yum yum ... [Z] zzzzzzzzz ... go to sleep and dream of it. Terrific word choice in the brief text, and delightful images of the dog in action and his interactions with the often admonishing girl, add to the fun of this handsomely designed, appealing volume.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I agree with both of these reviews because the book is creative, yet teaches the concept of the ABC’s. The colors and letters really stand out on the pages, which caught my attention immediately. It’s an amusing story and it’s very relatable, especially for children.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The table that holds the apple pie is on vertical legs, which implies excitement when the dog tries to get the pie. The dog is on the ground and he feels sad because what he wants is high up, which is the pie. At the end, when the apple pie is falling off the table, it is falling diagonally, indicating motion. The background is light, which allows the letters in the alphabet to pop out at the reader and it makes for a safer feel.
Consideration of Instructional Application: In my classroom, a mini lesson could be having my students place magnetic letters in order on the whiteboard to familiarize themselves with the alphabet. After the read aloud, I would have them come up with words that start with each letter of the alphabet, just like the story did. I could also connect my lesson to math and have my students count how many letters are in the alphabet.
Author: Alison Murray
Illustrator: Alison Murray
Genre: Concept Book, Alphabet Book
Theme: Alphabet, determination
Opening Line/Sentence: A-Apple Pie.
Brief Book Summary: The book goes through the alphabet while telling a story of a dog wanting to eat the apple pie that he sees. In the end, the dog ends up getting the pie and is satisfied.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)
A long-eared dog with a passing resemblance to early versions of Snoopy longs for his young owner's irresistible apple pie in this ABC book. Red and white letters, reminiscent of toy wood blocks, appear on each page, as the girl happily "bake it," then "dish it out." The expressive hound goes from being "eager for it," to "have to get a lick of it," which results in a gentle scolding before the "quietly determined" puppy devises a scheme for getting his pie. The grainy, retro-style artwork gives the book a deliciously vintage feel, and readers will be glad that perseverance (and pie!) win out over manners.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2012)
It’s unusual to find an alphabet book that tells a good story, but together the narrative and artful illustrations in Alison Murray s picture book do just that. Murray’s stylized prints, in a subdued but striking palette of red, orange, and blue with splashes of yellow, black, and white on cream, show a small girl making an apple pie, and her small black-and-white dog, who longs for a bit, a bite, or every last crumb. Each alphabet letter is presented like a quilt block on a page in which the narrative details the dog’s continuing quest for the coveted pie with a significant word or phrase that starts with the letter featured. When the pie is done, the dog must [L] leave without it but later is [Q] quietly determined to return. [Y] yum yum ... [Z] zzzzzzzzz ... go to sleep and dream of it. Terrific word choice in the brief text, and delightful images of the dog in action and his interactions with the often admonishing girl, add to the fun of this handsomely designed, appealing volume.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I agree with both of these reviews because the book is creative, yet teaches the concept of the ABC’s. The colors and letters really stand out on the pages, which caught my attention immediately. It’s an amusing story and it’s very relatable, especially for children.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The table that holds the apple pie is on vertical legs, which implies excitement when the dog tries to get the pie. The dog is on the ground and he feels sad because what he wants is high up, which is the pie. At the end, when the apple pie is falling off the table, it is falling diagonally, indicating motion. The background is light, which allows the letters in the alphabet to pop out at the reader and it makes for a safer feel.
Consideration of Instructional Application: In my classroom, a mini lesson could be having my students place magnetic letters in order on the whiteboard to familiarize themselves with the alphabet. After the read aloud, I would have them come up with words that start with each letter of the alphabet, just like the story did. I could also connect my lesson to math and have my students count how many letters are in the alphabet.
November 7, 2017
1. Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray has not won any awards.
2. I think this book is appropriate for preschool and kindergarten.
3. In this book, a dog is very eager to get a taste of his owner's freshly baked apple pie. The alphabet takes the reader on a journey of this dog's desire for the apple pie. After the pie is baked and cooling, the dog tries to have a taste, but is kicked out; however, he never gives up.
4. I think this book is really cute. Even though there aren't a lot of words, the vocabulary is rich and there is an exciting story line. I think kids will really like it and will root for the dog to get a bite of that apple pie.
5. Once again, I could use this book to teach the alphabet, but I think there is more to it. I could use this book to talk about sequencing of events. I would tell the kids first the girl baked the pie. Then, she let it cool. After, she dished it out. I would write down first, second, and third with the corresponding words. I would then have students try their own examples and have them share. One example might be, first I woke up, second I brushed my teeth, third I got dressed. Another way I could use this book is to write a recipe using the sequencing of events I just taught them. I would tell them that recipes need to be completed in steps. Then I would write out the steps for them. The following day, we would bake our own pies following the steps we wrote in class.
2. I think this book is appropriate for preschool and kindergarten.
3. In this book, a dog is very eager to get a taste of his owner's freshly baked apple pie. The alphabet takes the reader on a journey of this dog's desire for the apple pie. After the pie is baked and cooling, the dog tries to have a taste, but is kicked out; however, he never gives up.
4. I think this book is really cute. Even though there aren't a lot of words, the vocabulary is rich and there is an exciting story line. I think kids will really like it and will root for the dog to get a bite of that apple pie.
5. Once again, I could use this book to teach the alphabet, but I think there is more to it. I could use this book to talk about sequencing of events. I would tell the kids first the girl baked the pie. Then, she let it cool. After, she dished it out. I would write down first, second, and third with the corresponding words. I would then have students try their own examples and have them share. One example might be, first I woke up, second I brushed my teeth, third I got dressed. Another way I could use this book is to write a recipe using the sequencing of events I just taught them. I would tell them that recipes need to be completed in steps. Then I would write out the steps for them. The following day, we would bake our own pies following the steps we wrote in class.
February 24, 2017
Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray is an alphabet concept book that cleverly tells a story about one dog’s adventure in trying to get a taste of the great smelling pie his owner, a young girl, just baked in the kitchen’s oven. He is determined and resorts to all types of tricks and strategies to get a taste. In this board book edition each letter represents a word or first letter of a phrase in this adorable adventure that little ones ages 1-5 will enjoy. Although all children will end up rooting for this dog, the text itself will be difficult for early readers. The simple illustrations easily aid the understanding of the story, but the text is not necessarily predictable like in traditional alphabet books. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of young children. It can be used to solicit predictions in the plot as well as develop a love of a good story and books.
September 13, 2017
I chose this books under the category of the alphabet. This story is simply about a girl who made apple pie and ate it while her dog was watching and waiting to get a taste of the pie. I thought this book was interesting because even though it's purpose was to be a book with the letters of the alphabet, it also told a story. Many alphabet books just have the letters with a word that starts with that letter on a page and there is never really a connection between the pages, but this book keeps a story going through the whole alphabet. I think younger students will enjoy the dog trying to eat the pie, but they will also be learning the letters of the alphabet, which is the main concern. I think one way teachers can use this book is after having read it to the class, have each student create their own story using the letters of the alphabet.
July 13, 2017
Alison Murray's story within Apple Pie ABC is a great read for toddlers, with scope for learning around behaviour, feelings, prepositions and improved vocabulary. Not bad for a small storybook. However, the ABC element feels somewhat mismatched. The story follows a dog's desire to eat an apple pie, with each page's actions starting with the next letter of the alphabet. It's difficult to relate the story (or indeed any phonetic reinforcement) to the sound/letter without losing any coherent story telling, so it never really delivers what you might expect. Past that though, the illustrations are bold and pleasant, the concept quirky and there's plenty of opportunity for exposition.
March 14, 2018
It's Pi Day! Time for a book on pie
This one is a cute one. The illustrations are big and blocky and rather classic feeling. The very clear letters and illustrations would make this a good one for an audience. The dog is irrepressible and oh-SO-interested in that pie. Most of us who've had pets have met one like this little guy! And I was honestly impressed how all the letters build the story with relatively few words. Very well done!
For a storytime, I can see using this one for one on pie, dogs, or the alphabet. Alphabet books are always fun to make interactive too, having the kids help recite the letters.
This one is a cute one. The illustrations are big and blocky and rather classic feeling. The very clear letters and illustrations would make this a good one for an audience. The dog is irrepressible and oh-SO-interested in that pie. Most of us who've had pets have met one like this little guy! And I was honestly impressed how all the letters build the story with relatively few words. Very well done!
For a storytime, I can see using this one for one on pie, dogs, or the alphabet. Alphabet books are always fun to make interactive too, having the kids help recite the letters.
October 17, 2023
"Apple Pie ABC" is one of the best alphabet picture books I've seen created to date. As a young girl waits for her freshly baked apple pie to cool, the onlooking, mischievous beagle passes the time in various ways. The use of humor and, at times, advanced vocabulary make this story enjoyable for a wide range of audiences. The muted, vintage-like illustrations add to the story's charm and presentation.
Publication Date: 2010
Format: Picture book
Elements: Muted illustrations; alphabet picture book/brief text per 2-page spread
Connection/Topics: Apples/apple pie, alphabet/letters, patience, friendship
Publication Date: 2010
Format: Picture book
Elements: Muted illustrations; alphabet picture book/brief text per 2-page spread
Connection/Topics: Apples/apple pie, alphabet/letters, patience, friendship
February 5, 2019
Well crafted, excellently written, but I refuse to give more than one star to any book that rewards bad behavior. Seriously. This dog needs a smack on the nose! Disobedience and thievery is NOT CUTE! And the fact that the girl sits there at the end SMILING at the dog is horrible! What kind of lesson does this teach children? Grrr!
And let's go ahead and add here that the book says it was originally published in "Great Britian." Really? Y'all can't even proofread your own information? For shame!
And let's go ahead and add here that the book says it was originally published in "Great Britian." Really? Y'all can't even proofread your own information? For shame!
February 15, 2018
Copyright:
Genre: ABC
Age: 2-6
Pages: 28
Summary/response:
An apple pie that was just freshly baked was put on the table for all to see, smell and eat. Everyone would love this apple pie but someone wants it just a little bit more than the others do! I gave this book a 4 out of 5 because it demonstrates use of the alphabet while telling a cute little story about an apple pie. I would definitely recommend this book to a preschool or kindergarten classroom that is learning the ABCs.
Genre: ABC
Age: 2-6
Pages: 28
Summary/response:
An apple pie that was just freshly baked was put on the table for all to see, smell and eat. Everyone would love this apple pie but someone wants it just a little bit more than the others do! I gave this book a 4 out of 5 because it demonstrates use of the alphabet while telling a cute little story about an apple pie. I would definitely recommend this book to a preschool or kindergarten classroom that is learning the ABCs.
December 2, 2018
Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray
12/1/18
3/5
Informational, Preschool- Kindergarten
Usually ABC books are a great way to teach young children the letters of the alphabet. However, a lot of the nouns in this book that coincided with the letter did not match up. Some of the names didn’t even start with the letter that it was trying to teach, and some of the other letters overpowered the first. I don’t think I would use this to teach young readers, but it was a cute book!
12/1/18
3/5
Informational, Preschool- Kindergarten
Usually ABC books are a great way to teach young children the letters of the alphabet. However, a lot of the nouns in this book that coincided with the letter did not match up. Some of the names didn’t even start with the letter that it was trying to teach, and some of the other letters overpowered the first. I don’t think I would use this to teach young readers, but it was a cute book!
August 19, 2019
This book has great illustrations, is large and great for reading aloud and the word choice for each letter is easily understandable and pronounceable and great. I do wish it had ended a little differently,
February 10, 2022
Cute alphabet book covering a story rather than a specific word for each letter, per se. Stella does better at picking out the letters than in many of her other alphabet books and seems to really like the story.
October 9, 2024
very cute and perfect for my "apples" story time. i used to think my kids would be bored by ABC, counting, or colors concept books, but they really like them. this one is a funny take on learning the alphabet that would work for my dog-themed storytimes too.
March 16, 2017
A very entertaining story about a dog pining for a pie while highlighting letters of the alphabet.
October 10, 2017
Cute! The illustrations add a great deal to the story. I like how it builds by using the alphabet.
October 23, 2017
The boys loved reading this ABC story of a naughty dog wanting some apple pie! ;)
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