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How to Bake an American Pie
How do you bake an American pie?
Preheat the world until fiery hot with a hunger and thirst to be free. Now find a giant melting pot on the shores of a great shining sea.
Including a dash of purple mountain majesties, cupfuls of courage, and a pinch of liberty, this beautifully illustrated combination of ingredients yields an irresistible treat that promises plenty of servings for children everywhere.
Preheat the world until fiery hot with a hunger and thirst to be free. Now find a giant melting pot on the shores of a great shining sea.
Including a dash of purple mountain majesties, cupfuls of courage, and a pinch of liberty, this beautifully illustrated combination of ingredients yields an irresistible treat that promises plenty of servings for children everywhere.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published May 22, 2007
2 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Karma Wilson
105 books523 followersKarma Wilson grew up an only child of a single mother in the wilds of North Idaho. Way back then (just past the stone age and somewhat before the era of computers) there was no cable TV and if there had been Karma could not have recieved it. TV reception was limited to 3 channels, of which one came in with some clarity. Karma did the only sensible thing a lonely little girl could do…she read or played outdoors.
Playing outdoors was fun, but reading was Karma’s “first love” and, by the age 11, she was devouring about a novel a day. She was even known to try to read while riding her bike down dirt roads, which she does not recommend as it is hazardous to the general well being of the bike, the rider, and more importantly the book. Her reading preferences were fantasy (C.S. Lewis, Terry Brooks, etc…) and historical fiction (L.M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, etc…). Those tastes have not changed much.
Karma never considered writing as a profession because her mother was a professional writer which made it seem like mundane work. At the age of 27 she realized that she still loved well-written children’s books of all kinds, from picture books to young adult novels. By that time Karma was a wife and the mother of three young children. Trips to the library with her kids were a combination of emotions…a good book meant fun for all! But so many of the books weren’t what her children wanted to listen to.
Then a tax refund changed everything. With the money the family decided to invest in a computer. Karma was forced to learn to type. Combining her desire to make the expensive computer pay for itself, her new-found typing skill, and her love of children’s literature, Karma started writing for children. She wanted to put a few more good books on the library shelves and pay off that computer! Countless rejections and three years later Karma was finally accepted by book agent Steven Malk (who had already rejected her once, which she never lets him forget). Her first book, Bear Snores On, was released in 2002. The computer was paid for!
Since then Karma has had more than 30 books accepted for publication. Many of those are on the shelves of libraries and bookstores around the world. Her books have received numerous state and national awards, been translated into dozens of languages, and a few have made an appearance on the New York Times bestseller list. Karma sincerely hopes that her books bring joy to children and families everywhere.
Karma writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young, and humorous and wistful poetry for the primary grades.
These days Karma lives with her handsome husband Scott, and her three not-so-young-anymore children, two dogs, two chickens and one cat on some modest but lovely acreage in NW Montana. Her hobbies include reading (of course), photography, baking, yoga, and a passion for Mixed Martial Arts.
Playing outdoors was fun, but reading was Karma’s “first love” and, by the age 11, she was devouring about a novel a day. She was even known to try to read while riding her bike down dirt roads, which she does not recommend as it is hazardous to the general well being of the bike, the rider, and more importantly the book. Her reading preferences were fantasy (C.S. Lewis, Terry Brooks, etc…) and historical fiction (L.M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, etc…). Those tastes have not changed much.
Karma never considered writing as a profession because her mother was a professional writer which made it seem like mundane work. At the age of 27 she realized that she still loved well-written children’s books of all kinds, from picture books to young adult novels. By that time Karma was a wife and the mother of three young children. Trips to the library with her kids were a combination of emotions…a good book meant fun for all! But so many of the books weren’t what her children wanted to listen to.
Then a tax refund changed everything. With the money the family decided to invest in a computer. Karma was forced to learn to type. Combining her desire to make the expensive computer pay for itself, her new-found typing skill, and her love of children’s literature, Karma started writing for children. She wanted to put a few more good books on the library shelves and pay off that computer! Countless rejections and three years later Karma was finally accepted by book agent Steven Malk (who had already rejected her once, which she never lets him forget). Her first book, Bear Snores On, was released in 2002. The computer was paid for!
Since then Karma has had more than 30 books accepted for publication. Many of those are on the shelves of libraries and bookstores around the world. Her books have received numerous state and national awards, been translated into dozens of languages, and a few have made an appearance on the New York Times bestseller list. Karma sincerely hopes that her books bring joy to children and families everywhere.
Karma writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young, and humorous and wistful poetry for the primary grades.
These days Karma lives with her handsome husband Scott, and her three not-so-young-anymore children, two dogs, two chickens and one cat on some modest but lovely acreage in NW Montana. Her hobbies include reading (of course), photography, baking, yoga, and a passion for Mixed Martial Arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 27, 2023
Nice goal to strive for - place my hope in the younger generation to make sure everyone gets a slice of this pie. This book has a real 'home' feeling to it; the pie represents the time that a family will spend together and the memories that will be made. Food is a very important and powerful way to connect with other people.
July 2, 2012
I love Wilson's Bear books but this one didn't quite touch me as much as I thought it could have. It felt a teensy bit clichéd to me and the illustrations just didn't match the text enough for my taste. It was all a bit abstract and I'm not sure how much kids would get from it. That said, it did have some lovely lines and I appreciate the sentiment.
March 8, 2017
I should've liked it -- there's patriotism and references to "America the Beautiful", the national anthem, etc. But I didn't like the art, nor did I particularly enjoy the rhyming text, and the TYPOGRAPHY which featured WORDS in BIG LETTERS and the rest in small letters somewhat RANDOMLY but usually using SIZE to HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANT ONES got OLD FAST.
On the other hand, my highly patriotic DS #1 (age 6) seemed to enjoy it reasonably well, probably entirely on account of the topic. If there are much in the way of bedtime requests I may wind up deferring to him and raising the overall rating. Yay, America.
ME: 1.7/5 DS#1: 3/5
On the other hand, my highly patriotic DS #1 (age 6) seemed to enjoy it reasonably well, probably entirely on account of the topic. If there are much in the way of bedtime requests I may wind up deferring to him and raising the overall rating. Yay, America.
ME: 1.7/5 DS#1: 3/5
April 1, 2020
Using snippets of text from famous patriotic songs such as America the Beautiful, with its "purple mountains majesty," and The Star Spangled Banner, with its "dawn's early light," as well as celebrated ideas and concepts from American culture and history - American pie, the melting pot, etc. - author Karma Wilson presents a poetic imagining of what it takes to create a country like the USA. Her rhyming "recipe" is paired with Raúl Colón's pen and watercolor illustrations, which depict a dog and cat baking the eponymous American Pie...
Although I have enjoyed some of Karma Wilson's other books, and generally love Raúl Colón's artwork, somehow How to Bake and American Pie just didn't work for me. I found that the text didn't really scan very well, which is something I particularly look for in rhyming texts. The illustrations, although beautifully done, felt like nothing so much as an oddly random mix of famous icons, all "melting" into one another, which may have been appropriate, given the theme of book, but struck me as oddly unappealing, visually speaking. I would imagine that this one might have appeal for those looking for patriotic picture-books for the 4th of July, but I'd recommend a beautifully-illustrated picture-book featuring the actual songs quoted by Wilson instead. Both Chris Gall and Wendell Minor have produced lovely picture-book versions of America the Beautiful that I would recommend, and the D'Aulaires created a gorgeous version of The Star Spangled Banner that is definitely worth checking out!
Although I have enjoyed some of Karma Wilson's other books, and generally love Raúl Colón's artwork, somehow How to Bake and American Pie just didn't work for me. I found that the text didn't really scan very well, which is something I particularly look for in rhyming texts. The illustrations, although beautifully done, felt like nothing so much as an oddly random mix of famous icons, all "melting" into one another, which may have been appropriate, given the theme of book, but struck me as oddly unappealing, visually speaking. I would imagine that this one might have appeal for those looking for patriotic picture-books for the 4th of July, but I'd recommend a beautifully-illustrated picture-book featuring the actual songs quoted by Wilson instead. Both Chris Gall and Wendell Minor have produced lovely picture-book versions of America the Beautiful that I would recommend, and the D'Aulaires created a gorgeous version of The Star Spangled Banner that is definitely worth checking out!
July 2, 2016
I discovered a picture book at the library this week that is new to me. Perhaps you know it, and it is just right for the Independence Day holiday, a celebration of all those through history to today who are part of America's wealth in people. It's written by Karma Wilson and illustrated with fabulous art by Raúl Colón. This recipe for America is written beautifully in rhythm and rhyme. The story is told by a dog and a cat, gathering ingredients, stirring and mixing to produce a special American Pie! Karma Wilson has integrated parts of "America The Beautiful" into his poetry, exactly right for a celebration of those who live here in the U.S.
February 24, 2019
Rhyming text about American using baking an American pie as the metaphor.
Borrows phrases from several patriotic songs (spacious skies, fruited plains, etc.)
Ends with saying "Serves: Just as many who wish to stop by." which is an interesting statement in the middle of today's fights over immigration.
Does claim "God's grace" as part of the ingredients.
Borrows phrases from several patriotic songs (spacious skies, fruited plains, etc.)
Ends with saying "Serves: Just as many who wish to stop by." which is an interesting statement in the middle of today's fights over immigration.
Does claim "God's grace" as part of the ingredients.
August 18, 2014
Perfectly Delicious For All Ages! Of course, this is a work intended for children K - 3rd Grade, but the verse is lyrical and the "pictures" are enough to make your mouth water. This is not your average book about Independence Day. Rather, it is a lovely little offering about the important things like freedom, tradition, and respect. The best part of all is these ingredients all come together via the best apple pie recipe ever! A snippet:
"Preheat the world until fiery hot with a hunger and thirst to be free. Now find a giant melting pot on the shores of a great shining sea."
In the beginning I set this book out in honor of the appropriate holiday, but since pie and patriotism are both good things to treat my loved ones to on a "before they realize they missed it" basis, this little treasure now retains permanent residency in our big basket of books. Everyone who knows us also knows story time is a weekly event at our place and it is from the big basket of books we extract - again and again - some of our favorite stories. As new books come to us, some books are eventually donated to our local libraries. We donated a copy of this book too, but not "our copy" and we've found that this book has managed to stand up to, and basically walk all over, the test of time and has been deemed "a keeper" by all who've taken part in our story time since it's first read by our very discerning bunch back when the boys were still boys - not young men at university.
These days I never know who'll pick it up and I always smile when I find one of the neighborhood children sprawled out on the reading rug, as they relish the sweetness of the illustrations while other times I'll find one of our own authors sitting by the window, cup of tea in hand and this book open wide as that same look of delight becomes a part of the day. These are the books and the looks I adore and even if it's just the cat and I who enjoy this read, the imagery never fails to delight, the illustrations remain as beautiful as a fresh-picked Granny Smith, and the message is still valuable, rewarding and sweet on the tongue and dear to my heart.
"Preheat the world until fiery hot with a hunger and thirst to be free. Now find a giant melting pot on the shores of a great shining sea."
In the beginning I set this book out in honor of the appropriate holiday, but since pie and patriotism are both good things to treat my loved ones to on a "before they realize they missed it" basis, this little treasure now retains permanent residency in our big basket of books. Everyone who knows us also knows story time is a weekly event at our place and it is from the big basket of books we extract - again and again - some of our favorite stories. As new books come to us, some books are eventually donated to our local libraries. We donated a copy of this book too, but not "our copy" and we've found that this book has managed to stand up to, and basically walk all over, the test of time and has been deemed "a keeper" by all who've taken part in our story time since it's first read by our very discerning bunch back when the boys were still boys - not young men at university.
These days I never know who'll pick it up and I always smile when I find one of the neighborhood children sprawled out on the reading rug, as they relish the sweetness of the illustrations while other times I'll find one of our own authors sitting by the window, cup of tea in hand and this book open wide as that same look of delight becomes a part of the day. These are the books and the looks I adore and even if it's just the cat and I who enjoy this read, the imagery never fails to delight, the illustrations remain as beautiful as a fresh-picked Granny Smith, and the message is still valuable, rewarding and sweet on the tongue and dear to my heart.
October 28, 2016
Review: (Historical) This childrens book discusses what makes America so great, and ties it all together by making each characteristic (courage, bravery, etc.) as ingredients to a pie. I absolutely loved this book, it uses rhyming and tid bits from well known songs like the national anthem, America, and This Land is Your Land.
Content Areas:
For this book I would definetly use it for learning about the history of our nation. After reading this to my class, I would have ask them to research a specific president and their role in the development of our great nation. Or, I would ask them to research the Declaration of Independence and the impact it had on our country, what occured as a result, and when it was signed and by who.
Comprehension:
Q: What did the author mean by "melting pot?"
A: Well, that is one of the things that makes America so great, it refers to the "blending" of diverse cultures. And America has many, many different types of people all living together.
Q: Why do you think the author used a pie as an example?
A: Because there are many different ingredients that have to go in, in order to make a good pie. And because anything you want to turn our well has to have "plenty of faifth, hope, and love."
Wonders:
1. How did the dog and cat build a rainbow?
2. How did they bake the massive pie?
Content Areas:
For this book I would definetly use it for learning about the history of our nation. After reading this to my class, I would have ask them to research a specific president and their role in the development of our great nation. Or, I would ask them to research the Declaration of Independence and the impact it had on our country, what occured as a result, and when it was signed and by who.
Comprehension:
Q: What did the author mean by "melting pot?"
A: Well, that is one of the things that makes America so great, it refers to the "blending" of diverse cultures. And America has many, many different types of people all living together.
Q: Why do you think the author used a pie as an example?
A: Because there are many different ingredients that have to go in, in order to make a good pie. And because anything you want to turn our well has to have "plenty of faifth, hope, and love."
Wonders:
1. How did the dog and cat build a rainbow?
2. How did they bake the massive pie?
March 5, 2011
A cute little patriotic book. I probably should have saved this to read on July 4. It uses some phrases from America the Beautiful to show how a dog and a cat bake an American pie. "Now find a giant melting pot on the shores of a great shining sea" and "Now roll out a top of spacious skies to cover this county of ours." The illustrations are so imaginative. Some cover the entire two-page spread without any words at all. As I read I thought that illustrator Raul Colon must have had so much fun creating pictures to go with the text. A picture is worth a thousand words, but I will try to describe the "fruited plain" picture. Huge fields being rolled with a rolling pin. Gigantic apples, pears, strawberries and grapes share the page with normal sized cows and barn. The back and front pages feature pictures of people of different races each taking a bite of pie. Fun!
August 10, 2013
Everyone with children needs to get this book and read it! Actually, I think it's a fun read for adults too :) Sentimental and poetic, Karma Wilson has published yet another masterpiece into Children's Lit. The witty text is littered with familiar phrases from The Star Spangled Banner and the constitution, with gentle reminders throughout that America is the great melting pot and under God's grace, and built by hard work and loyal hearts. I loaned this from the library but I plan on purchasing it for our home collection very soon. A keeper for sure! The illustrations are absolutely wonderful, I looked through the book a second time after reading it just to soak in the amazing visual story told on each page. Some illustrations fill a full two pages for a panoramic scene of silliness. Major kudos to both the author and the illustrator, Raul Colon.
August 6, 2013
The text in How to Bake an American Pie is a lovely poem about ideally what it is to be an American and what forms America. Karma Wilson, author of the charming "Bear" books, is equally charming here and surprisingly poignant. As an adult, it reminds me of what is best about my country and countrymen. After a fractious election season, I savored every heart-warming word. For a child, the book gives ideals that are attainable, if not always present.
As much as I love Jane Chapman as the illustrator for the "Bear" books, I think Raul Colon was a perfect choice to illustrate this sweet and powerful poem-story. In addition to his illustrations also being sweet and powerful, they are wonderfully whimsical in a way that actually enhance the poignancy of this book.
As much as I love Jane Chapman as the illustrator for the "Bear" books, I think Raul Colon was a perfect choice to illustrate this sweet and powerful poem-story. In addition to his illustrations also being sweet and powerful, they are wonderfully whimsical in a way that actually enhance the poignancy of this book.
July 8, 2022
How do you bake an American pie?
"Preheat the world until fiery hot
with a hunger and thirst to be free.
Now find a giant melting pot
on the shores of a great shining sea.
Pat out a crust of fruited plains,
then spread it as far as you dare.
Fold in some fields of amber grains,
enough for all people to share."
More ingredients include courage, the dawn's early light, liberty, waterfalls kissed by the sun, ideas, dreams, and God's grace.
This is a charming celebration of America and the things that make her great.
"Preheat the world until fiery hot
with a hunger and thirst to be free.
Now find a giant melting pot
on the shores of a great shining sea.
Pat out a crust of fruited plains,
then spread it as far as you dare.
Fold in some fields of amber grains,
enough for all people to share."
More ingredients include courage, the dawn's early light, liberty, waterfalls kissed by the sun, ideas, dreams, and God's grace.
This is a charming celebration of America and the things that make her great.
March 10, 2008
This book was really good. The rhyme scheme was not too obvious. The pictures were very good. And the symbolism, though maybe a bit too high for the younger audience, is still wonderful for all who read it. As I am proud to be an American and am loyal to my blessed native land, I liked this book and all it represented to me.
September 8, 2012
Both the illustrations and the text contain details, references, and vocabulary suitable for curricular discussions at upper ages. The tightly metered and rhymed text has a lilting pace. The humorous images of the dog and cat throughout and splashes of familiar words and elements make it an effective read aloud for young children, too.
July 3, 2016
I really liked this book. It adds 'ingredients' that come from the land, the people who came to America, and things that remind us of what we all stand for together. I personally like that the author included 'pour in the pot plenty of faith, hope, and love.... Place in God's grace and allow to rise.' Well written in lyrical prose, and illustrations that combine reality with imagination.
July 4, 2010
This is a fun little story to read on Independence Day. It is full of pithy platitudes, but is sweet and has a nice rhythmic flow and rhyming text. The illustrations are fun too. Probably one of those books that adults can appreciate more than the children do.
April 10, 2011
Nice metaphor of using a pie to describe America. In the book, the author uses characteristics that typically Americans use to define America. From courage to national symbols, this book does a good job at making the reader think about how a pie and America are alike.
July 3, 2013
one of my favorite books. simple, yet beautifully written. the illustrations are easy and catchy enough for the young ones.
my children love it. this story has become our Independence Day tradition...
my children love it. this story has become our Independence Day tradition...
April 20, 2016
This book is a really fun way to introduce concepts about American history. It is written well and the illustrations are fun. It would be a great book to use for social studies integration. It was also just be a great book to have in the class that gets students excited about patriotism.
June 12, 2017
Karma Wilson is one of my favorite children's book authors. She hit this out of the park. Such a beautiful, patriotic book. We borrowed this from the library but I will be purchasing a copy for our home.
September 11, 2017
This book talks about making a pie. I guess you could get that from the title. The book gives a lot of cute pictures and talks about how to make one. It has a lot of people in the book and it would definitely catch the eye of the little kids.
January 30, 2012
the story of America as an ideal, beautifully told.
August 7, 2017
This book is very touching and it warmed my heart.
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November 29, 2020The author of "Blue Skies White Stars" referenced this book as an inspiration.
February 7, 2017
I thought the illustrations here were clever and went with the text well.
I'm much more ambivalent about the text.
I'm much more ambivalent about the text.
September 25, 2017
Useful to introduce American ideals to younger readers.
October 14, 2019
Probably better for a 4th of July storytime or patriotic theme.
April 4, 2022
So cute. Would be perfect for 4th of July.
August 15, 2024
Pretty cute! A few underline things I didn't care for, but not bad and probably fixable!
May 17, 2025
Exquisite Read. Great for 20+ year olds
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews