Synopses & Reviews
Review
“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
“Sweets 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 Montys list of rules and a recipe for “Happy Peach Pie” complete this sweet treat.” -Booklist
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.Easy as Pie is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
About the Author
Cari Bests award-winning picture books include Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. She lives in Weston, Connecticut.
Melissa Sweet has illustrated many picture books, including the Caldecott Honor book A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams (978-0802853028) by Jen Bryant. She lives in Rockport, Maine.
Reading Group Guide
Chef Jacob made his own Happy Peach Pie in his Easy-On Oven. Heres a real peach pie recipe that you can make in a real oven with the help of a grownup. Have fun!
Ingredients
1 package of 2 ready-made pie crusts
1 egg, beaten
5 cups peeled and sliced ripe peaches
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons flour
¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan with one of the crusts. Trim the edges.
- Brush the crust with some of the beaten egg using a pastry brush.
- Place the peaches in a large bowl and sprinkle with the lemon juice. Mix gently.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle over the peaches. Mix gently.
- Pour the peach mixture into the pie crust. Dot with butter.
- Cover the peaches with the other pie crust. Press down the edges with a fork and trim.
- Brush some more of the egg over the top crust.
- Cut several small triangles in the top crust.
- Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, then at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is browned.
- Enjoy with some delicious ice cream!