Take one traditional rhyme (A was an apple pie, B bit it...), mix it up a bit with new words, add a pinch of sweet girl and a dash of naughty dog, and you've got a recipe for... well, a unbelievably cliched first line in a review from me, but also a super book.
| Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
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| Summary: It's the classic alphabet tale of an apple pie, rejigged, and with a wonderfully lively dog trying to get some of that tasty goodness. Put issues of originality right out of your mind - as alphabet books go, this is up there with the very best. Highly recommended. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: May 2010 |
| Publisher: Orchard | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1408308011 | |
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We're taken through the alphabet letter by letter, as the dog attempts to get the pie and his owner attempts to stop him. The text breaks from the traditional rhyme, but in the context it works better. The vocabulary is accessible yet exciting, and the troublesome letters of X and Z are handled smartly enough. It's ideal for little ones learning the alphabet, but even if they're not quite at that stage yet, the story unfolds so interestingly that they won't feel left out.
Alison Murray's illustrations are the star of the show here. They're utterly gorgeous. They bring to mind screen or lino prints, reminiscent of a 1950s style, but feeling traditional rather than outdated. They're bold yet minimalist and support the text perfectly in telling the story. If you were Grace, the little girl, you'd love to have a lively dog like Georgie. If you were Georgie, you'd love to have a warm-hearted owner like Grace. The book's website includes a few fun activities, including colouring sheets. Alison Murray's website will give you a great idea of her style.
Apple Pie ABC might not be the most original book in the world, but the classics are classics for a reason. You might know exactly what you're getting, but it's all done to such a wonderfully high quality that it's adorable, beautiful, a cutie full of charms. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher for sending it to Bookbag.
Kipper's A To Z by Mick Inkpen is another excellent alphabet book. The Alphabet Family by Eva Montanari takes a different approach, and whilst it's not quite as successful, is still worth checking out. The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman and Gris Grimly is aimed at older readers, but is a must for any bookshelf. Alison Murray's follow-up, One Two That's My Shoe is excellent too.
Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray is in the Bookbag's Christmas Gift Recommendations 2010.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray at Amazon.com.
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