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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 They bring to mind screen or lino prints, reminiscent of a 1950s style, but feeling traditional rather than outdated.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 GeorgeGeorgie. If you were GeorgeGeorgie, you'd love to have a warm-hearted owner like Grace. The [http://www.applepieabc.com/ book's website] includes a few fun activities, including colouring sheets. Alison Murray's [http://everythingispattern.com/ 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 by Alison Murray|One Two That's My Shoe]] is excellent too.
{{toptentext|list=Bookbag's Christmas Gift Recommendations 2010}}
