Summer is officially here, so Dr. Toughlove has decided to review “Pie is for Sharing” written by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard and illustrated by Jason Chin. Dr. Toughlove made this selection because it is a book about sharing at a summer picnic.
Getting young children to share possessions (sharing people can be challenging as well) can be a daunting task. “Sharing is caring” is a phrase that is sometimes used by adults with mixed results. The setting for “Pie is for Sharing” is a multi-family picnic gathering. While the date for the picnic is never explicitly stated, the illustrations seem to indicate that it is July 4. Though the words are simple and the sentences are short, Jason Chin does an excellent job throughout the book of using illustrations to enhance and expand upon the author’s words. That attribute is one of the hallmarks of a great children’s picture book, and is expertly executed by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard and Jason Chin.
“Pie is for Sharing” lists a number of things that are easy to share like a tree, a rhyme or even a towel on a sandy beach. The book also talks about things that may be more challenging for children to share, for example – a best friend (page 17).
If Dr. Toughlove had to use three words to describe this book, she would choose elegant, engaging and entertaining. “Pie is for Sharing” is the sort of book young children will want to hear numerous times. Every time you read it, you will discover something you didn’t notice the last time around. It is also a wonderful resource if there are youngsters in your care that find sharing challenging. This book can be used as a springboard to discuss sharing in a child-friendly, non-threatening way. The value and importance of sharing can be reinforced by reading this book aloud.
If you are looking for a book for summer reading for young emergent readers, this book is an excellent choice.
“Pie is for Sharing” by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard is ideal for children aged pre-kindergarten – second grade, and is available at the Queen Anne’s County Library.