Ugly Pie

Ol' Bear has a "hankerin'," and only one thing will satiate it: Ugly Pie. By following him on a quest through the forest, with stops at the homes of friendly neighbors who offer up their own traditional pies (no pie-filching Yogi Bear is he), readers will eventually learn that Ugly Pie is defined by the unaesthetic quality of its ingredients: wrinkled raisins, sour green apples, bumpy brown walnuts, and molasses. The conceit isn't all that successful—the pie may look ugly, but it sounds pretty good—especially in an age where gross is the new gorgeous. Still, Wheeler's (Boogie Knights) rural dialect text, replete with dropped gs ("Then Ol' Bear commenced to a-choppin' and a-mixin' and a-stirrin' and a-fixin' "), is fun to read—grownups should try channeling Baloo from The Jungle Book. Even better are Solomon's predominantly watercolor illustrations, which often employ a funny, multiexposure effect to convey Ol' Bear's relentlessness as he traverses the countryside, and exude a honeyed sense of color, place, and character. A recipe for the pie appears on the final pages. Ages 3-7. (July) Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2 Sweet molasses, my-oh-my. I'm itchin' for some Ugly Pie!" sings Ol' Bear as he sets out in search of one. Grampa Grizzle, Ma Hickory, and Sweet Cicely have all baked some good-looking treats—pumpkin, rhubarb, and heavenly honey pie—but not one is what Ol' Bear has a hankerin' for. However, they do provide him with some ugly leftovers from their kitchens—wrinkled red raisins, bumpy brown walnuts, and sour green apples. Ol' Bear goes home and realizes that he now has the ingredients for a wonderful Ugly Pie and sets about making one, and his neighbors all come to help him eat it. Large, bright watercolors, acrylics, and collage trace the bear's search as he goes from house to house. Tucked in every corner of the pictures are little woodland creatures that accompany him on his way, help him bake, and eat the final result: "My-oh-my-oh-my! Some Ugly Pie!" The recipe is appended with clear directions and the admonition that "cubs in the kitchen should always have a big bear around while cookin'." This humorous tale should appeal greatly to little cubs everywhere.—"Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Modern-day children...[will] like the gentle humor, the repetition, the compelling details in the pictures, and the folksy tone.—The Horn BookIf you're looking for a sweetened followup to a Stone Soup retelling, this offers a folklore-friendly slice.—BulletinWheeler's rural dialect text is fun to read....Even better are Solomon's predominantly watercolor illustrations.—Publishers WeeklyThe watercolor-and-acrylic illustrations pleasingly crowd the pages....Playful type adds swing to Ol' Bear's ditty, while a two-page recipe completes the tasty package.—Booklist

This humorous tale should appeal greatly to little cubs everywhere.—School Library Journal