A Was Once an Apple Pie : Book Review

"A Was Once an Apple Pie" is a charming and whimsical children's picture book penned by Edward Lear and beautifully illustrated by Kate Greenaway. This delightful book takes young readers on a captivating journey through the alphabet, using playful rhymes and captivating illustrations to introduce them to a variety of fruits and foods. Each letter of the alphabet corresponds to a different delicious treat, from apples and blackberries to oranges and quinces.

The book's rhyming text makes it an absolute joy to read aloud, and children will delight in the rhythmic flow of the words. Lear's clever wordplay adds an extra layer of fun to the book, as he wittily uses each letter to create alliterative phrases that vividly describe the corresponding food item. For example, Lear creatively describes a cucumber, saying, "C was once a crisp, clean cucumber, 'Tis now a cinder, 'Twill soon be a cuke again, You will find it in June, Corned beef, or a college."

The exquisite illustrations by Kate Greenaway perfectly complement Lear's whimsical words, bringing the alphabet and its associated food items to life on the pages. Greenaway's meticulous attention to detail and vibrant color palette make each page visually captivating and engaging for young readers. The illustrations also feature hidden details that children can discover and point out, adding an interactive element to the reading experience.

This book not only teaches children about the alphabet and different foods but also stimulates their imagination and creativity. Lear's imaginative descriptions of the transformation of each food item allow children to envision a world where ordinary objects can become extraordinary. This fosters curiosity and a sense of wonder in young minds.

In summary, "A Was Once an Apple Pie" is a delightful and educational book that will captivate young readers. Lear's clever rhymes, Greenaway's beautiful illustrations, and the playful exploration of the alphabet and food make this book a treasured favorite for both children and parents.

What are readers saying?

The book "A Was Once an Apple Pie" has received predominantly positive reviews on Goodreads. Readers appreciate the book's imaginative and engaging content, finding it both educational and entertaining for young audiences. The unique concept of turning the alphabet into a story is highly regarded by reviewers. They find the book's colorful and vivid illustrations to greatly enhance the reading experience.

Many reviewers are particularly fond of the rhythmic and melodic style of the book, which makes it enjoyable to read aloud. The rhymes and repetition are praised for helping children learn the alphabet in a fun and memorable way. Additionally, readers believe that the playful approach to language in the book may even foster children's creativity and language skills.

Reviewers appreciate the inclusion of lesser-known words in the story, as they see it as an opportunity to introduce new vocabulary to young readers. The clever use of words and portrayal of different sounds and letters also garnered positive feedback.

However, there are a few readers who found the illustrations too busy or cluttered, potentially distracting for some children. Furthermore, a couple of reviewers mentioned that the book's emphasis on specific sounds or letters might not resonate with all readers, suggesting that it may be more suitable for children already acquainted with phonics basics.

In summary, "A Was Once an Apple Pie" is widely praised for its imaginative storytelling, engaging illustrations, and educational value. Readers consider it an excellent tool to introduce young audiences to the alphabet and language, while also sparking creativity and a love for words.

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