Enemy Pie

I whole-heartedly recommend this story. Mr. Munson and Ms. King do a wonderful job of both entertaining and teaching a life lesson. The short of this story is that we fear the unknown and resist change. Mr. Munson artfully points out that enemies (not just childhood enemies) are more likely friends you just don't know yet. This book speaks well to today's youth and cleverly provides children a cornerstone for developing relationships.

I had the opportunity to hear Derek read his picture book "Enemy Pie" at Borders Storytime. The children in the audience, including myself and my own children--a 6 year old and a 9 year old loved this book. Derek's words are very poetic and his book is entertaining. It's quite a long picture book at 40 pages, but the story moves quickly and covers a lot of ground. I bought Enemy Pie and have enjoyed reading it out loud. I highly recommend it. The illustrations are bright and vivid. I can't wait for Derek's next books which he said are in the beginning stages. Yippee!! :-)

This book was used as a counseling lesson for elementary school age children. The story wove feelings of anger and jealousy with a surprising end. I also liked that a dad was the one who made the pie and helped his son turn his anger into surprised friendship. I am also planning on using this story as a children's story in church.

Life was good, until Jeremy Ross moved into the neighborhood and became enemy number one. Fortunately for this young boy, his dad knows just how to handle enemies...an old secret recipe, Enemy Pie. And while dad does the cooking, our young man must do his part, the hardest part. He has to spend the entire day, being nice and playing with Jeremy. First they rode bikes and bounced on the trampoline. Next they threw water balloons at girls and played some basketball. And towards the end of the day, they went up in the treehouse and played checkers and cards. Finally, dad called and said it was time for pie. What was a guy going to do? He liked Jeremy. They had become friends and were going to play again tomorrow. He definitely didn't want Jeremy eating any Enemy Pie..... Derek Munson has written a charming, amusing story with a subtle lesson that will not be lost on youngsters. His text and humorous dialogue are true to life and kids will really be able to identify with his characters. Tara Calahan King's wonderful, expressive artwork really compliments the story and together they send the important message that the best way to get rid of your enemies, is to make them your friends. Perfect for children 4-8, Enemy Pie is a winner.

What a clever story! I read it aloud to my two kids and they simply loved it. And what did they want to hear the next night? Yep. Enemy Pie. My youngest even asked me to bake one to help her "off" a girl who teases her at school! In any case, I give this one a hearty thumbs up. Thanks Mr. Munson and Ms. King!