Mud Pie Annie: God's Recipe for Doing Your Best

I was charmed by the creativity and love little Annie puts into her extraordinary creations. The uplifting message is clear and rings true, not contrived. My kids chuckled and had fun reading about Annie both in the "doing" pictures and the "afters". This is one I'd pay full price for knowing it would get lots of bedtime rereads.

Originally published in 2001, Mud Pie Annie is newly available as part Zonderkidz' "I Can Read!" series. It stars as a Level 1 (Beginning Reading) book. Written by Sue Buchannan and Dana Shafer, this story tells of Annie, a spunky girl devoted to perfecting her culinary creations. Unfortunately, all her ingredients come from the back yard. Using mud, sticks, dirt, grass, flowers and berries she creates masterpieces with the greatest diligence. But no one wants to eat her entrees. Her friends find other things to do. Her parents run away, then return only to declare it's bath time. At first Annie sulks in the tub, but then she grabs her bowl and spoon and starts creating something new. She sings: "If I make mud pies or dishes for a queen, I'll always do my best, for there is no in between." Annie concludes, "God sees what's in my heart, not the mud between my toes!" The illustrations by Joy Allen (original to the first published edition) are full of character. They feature dark, detailed outlines and fun, vibrant watercolor. Parents will also note the Scripture quotation at the front of the book: Colossians 3:23 which reads "Work at everything you do with all your heart." What I Like: Everything! This offers a great story in a format perfect for beginning readers. The rhyming text teaches a lesson while reinforcing phonetic skills. What I Dislike: Nothing. Overall Rating: Excellent. Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

Playfully written, excellently illustrated. A tasty literary treat, with cool recipes to boot. Read it to your children then take the recipes and let the kids assert their individuality in the kitchen! ...

This is DELIGHTFUL! The words twist and turn and almost taste good as the story develops. It is wonderfully illustrated. It is fun for adults to read and for kids to hear.

This is a great book -- well written, fabulously illustrated and carrying a meaningful message for young children. I especially loved the recipes. Highly recommended!