Review By: Anonymous
Published: 2023
Genre(s): Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
Audience: Pre-K–Grade 2
Content Warnings: None
Goodreads Link: The Pie That Molly Grew
Summary:
Using “The House That Jack Built” rhyme scheme and beginning with the planting of a single seed, the journey of bringing a pumpkin to harvest comes to life for young readers. Under Molly’s watchful eye and care, each stage of growth–from the seed to the sprout to the leaves to the final fruit on the vine–is showcased. And at the end, Molly’s lovely pumpkin is turned into a delicious pie for one and all to share in a celebration of gratitude. All from the seed that Molly sowed. Back matter includes fun facts about pumpkins, the important pollinators who help them grow, as well as a pumpkin pie recipe.
Review:
The Pie That Molly Grew by Sue Heavenrich is a great book to read aloud to a class that has been studying the path a seed takes or the life cycle of a seed. Through the pictures and words, students will be given a realistic story of what can happen from a single seed and how the plant or vegetable can be used to feed a family.
I enjoyed how the author repeated the steps the seed has taken. My students love when they can help read and fill in the words of a story that I am reading aloud to them. This helps with engagement.
Based on the cover, I have seen students choose the book over others around it. The cover allows students to make predictions about what the story is about. It is bright and colorful, drawing attention. Also, with the “New York Agriculture in the Classroom” gold stamp on it, students are drawn to it and ask what award it won.
I did not recognize the author or illustrator name, which drew me to the story even more. The illustrations were detailed and caused me to keep looking.
