Free Choice
Once I Ate a Pie
By Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest and Illustrated by Katy Schneider
Bibliography
MacLachlan, Patricia and Emily MacLachlan Charest. 2006. Once I Ate a Pie. Ill. by Katy Schneider. New York: Joanna Cotler Books.
ISBN 9780060735319
Book Review
A collection of thirteen tenderly written poems, Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest base each poem from the point of view of a dog. Each fine furry friend has a sensual and compassionate story to tell in an eloquently created free verse style poem. Each poem is delivered as only a little doggy could know, with words written in large and small print, with wavy up and down staggered letters to represent the sincerity and feelings of each little canine. Since the poems are appropriately titled with a doggy’s name, readers are immediately introduced and acquainted with each puppy, and of course every puppy is excited and happy to tell you their very own story.
Both authors do an excellent job in portraying the unique characteristics of every single dog. Some pages are neatly organized, while others are messy in every which way in order to represent how the puppy truly is in real life. Plus, every reader can relate to the crazy antics and lifestyles of these little dogs. Some of us sleep with our dogs right in the middle of our beds, some of us search for missing items that our lovely little pooch has confiscated, or some of us are currently experiencing the true love and heartbreak of caring for an aging elderly dog like in the poem titled, “Luke.”
Illustrator Katy Schneider does an equally brilliant job in portraying the unique details and qualities of each dog. Beautifully painted pictures show the true realism which those of us as dog owners can relate to. For instance, how many of us have ever walked into a room only to see our just made pie turned upside down on the floor, and the evidence covered all over your little “Mr. Beefy?” It is also worth noting that you need to be prepared for the sad and loving puppy dog faces in the process. Who could ever get upset with poor little “Mr. Beefy” even after he destroyed your pie and a made a big mess all over your clean house? Schneider’s approach to illustrating matches the appeal of each canine, with images blended in and out of each poem, and throughout the two pages dedicated to each dog’s special little verse. Classic and colorful brush strokes of Schneider’s paintbrush brings out the best of each little pooch. Soft shadows and blended shades bring a soft and loving touch to each canine’s facial features and expressions, and healthy fur coats.
The authors appropriately end this collection of poems with a verse fittingly titled, “Luke.” Although readers are greeted with different breeds, varieties, and ages, “Luke” is an elderly dog who tells his story of younger days when he was a young buckeroo chasing snowflakes and running through the tall grass, just footloose and fancy free. Now, he sleeps all day as old doggies do to rest their weary bones and bask in all their glory under the bright shining sun.
Luke
The sun is warm
And I sleep.
I dream about when I was young.
I chased snowflakes in the winter.
And I ran through the grasses in spring.
I still bark when I want to.
And tonight I howl at the moon.
But now the sun is warm.
And I sleep.
And I dream.
Extensions
Pair the poem “Luke” with the book I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
ISBN 0517572656
The poem “Luke” can be paired with a book titled, I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm. This book tells the story of a sweet little dog named Elfie and the life she spends with her little boy as they grow old together. A word of warning, be prepared to have tissues handy while reading this story. It is a tear jerker just like “Luke.”
Every child who has a pet always has a story to tell. Why not write a poem about their own beloved pet in free verse style? The process can be an exciting adventure as they add the fun format presented in Once I Ate a Pie. Children will love to integrate the fun wavy print presented throughout this book of doggy poems. Explain to children how to write from the point of view of their pet. They will definitely enjoy putting themselves in their pet’s shoes or paws. Use watercolor paints to mask the same effect of illustrations created by Schneider. Afterwards, allow children to share their work while reading the poem the way they think their pet would sound if it could really talk just like us.
Children will also enjoy acting out or performing the actions or activities of each dog.
Image Source: HarperCollins Children’s Books