Pie for Chuck

PreS-Gr 1—Big Chuck, a large and furry woodchuck, loves pie, and so do Raccoon, Rabbit, little Chip (a chipmunk), and the mice. Separately, not one of them can reach the remote, yet enticing, pie on the window ledge. With a little teamwork, however, the three mice climb atop the shoulders of Big Chuck, and a delectable reward is happily in sight as all the friends enjoy an upside-down blueberry pie lying in wait for them on the floor below. Schories's spare, repetitive text is printed in large, accessible letters that are perfect for beginning readers and equally appealing for group read-alouds. She captures each creature's yearning expression for the unattainable treat just out of their reach, including beady eyes, upturned faces, and pouty frowns. Readers and listeners should not overlook the back page of the text, which features a small child pointing to the overturned pie plate and all the animals scampering away and hiding from the scene of the "crime."