Book Review Summary: A Was Once an Apple Pie

Introduction

"A Was Once an Apple Pie" is a delightful picture book that combines the whimsical poetry of Edward Lear with the captivating artwork of Suse MacDonald. This adaptation of Lear's classic ABC rhyme takes readers on a journey through the alphabet, exploring objects and concepts that start with each letter. With its engaging illustrations and playful rhymes, this book has captured the hearts of young readers and parents alike. In this article, we will delve into the author's background, analyze the book's reception, and determine the reasons for its recommendation and potential drawbacks.

About Edward Lear

Edward Lear, the author of "A Was Once an Apple Pie," was a distinguished English artist, illustrator, and writer. Known for his literary nonsense, Lear's work encompassed poetry and prose, as well as limericks, a form he popularized. Beneath the absurd and playful imaginings of his poetry, Lear's writings reveal a melancholic streak that permeated his extraordinary and nomadic life. For more information about Edward Lear, please refer to the provided link to his Wikipedia page.

Analysis of Views

Engaging and Playful: Readers were delighted by the book's playful nature, finding it more entertaining than traditional ABC books. The rhymes and illustrations made learning the alphabet enjoyable and fun.
Innovative Approach: "A Was Once an Apple Pie" stood out for its innovative approach to teaching the alphabet. Each letter had an illustration and a short poem with rhymes, making learning more memorable and engaging for young readers.
Illustrations: The colorful and engaging illustrations by Suse MacDonald were praised for their ability to capture the attention of children and bring the letters to life. The illustrations added depth and texture to the book, making it more immersive for readers.
Early Learning Benefits: The book was seen as an excellent resource for early learners, providing opportunities for letter recognition, phonological awareness, print awareness, and language development through rhyming words. The repetition of rhyme schemes and the inclusion of rhyming words made learning easier and more enjoyable.
Engaging with Language: Readers appreciated how the book encouraged children to engage with language through rhymes and alliteration. The silly nature of the poems made it an engaging read for young readers, fostering their creativity and imagination.

Reasons for Recommendation

Fun and Engaging: The book's playful nature and engaging rhymes make it an enjoyable read for both children and parents. It provides a unique and entertaining way to learn the alphabet while fostering language development.
Illustrations: The vibrant and colorful illustrations by Suse MacDonald add depth and charm to the book, capturing the attention of young readers and enhancing their learning experience.
Early Learning Benefits: "A Was Once an Apple Pie" offers valuable early learning benefits, such as letter recognition, phonological awareness, print awareness, and language development through rhyming words. It provides a comprehensive approach to teaching the alphabet that is both entertaining and educational.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Nonsense Words: Some readers found the use of nonsense words in the poems to be unhelpful for young children trying to learn words. They preferred books with more straightforward vocabulary that would better support their language development.
Difficulty in Reading Aloud: A few readers expressed difficulty in reading the poems aloud due to the tongue-twisting nature of the rhymes and invented words used in some lines. This challenge may make it less suitable for read-aloud sessions in classrooms or at home.

Conclusion

"A Was Once an Apple Pie" by Edward Lear, adapted by Suse MacDonald, has received widespread praise for its playful approach to teaching the alphabet. With its engaging illustrations, innovative approach, and early learning benefits, this book has captured the hearts of young readers and parents alike. While there are some concerns about nonsense words and difficulty in reading aloud, overall "A Was Once an Apple Pie" is recommended as a fun and engaging way to learn the alphabet while fostering language development and creativity in young minds.