This week I want to try something a little different. I want to review Enemy Pie (2000), a picture book by Derek Munson, illustrated by Tara Calahan King. After reading this book review, you may see more value in reading picture books with all ages. And if you are an appreciative mom who would like more picture book reviews, please let me know!
Enemy Pie tells the story of a little boy who just cannot seem to get along with his new neighbor, Jeremy Ross. Eventually the boy’s dad helps him come up with a solution for getting rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But, spoilers! The enemies end up being best friends in the end.
I give this book a five star rating. My favorite thing about the book is that it caters to everyone. The words and ideas aren’t too big for younger audiences, but it can still entertain and surprise all readers in the end.
Honestly, even though Enemy Pie is a picture book, it is great for all ages. It has colorful pictures and a great moral. And I’m pretty sure I was first exposed to this book in high school, when one of my teachers gave us a good-old-fashioned story time, and read it out loud.
There is something about a good picture book that helps you to accept some of the difficult realities you face in everyday life.
More Books Like This
If you like Enemy Pie, you might also like Fanny’s Dream (1996) by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner. Fanny does not have to get rid of an enemy, but instead, find her Prince Charming.
– by Abbie Call
Read next: Poppy Book Review.
Abbie Call – Cannonville/Kirksville, Missouri
Abbie Call is a journalist and editor at The Byway. She graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in editing and publishing from Brigham Young University. Her favorite topics to write about include anything local, Utah’s megadrought, and mental health and meaning in life. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hanging out with family, quilting and hiking with the dog she’s getting soon — fingers crossed.
Find Abbie on Threads @abbieb.call or contact her at [email protected].