Pies

Jean Free, a library consultant, is a retired public-school teacher and
librarian in Whitby, Ontario.

Elena argues with Mary about her cow. Elena is neat and tidy and keeps a
spotlessly clean house, while Mary loves the fresh milk the cow gives
her and doesn’t mind the mess the cow makes. After a violent argument,
Elena decides to get revenge on her neighbor and makes a pie out of cow
dung for her to eat. During the ensuing tea party, the two neighbors
discover that they have common troubles; they become friends again,
realizing that each has her own ways.

Pies is a large-format book with stunning pictures by Sheldon Cohen,
the award-winning illustrator of Roch Carrier’s The Hockey Sweater and
The Boxing Champion. His work perfectly captures the controversy and the
later friendship between the two neighbors with its bold, stylized
design and bright colors. Primary-grade children will love its joyous
humor and bright pictures; older students may appreciate its message.

Pies (originally an NFB short film, made in 1984) could help parents
and teachers initiate discussions about cultural distinctiveness, since
Mary and Elena come to Canada from different countries. Both the book
and the film would be useful in discussion groups about judging by
appearances.

Pies is highly recommended for personal, school, or public-library
collections.