Pie Is for Sharing

A group gathers at a grassy riverfront park for leisurely Fourth of July festivities. The story begins with a focus on the pie that a family brings: “It starts out whole/ and round. Then... you can slice it/ into as many pieces/ as you wish./ Almost.” But the day calls for sharing beyond pie— “A book is for sharing./ A ball is nice for sharing, too./ And a tree?/ A tree is always shared,” Ledyard writes. In watercolor and gouache, Chin illustrates scenes brushed with gentle, lemony light as realistically expressive children jump rope, splash in the water, build sand castles, and explore. At dusk, everyone settles in to enjoy a fireworks display (“And a blanket?/ A breeze?/ The sky?/ These are for sharing.”) and a second berry pie. This is a visceral celebration of summertime, community, and open-ended play. Ages 2–6. Author’s agent: Alexandra Penfold, Upstart Crow Literary. (May)