Hello, friends! Our book today is Pie Is For Sharing, written by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard and illustrated by Jason Chin, a sweet story about friendship, community, and the simple joys of summer.

Following a gathering of families for a day at the lakeside, the text begins with the titular sentiment: “pie is for sharing.” It starts as a round thing, but it can then be cut into as many pieces as you need, so everyone can have a slice. Lots of other things are for sharing, too: books, toy boats, music, stories, climbing trees, hugs – there are so many things you can share with the people around you, and the people you care about. Night breezes, berries, the last slice of homemade bread, and fireworks – these are made for sharing too. “Just like pie.”

At first, this can be read as a simple ode to summer – swimming, picnicking, playing in the sand with friends, enjoying a fireworks show as a community. The art certainly captures the joyful, carefree atmosphere of children in summertime, creating a lovely sense of nostalgia on every page. But not far beneath the surface appeal, there is a fantastic message about community and diversity to be found. The gathered families are a rainbow of skintones and ethnicities, they and their children joining together in eating a meal, playing, and sharing. With this, it becomes a story about sharing our world, our neighborhood, and ourselves with others, and experiencing the happiness that doing so brings. Otherwise, the length is great, and JJ loved the detailed, cheerful illustrations. This is a warm summer’s day of a book: relaxing, bright, and leaving the reader with a sense of comforting hope. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)