I like how this story builds upon itself... showing all of the ingredients and aspects of nature that contribute to the development of the sweet treat. There is repetition as more elements of the apple pie are added and the previous elements are mentioned again.

The tree grew the apples that went into the pie. Rain allowed the tree to grow. The sky allowed the clouds to drop the rain.

The illustrations in the book are quite rustic, which fits into the theme of a classic American apple pie. This is a very naturalistic tale.

The Apple Pie That Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson, 2007

When we were teenagers, my brother and I became very interested in natural food. This interest inspired me to bake whole-grain breads, cook natural whole-wheat pastas, and bake... my brother's favorite... vegan apple pies. I loved my apple pies too, but my brother would frequently beg me to make them, and sometimes I would relent. Today, he tells me that he still has my recipe. Here it is: 1/4 cup soy milk, 1/4 cup veggie oil, 1/4 cup water for the wet ingredients, and 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour. I forget what the cooking temperatures and times were, but it could have been 375 degrees. Anyhow, apple pies are wonderful!

• Books on apple pie
• Books by Lauren Thompson