It was to be the perfect summer, but it looks like the new kid in town will be enemy number one and will ruin the whole summer.

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, Illustrations by Calahan King

Jeremy Ross has just moved into the neighborhood and as the new kid in town he has become enemy number one. Luckily, Dad has some good ideas about how to deal with enemies, and the best way is to get rid of them. The solution is to make them an enemy pie. This is an awesome idea; imagine all the gross and disgusting ingredients that must go into an Enemy Pie. Watching dad he is surprised to see the Enemy Pie his dad makes. It’s not full of disgusting things, it smells delicious and it looks delicious. There is no way this is going to work! There has to be a catch. How does this Enemy Pie work? How can it possibly get rid of enemies?

Dad has made that pie and now he tells his son that in order for it to work, he must spend a day with the enemy. So, he goes to Jeremy’s house and asks him to play. Surprisingly, they have a great time. They have lots in common and enjoy the day together. That evening, the two boys have dinner together; and sure enough, for dessert dad serves Enemy Pie…which is delicious.

The simple message of this story is that by making a small effort to reach out to someone, by overcoming your own personal fears and feelings, a wonderful friendship can be formed.

This is a great story to help with:
• Dealing with a bully
• Initiating a friendship
• Overcoming fear
• Reaching out to someone

Things to discuss with your child before and after reading this book:
• Discuss the cover.
• What do you think the book is about?
• How do you get to know someone?
• What does the word ‘enemy’ mean?
• What qualities should you have to be a good friend?

48 pages, for ages 5 and up


Have fun with a "make and serve" apple pie set.


Note: This book is from my personal library.