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[(Once I Ate a Pie )] [Author: Patricia MacLachlan] [May-2010]
Gus herds his people like sheep. Abby loves borrowing slippers. And once, Mr. Beefy ate a pie.It's a dog's life. Filled with squeaky toys, mischief, and plenty of naps. Every dog has a tail to wag and a tale to tell. Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest asked this collection of canines to speak up with their own words, barks, and yips.Illustrations by Katy Schneider.
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First published April 25, 2006
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About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
133 books797 followersPatricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.
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November 13, 2020The best book written from an animal's perspective that I have ever read!
A beautifully written and illustrated book of poems about and "by" dogs written by Patricia MacLachlan (author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.)
A must read for dog lovers of all ages!- Lindsey D.
A beautifully written and illustrated book of poems about and "by" dogs written by Patricia MacLachlan (author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.)
A must read for dog lovers of all ages!- Lindsey D.
May 25, 2022
Once I Ate a Pie, which just like its companion tome I Didn't Do It features a short collection of blank verse poems from dogs’ imagined but also totally authentic seeming viewpoints and perspectives, is generally sweetly lyrical and humorously engaging (penned by Patricia MacLachlan and her daughter Emily MacLachlan Charest and with accompanying illustrations by Katy Schneider). And indeed, I do both appreciate and enjoy that the MacLachlans' main theme for Once I Ate a Pie is not simply to focus on how cute, how loyal, how delightfully playful and cuddly family dogs can generally and for the most part be, but yes, that a sizeable amount of the featured verses in Once I Ate a Pie also demonstrate naughty canine behaviors (such as food nabbing, borrowing and chewing slippers, incessant barking, and that many of the smaller dog breeds do also seem to often possess a rather overdeveloped and thus at times annoying sense of time entitlement).
But while I (as already alluded to above) very much like and find it cheering that Patricia MacLachlan and her daughter show both nicely behaved and equally so naughty dogs in Once I Ate a Pie (and I also think that Katy Schneider's both realistic and at the same time wonderfully imgivative artwork is both visually delightful and a wonderful pictorial mirror of and for the MacLachlans' poems), I do personally find it rather problematic at best that in NONE of the poems in Once I Ate a Pie where bad or potentially bad dog behaviors are shown, there are ANY disciplinary consequences for the misbehaving canines or with them even somewhat feeling at least a bit chastised, something that I personally do find quite hugely annoying (as I really tend to totally and utterly despise badly behaving, insufficiently trained and socialised dogs, and that therefore, even though I very much have found the majority of Once I Ate a Pie delightful and heartwarming, my rating will and can only be three stars, and not to mention that I am once more a bit miffed that like I Didn't Do it, Once I Ate a Pie again features not one word, not one single poem about and regarding Rottweilers).
But while I (as already alluded to above) very much like and find it cheering that Patricia MacLachlan and her daughter show both nicely behaved and equally so naughty dogs in Once I Ate a Pie (and I also think that Katy Schneider's both realistic and at the same time wonderfully imgivative artwork is both visually delightful and a wonderful pictorial mirror of and for the MacLachlans' poems), I do personally find it rather problematic at best that in NONE of the poems in Once I Ate a Pie where bad or potentially bad dog behaviors are shown, there are ANY disciplinary consequences for the misbehaving canines or with them even somewhat feeling at least a bit chastised, something that I personally do find quite hugely annoying (as I really tend to totally and utterly despise badly behaving, insufficiently trained and socialised dogs, and that therefore, even though I very much have found the majority of Once I Ate a Pie delightful and heartwarming, my rating will and can only be three stars, and not to mention that I am once more a bit miffed that like I Didn't Do it, Once I Ate a Pie again features not one word, not one single poem about and regarding Rottweilers).
May 10, 2022
Cat Talk and Once I Ate a Pie came in together at the library and I read them in the same sitting. They really do feel like companion books, one about cats and the other about dogs. I think I liked the one about cats a bit better, but probably because I am more experienced with cats and have known cats with most of those personalities. The dog one is cute, too, though. I was pleased that there are not really any irresponsible humans (pet "owners") in these pages, though a few of the animals do get into some mischief (such as, ahem, eating a pie). Overall, I can't say as I was really wowed by either book, but they are sweet enough and it's clear the MacLachlans love animals.
October 1, 2008
Can you imagine a book of poetry that could hold a first grade class spell-bound until the end? Once I Ate a Pie is that book! Maclachlan has written fourteen poems about dogs, each in the voice of a different breed. While each kind of dog has its own characteristics, each poem reflects both that and perspective of an individual.
Every illustrated two-page spread has an image of the dog who authored that poem. It's hard to say how this could have been any better: the oversize oil-painted illustrations perfectly complement the poetry, and vice versa.
A great book for gift-giving!
Every illustrated two-page spread has an image of the dog who authored that poem. It's hard to say how this could have been any better: the oversize oil-painted illustrations perfectly complement the poetry, and vice versa.
A great book for gift-giving!
June 7, 2022
Well now, here is a book that was, from beginning to end, a very fun and enjoyable reading experience! Once I Ate a Pie is made up of short vignettes told from the perspectives of many different dogs of a variety of temperaments. Some of the dogs seem to like everyone, to love getting petted and just being in the company of other people. Some of them don't care much for people or animals outside of their immediate sphere of influence (namely, their own house), and do their best to prevent other creatures from trying to become part of the family. All of the dogs, though, have something or other about their personality that makes reading about them a compelling experience.
It's difficult to pick out a favorite, but I'd have to go with the "title dog", of sorts, the one that says the line "Once I ate a pie." That line doesn't come in an orderly way, either, positioned at the end of a natural progression of thoughts to make the most sense. No, the dog who says it (he is pictured on the book's cover, so you know) tosses that thought into his story after talking about pilfering pads of butter from his people's table, and taking the butter to the basement to eat in private. That's when he adds, "Once I Ate a Pie." This sort of happily scattered thinking is very charming in the book, and appears even more so due to the pictures, which seem to tell the stories nearly as well as the text itself. Once I Ate a Pie fittingly ends with the story of an older dog, somewhat tired from a long life but still able to enjoy the presence of the people around itself in the peaceful glow of contentment.
Patricia MacLachlan has been one of my favorite authors for a long time, and teamed up with her daughter for this book, she has taken her own profound creative potential and developed a new sort of style that suits her very well. Once I Ate a Pie is an excellent book that exceeded my expectations and brought me a few laughs and some smiles, as I'm sure it would for anyone. I would give it two and a half stars.
It's difficult to pick out a favorite, but I'd have to go with the "title dog", of sorts, the one that says the line "Once I ate a pie." That line doesn't come in an orderly way, either, positioned at the end of a natural progression of thoughts to make the most sense. No, the dog who says it (he is pictured on the book's cover, so you know) tosses that thought into his story after talking about pilfering pads of butter from his people's table, and taking the butter to the basement to eat in private. That's when he adds, "Once I Ate a Pie." This sort of happily scattered thinking is very charming in the book, and appears even more so due to the pictures, which seem to tell the stories nearly as well as the text itself. Once I Ate a Pie fittingly ends with the story of an older dog, somewhat tired from a long life but still able to enjoy the presence of the people around itself in the peaceful glow of contentment.
Patricia MacLachlan has been one of my favorite authors for a long time, and teamed up with her daughter for this book, she has taken her own profound creative potential and developed a new sort of style that suits her very well. Once I Ate a Pie is an excellent book that exceeded my expectations and brought me a few laughs and some smiles, as I'm sure it would for anyone. I would give it two and a half stars.
January 3, 2021
Most years this is the most popular book I have at the Poetry Scavenger Hunt.
Classroom Connections
Each February we have a big poetry unit in my classroom. One of the things we do is a Poetry Scavenger Hunt. We have at least 50 poetry books on display in the room and I begin the unit by book talking each book briefly. This takes me at least a week because I read a poem from each book. Then, the kids choose what appeals to them. They can read anything they want in any fashion they wish. The only rule is to read and enjoy poetry. Eventually, I begin each session with a mini-lesson on rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, etc. Then, the students begin choosing poems with examples of each poetry topic we have covered. At the end of each session students can share a poem that they love and have rehearsed reading aloud. This is just a short review of all we do, but it is a powerful, powerful time in our classroom.
Classroom Connections
Each February we have a big poetry unit in my classroom. One of the things we do is a Poetry Scavenger Hunt. We have at least 50 poetry books on display in the room and I begin the unit by book talking each book briefly. This takes me at least a week because I read a poem from each book. Then, the kids choose what appeals to them. They can read anything they want in any fashion they wish. The only rule is to read and enjoy poetry. Eventually, I begin each session with a mini-lesson on rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, etc. Then, the students begin choosing poems with examples of each poetry topic we have covered. At the end of each session students can share a poem that they love and have rehearsed reading aloud. This is just a short review of all we do, but it is a powerful, powerful time in our classroom.
March 14, 2013
"Once I Ate a Pie" was a delightful read. The book is a collection of poems written from the point of view of different dogs. Big dogs, small dogs, lazy dogs, rambunctious dogs, and all the dogs in between. The poems are written in free verse in a concrete style that dances across the page. Any dog owner will nod their head in agreement to the insights of a dogs life provided by the authors. Katy Schneider provides excellent illustrations that made me want to cuddle up with each of the featured pups.
I think that this themed poetry book will win the attention of Pre K - 2nd grade students. It has excellent examples of concrete poems, alliteration and onomatopoeia. The poem are short and simple yet very descriptive. This book would be a great mentor text for students to write a poem about a different animal.
I think that this themed poetry book will win the attention of Pre K - 2nd grade students. It has excellent examples of concrete poems, alliteration and onomatopoeia. The poem are short and simple yet very descriptive. This book would be a great mentor text for students to write a poem about a different animal.
February 16, 2016
This book depicts different kinds of dogs and their thoughts about themselves. I can imagine students giggling at some of the things the dogs say. In class, I would use this book with younger children to get them thinking about writing from other perspectives. I might put a picture of a dog on the board and have students write about what they imagine the dog would say about its life if it could.
This also makes me think of a project we could do with the students using craft materials such as pipe-cleaners, cotton balls, rope, yarn, styrofoam balls, and so on. With the picture of a dog on the board, the "maker prompt" would be: Design something that would make this dog smile." Again, students could write about what they make, how they did it, and how the dog would use it.
This also makes me think of a project we could do with the students using craft materials such as pipe-cleaners, cotton balls, rope, yarn, styrofoam balls, and so on. With the picture of a dog on the board, the "maker prompt" would be: Design something that would make this dog smile." Again, students could write about what they make, how they did it, and how the dog would use it.
October 13, 2013
This was my favorite book out of all the Children's notable books i have read. I love dogs (probably more than people) so i really enjoyed it. First, i really loved the pictures. The illustrator did an amazing job with the detail of each dog. I also really enjoyed the different ways that the words were set in the book. They weren't in the usual same box format. They were scattered and it gave the book personality. I also loved that each page explained the personality of each dog and how that dog viewed itself. I thought it was so cute.
May 6, 2009
Once I Ate a Pie is a must read for any dog lover out there. I honestly stood in the bookstore and cried while I read it - not because any dog dies (thank goodness!) but because it so perfectly captures the spirit and personalities in dogs. The illustrations are gorgeous and the text is original and delightful. I think dog lovers of all ages will enjoy this.
July 3, 2016
This is poetry for small children as told by various dogs. Some of the poetry is good, some less so. but the premise is good.
November 29, 2018
This is a fabulous book. It’s poetry told from the POV of all different types of dogs. Each with a different outlook on their lives. Very cute!
June 6, 2022
Very cute book. Great pictures, fun verse. I like how the verse curls around and is in different sizes. That could be another thing to talk about when reading the book to children. Now if I can just get grandchildren...
I think my favorite is Gus with a picture of the face of a Shepherd dog looking up through soulful eyes:
I want my people in a group, like sheep
When someone is in the bathroom, I open the door
"Are you all right?"
They are NOT happy.
I take them back to the others.
When they go anywhere,
I am watching.
I am the herder
Better in the book with the parts bolded or italicized and sometimes with the sentence curving around.
I would recommend everyone to get some small children so you have people to read this book to. And if none are available, I am sure your dog would love to hear it too.
I think my favorite is Gus with a picture of the face of a Shepherd dog looking up through soulful eyes:
I want my people in a group, like sheep
When someone is in the bathroom, I open the door
"Are you all right?"
They are NOT happy.
I take them back to the others.
When they go anywhere,
I am watching.
I am the herder
Better in the book with the parts bolded or italicized and sometimes with the sentence curving around.
I would recommend everyone to get some small children so you have people to read this book to. And if none are available, I am sure your dog would love to hear it too.
May 18, 2009
Very cute! Hard to pick a favorite, Gus seems most like my dog, but I've got a soft spot for Mr. Beefy and his pie...
April 26, 2019
My six year old daughter read this to me.
One of the small messages or poetic barks within these dog-eared pages makes anyone want to howl at the moon if the right person reads it to you.
One of the small messages or poetic barks within these dog-eared pages makes anyone want to howl at the moon if the right person reads it to you.
April 13, 2021
Perfect.
I am enamored by the illustrations!
I am enamored by the illustrations!
February 14, 2018
I've been on a Patricia MacLachlan kick lately, and she is fast becoming a favorite. One of my favorite things about her novels is the poetic lyrical tone--she writes in a similar fashion to Cynthia Rylant (another favorite!) So when I saw that Patricia MacLachlan had written a short book of dog themed poetry, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. The intersection of dogs and poetry is my favorite place to be, and this book did not disappoint. I loved the element of artistic creativity of arranging the words --into arcs, tiny font, giant font, unusual alignment--to provide greater emphasis and evoke greater feeling. It's reminiscent of Sharon Creech, and when done well (as it is here) really makes the poetry highly relatable. Finally, the illustrations are absolutely a perfect match. As I found myself re-reading each lovely little poem over and over, I couldn't help but stare at the beautiful accompanying illustrations. 5/5 stars--This is a fun little volume sure to delight both young and old dog lovers equally.
November 14, 2017
This book is a collection of poems told from a dog’s perspective. These poems are great for children because it gives children a funny look into the lives of dogs. These poems are also relatable to human experiences. This book is composed of poems told from the perspective of dogs about their everyday lives. It is a fun, silly collection of poems for multiple different breeds of dogs that make not only children smile and giggle but adults too. It is such a cute book. This book is a great example of how to get young kids into poetry and how to engage them in a story. Every illustration within this book are large, two page paintings that are vibrant and alive. The paintings are of the dog and objects they are talking about in their poem. The illustrations pull the reader in and make each poem understandable and more real. I would recommend this book to classroom teachers, parents and any child.
March 14, 2018
"Once I Ate a Pie" by Patricia Maclachlan with pictures by Katy Schneider is a cute book. The story features seventeen dogs who share about themselves. The words are often written at angles or with different shaped and sized fonts to help the reader understand what the dogs are thinking by what is emphasized. Through words and pictures, the readers come to understand the personality of the different dogs. Children might find that they identify certain of their characteristics with those of the dogs. For example, one dog likes to eat while another likes to play. Some children might identify more with the dog who likes to eat and others with the dog who likes to play. This book can help children understand themselves and others better by learning that different people are motivated by different things. This is a nice book to read to children who might find themselves laughing at the antics of the cute and lovable dogs.
January 29, 2018
I am falling in love with dog poetry - by some of my favorite children's authors. Again, the illustrations are a wonderful addition to the poetry. Absolutely delightful. :)
First and last poems - the same dog as a puppy and as an adult dog!!
Lucy is from a shelter and is content to sleep between her owners.
Wupsi - "Who's cute??"
Darla, who loves to ring the bell to go outside and notes her people are very tired!
Louis barks, for everything!
Sugar likes to sleep and only wants to chase the cat - yikes!
Three dogs. Friends. Beautiful.
Needle Nose likes to open closed things like the mail, the refrigerator and the cat-snack bags!
Pocket thinks she is HUGE.
Abby thinks she borrows...and does not have to return.
Tillie and Maude love each other and look alike, but are very different.
First and last poems - the same dog as a puppy and as an adult dog!!
Lucy is from a shelter and is content to sleep between her owners.
Wupsi - "Who's cute??"
Darla, who loves to ring the bell to go outside and notes her people are very tired!
Louis barks, for everything!
Sugar likes to sleep and only wants to chase the cat - yikes!
Three dogs. Friends. Beautiful.
Needle Nose likes to open closed things like the mail, the refrigerator and the cat-snack bags!
Pocket thinks she is HUGE.
Abby thinks she borrows...and does not have to return.
Tillie and Maude love each other and look alike, but are very different.
March 19, 2019
This book was the 2006 winner of the Irma Black Award - Bank Street College of Education. The cover has a, "sticker," that says, "13 Dogs Tell All! Dog Approved," with a paw print in the middle. The realistic illustrations of the 13 dogs, along with pieces of their stories are beautiful. Some of the behaviors and preferences expressed as poems are true to their various breeds so this book is wonderfully informative. As a dog lover with a carefully selected rescue dog Sophie, because of her breed traits, I highly recommend this book. You can feel the love for dogs in this book, but also an understanding of the uniqueness of the breeds. Kids voted for this book and I can see why.
June 6, 2018
Although, the book seemed funny and quirky with the different dogs having something to say. I do have to say I found the story rather un-amusing. I’m sure maybe other children will like it but personally I didn’t find it interesting. I thought it was kind of confusing. This book could be used in the elementary school levels. However, I’m not sure if there could be a activity maybe students can make their own free-write poem and draw themselves as a puppy. Overall, the only strengths were the pictures since they were realistic but funny but nothing else was decently okay.
June 23, 2017
This is my favourite picture book of 2017. (Okay, it was published in 2006--but I only just read it.) It completely captured my heart. The text and illustrations work so beautifully together. Excellence in design. I just loved it. Each dog is so lovingly presented. Such rich characterization in so few words and a single image. So well done. A book to buy and keep. Buy it for the dog-lover in your life.
November 8, 2019
I love Patricia MacLachlan's books! I purchased this book thinking my grandchildren would love it but I was surprised how much I loved it! This book is written for adults and children, especially for anyone who has ever loved a dog. And for those who have never loved a dog, this book will make you want to go out and get a dog of your own.
This is a delightful, very short read that packs a lot of fulfillment in its few short pages.
This is a delightful, very short read that packs a lot of fulfillment in its few short pages.
March 14, 2017
I loved the poems in this book. The illustrations are so well done. YOu can tell a dog lover wrote and illustrated this book.I like the bold words, the curved words, the size of the font.
The painting of Gus is so cute. He is a German shephard looking up.
Abby's poem was cute. "I do not steal. I borrow other dogs' bones and stuffed animals, balls and pull toys..."
The painting of Gus is so cute. He is a German shephard looking up.
Abby's poem was cute. "I do not steal. I borrow other dogs' bones and stuffed animals, balls and pull toys..."
June 14, 2017
Once I ate a Pie by Patricia MacLachlan was amazining. This read was about our lovable pet dogs and how they expressed themselves in their day to day life with their owners, how they look, their personality flaws and the way they would like to be comfortable and just lay around. Each dogs name is listed in color which I thought was great for younger children preschool through 1st grade.
May 20, 2024
This is a companion volume to I Didn't Do It so I don't have much to add to that review. I will say even though Once I Ate a Pie is more moving on the whole (Three, about a trio of greyhounds, is downright otherworldly), my favorite entry, both for text and illustration, is the straightforwardly silly Wupsi.
October 2, 2018
Okay, so when I first added this book to my to-read list, I was expecting a chapter story or something to that degree. Then when I went to the library to pick it up, I was surprised. No, it wasn't a chapter book, it was a children's picture book. Still, I checked it out and read it as soon as I got home with it. It was very short, but it was cute anyway, full of different doggie poems.
November 16, 2018
Very very cute made me think of all the dogs I have in my life so far and the ones that may come in the future
April 15, 2019
This poetry book would be a great read for anyone in 2nd-3rd grade as an independent read, or for older students to teach strategies. I really enjoyed the way each poem was written from a dogs perspective. I also thought it was unique how when one dog mentioned their sibling, the next poem was from that sibling's point of view.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews