Selina and the Shoo-Fly Pie Book

Happily settled in the town of St. Jacobs, Selina has grown a whole inch since her family fled the Civil War. But even the peace of Upper Canada, a new house, and her own room cannot ease memories of loved ones left behind in Pennsylvania. Thoughts of Grandmother are never far away, especially when Selina touches the Bear Paw quilt on her bedstead.

Then one day, news of a surprise visit sends the entire household into a flurry of preparation. Chores help to pass the time until Grandmother arrives, bringing Selina's troubled cousin Henry with her. But Selina can't help wondering about the mysterious recipe Grandmother has promised they'll make together. Shoo-Fly Pie sounds strange to Selina, but if it helps her cousin feel better, she's willing to give it a try.

Children's Literature

This hardback title is a follow-up to Smucker's debut picture book, Selina and the Bear Paw Quilt. Selina's family, who are pacifist Mennonites, have fled the Civil War now raging in the United States. They are happy to have found peace and security in Upper Canada, in the small town of St. Jacobs. Still, Selina longs to see the loved ones her family left behind in Pennsylvania. She especially wishes to see her grandmother, the maker of delicious pies and beautiful quilts. Selina gets her wish when Father reads a letter saying that Grandmother will soon visit, bringing Selina's troubled cousin Henry with her, too. Selina wonders about the mysterious recipe Grandmother promises they'll make together when she arrives: Shoo-Fly Pie. It may sound strange, but if it helps her cousin smile again, Selina will give it a try. Smucker gives a great sense of historical time and place to her timeless story of family love. Wilson's charming, full-color illustrations are artfully framed by quilted artwork, crafted by master quilt maker Holiday. Not only will the reader find out why it's called Shoo-Fly pie, the recipe is included at the back of the book.