Alligator Pie {Book Review & Recipe!}

The minute I heard our book club theme was POETRY, I raced to the library. There was no need to do some digging to find a good Canadian book of poetry. I already knew what I was going to do – it popped right into my head, thanks to the many readings from my childhood.

About the Book

Title: Alligator Pie

Author: Dennis Lee

Summary:

Alligator Pie.
Alligator Pie.
If I don’t get some, I think I’m gonna die….

…. and other silly poems.

What We Thought: 

I was excited to find the classic edition of this book because it was exactly the copy that I had growing up. (Now, where IS that book….?!) Inside the pages are many crazy and strange poems by Canadian poet Dennis Lee. Some, I’m surprised to say, kind of shocked me as a grown-up, but many were just off-the-wall and fun. I had a lot of good laughs with my boys as we read them together.

The illustrations in this book match the poetry quite well – sort of disjointed and wild, and rather abstract.

Personally, my favourite poem in the book is the title one – Alligator Pie. It’s just silly, with the narrator seemingly enamoured with all foods made with alligator!

Hands-On Activity

With a story like this, how could you not hit the kitchen and make some alligator pie!? Please note: no alligators were harmed in the making of this project! 

Alligator Pie

Ingredients:

• tart shells
• pistachio instant pudding
• milk
• green Smarties or M&Ms
• mini-marshmallows

Directions:

1. Thaw and pre-cook the tart shells as directed on the package. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare pistachio pudding according to the package.

3. Place pudding into each pie shell.

4. Stick two green Smarties side by side near the far edge of the tart, with flat sides facing towards you.

5. Cut a mini-marshmallow into quarters and stick in front of these Smarties to make eyeballs.

6. Cut a single Smartie in half and place the cut face out to make nostrils.

7. Ta-Da! Mini Alligator Pies!