Sweet Potato Pie, Oh My! is the first book in the author's Nonny Day Series, each of which is designed to prepare early readers to be successful students of language, learning, and life. In addition to containing fun narratives and beautiful, hand-painted illustrations, each book also contains ideas for engaging with children in meaningful and educational activities. This volume includes two sweet potato pie recipes (including kitchen safety tips for kids), an original song, and ideas for nurturing the child's feelings of self-esteem and self-worth.Activity Ideas, Recipes, and a SongIncluded is a section entitled "Nurturing Tips from Nonny" with suggestions for the parent, grandparent, teacher, or other caregiver on how to motivate the young learner to enjoy the adventure of reading. Next, there are two recipes for sweet potato pie: a traditional recipe and an easier microwave version. Last, the author leaves us with her clever musical composition about preparing and savoring the taste of sweet potato pie. For those who would like to sing-along with an audio recording of the song, Nonny provides one on her website.Story DescriptionThe book's principle character Timmy is spending the day with his grandmother, Nonny, as he often does. He calls these days his "Nonny Days." On this day they are enjoying making a scrumptious sweet potato pie-all the way from purchasing "...that pointy, lumpy vegetable..." to savoring their first bites of such a delectable dessert! Meanwhile Nonny is nurturing Timmy's inquisitive mind, and building his self-esteem, by engaging him in a hands-on cooking experience. The narrative is written in delightful read-aloud rhyme, which is known to enhance the ability of the brain to learn and retain new information.About the AuthorThe "Nonny" of this book, Connie Carlisle Polley, is a mother, grandmother, and former public and private school teacher of French and Spanish. For many years she also directed and coordinated children's music programs at her church in Louisville, Kentucky. She received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Louisville, and did graduate studies at U of L and also at the University of Kentucky in the departments of foreign language and education. In addition to writing children's books, she is a poet, songwriter, an essayist/inspirational writer, and a blogger. She brings to this writing a wealth of experience with children.About the IllustratorThe artist collaborator, Courtney Coriell Williams, lives in Louisville as well. She worked closely with Ms. Polley and shared the author's vision of a little boy spending time at Nonny's. This particular day, as every Nonny Day, sets Timmy out on an adventure into "learning by doing," all the while feeling loved. Ms. Williams' free-hand sketches strike a balance between realistic depiction and stylized illustration giving her art a distinctive style. She has her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Indiana University and her Master of Arts in Teaching Degree from the University of the Cumberlands (Kentucky). She currently teaches in the local public-school system.Designed for Pre- and Beginning ReadersThis book would be excellent...For you and your beginning (or pre-) readerAs a birthday gift for a child, age 5-8As a fall or winter holidays presentFor a preschool, kindergarten, or first grade classFor school, church, or community center librariesFor young homeschoolers For the parent-to-be or grandparent-to-beWould make a great activity book for the autumn season, when sweet potatoes are harvested!Thank you!Delight your beginning reader with Sweet Potato Pie, Oh My! It is the author's hope that it will be read many times and perhaps cherished for a lifetime.