The Good-Pie Party, written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Arthur A. Levine Books, Scholastic. 2014. $18.99 ages 6 and up

"So the girls roll out dough and push it into a deep glass pan. They peel apples and sprinkle them with cinnamon and cloves. They crimp the edges of the pale white crust. "It smells delicious in here!" says Posy's mom. "Humph," answers Posy, even though she's feeling a bit better already."

Her family may be moving but Posy has no interest in packing up her things, leaving her friends and taking her life elsewhere. She has many good reasons. There is so much that she will forced to leave behind, including her secret clubhouse and her best friends.

Megan and Mae are helping, with a general sense of ennui. It shows in their every move. Once the packing is done, but for the kitchen, the three friends take the advice of Posy's mother and set themselves the task of baking a pie. Although they don't want to admit that it makes them happier, it does. Mom suggests a 'good-pie' party and the girls take up the challenge:

"YOU'RE INVITED
             TO
POSY PEYTON'S
      GOOD-PIE PARTY.

WE'LL SAY SO LONG
BUT NOT GOOD-BYE.

              WE'D LOVE IT
              IF YOU'D
              BRING
             A  PIE."

The neighborhood get-together that results is a celebration of friends and allows Posy and the Peyton family to move forward, always knowing the value of friendship, neighborhoods and memories. Moving can be a harrowing experience for everyone involved. Acknowledging the feelings of loss and working through those feelings ensure that the changes will happen in the best way possible.

It will come as no surprise to you that I love the gentle watercolors that Kady MacDonald Denton delivers to bring Posy and her story to glorious life. She is masterful at showing the emotions that the girls are feeling...anger, disappointment, loss; then, acceptance, joy and love.  The world she creates is real and familiar, as are the three girls (body shapes included). It gives the whole book a warm and very special feeling.