Grade 1-3-- Olson has made the highest quality meat pies for 30 years. When Strom the accountant runs off with the profits, Olson"s quality control plumments: now pantry leftovers and old clothes can be found in his product. Tucking surprises into the pies placates his Swedish consumers but does nothing for the taste. When the repentant Strom returns, the pies regain their choicest ingredients, but people still like to recall \"when you could find the strangest things in Olson"s meat pies.\" The illustrations, in softly outlined, subdued colors, feature both smooth washes and textured surfaces. Color reflects mood: as Olson"s fortunes decline, his surroundings take on somber tones the reconciliation of Strom and Olson is set against a burst of yellow and gold. Simple lines humorously depict the eccentric cartoon characters in a variety of expressions. The eye-catching angles and perspectives of the illustrations are enhanced by the layout, which offers an array of shapes and sizes of pictures, from small ones surrounded by white to full-color double-spreads. Preschoolers will giggle at the outrageous pie ingredients, but more adult concerns--business, stolen money, and Strom"s idea of the good life, complete with bathing beauties--make this unusual book more suitable for primary-grade children. It"s an entertaining way to learn what they don"t teach in business school. --Jane Saliers, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library