How to Bake a Book

How to Bake a Book

Discover the secret ingredients to crafting a truly delicious story! Turn up the heat- the bubbles quicken. And then my plot begins to thicken. Join one lucky little girl as she learns the recipe for making the perfect story. A pinch of good, a dash of bad, some big words, and carefully cut out characters all provide the ingredients for a truly delicious read! K-Gr 2—Burfoot uses a rhyming text and bright, clever illustrations to introduce young listeners to the ingredients of a story. She starts with the obvious—some ideas, words, characters, action—and adds feelings, colors, and sounds. Extra bits, e.g., "a watery word or two," are puzzling and offer little to the mix. The rhyme is mostly effective, although there are a few weak spots in cadence and word choices. The lively cartoon illustrations complement the text, enhancing the book's appeal. There is a diversity of page layouts, expressive faces on animals and the young baker, and good use of white space. Overall, this is a fun concept that could inspire children to write and spark a lively discussion of what makes a good story.—Maralita L. Freeny, District of Columbia Public Library