EDDIE’S KITCHEN

It’s Grandad’s birthday, and Eddie’s mum has completely forgotten. How can she make a meal on time? With help from Eddie and his little sister Lily, of course! Together, they start the bread, but a neighbor comes by to show off her new baby. Can Eddie and Lily knead it alone? No problem. Mum returns to make the loaves. Tomato sauce for the spaghetti is next. Unfortunately, the cat brings a mouse inside, and Mum has to take care of it. Eddie and Lily continue on, through this and more interruptions, baking apples and cake (complete with Lily’s secret ingredient). The food is ready, but how will everything taste? “Mmmm!” sighs Grandad. The text, while on the long side, moves along in sprightly fashion, just like the kids; after each interruption, Mum returns to remark on the project’s effects on Lily: “What an eggy, watery, tomatoey, floury little fairy princess you are.” Colorful watercolors showcase each stage of this comforting story of a family working together. Sure to be a hit with young cooks. (recipes) (Picture book. 4-7)