Bake Sale by Sara Varon
Paperback: 160 Pages
Published by First Second
ISBN: 9781596434196
Reading Level: Ages 8 and up
Sara Varon's Bake Sale tells the story of Cupcake and Eggplant, two best friends who would do anything for each other. Cupcake owns a local bakery, and he wakes up every day at 6:30 to open his shop and make fresh baked goods. In his spare time, Cupcake likes to hang out with Eggplant and practice with their band. When Eggplant tells Cupcake that he is going to visit his family Turkey, Cupcake realizes that Eggplant knows Turkish Delight, who is Cupcake's all-time favorite baker and confectionery hero. Eggplant invites his best friend along for the trip, but Cupcake doesn't have enough money to go. Eggplant helps his friend come up with innovative ideas to expand business and make some extra money.
Per Eggplant's suggestions, Cupcake has to give up band practice in order to work overtime and make extra money. Cupcake sets up bake stands at local markets, parks, churches, and festivals, and Eggplant generously offers to run the shop while Cupcake works elsewhere. But when Cupcake finally raises enough money to go on the trip to Turkey, Eggplant reveals that he lost his job and can no longer afford the trip. In a great act of friendship, Cupcake donates his hard-earned money to his friend so that he can still go to Turkey and visit his family. Cupcake is disappointed, but upon Eggplant's return, the two become inspired to enter a Bake Sale contest, and the first prize is a trip for two to any country in the world. Maybe Cupcake and Eggplant will get to go on their Turkish adventure together after all.
At first glance, Bake Sale appears to be a rather ordinary but whimsical story of sacrifice and friendship. But read between the lines and you'll find opportunities to teach kids about perseverance, the importance of hard work and preparation, the value of shopping locally, and how to be creative and innovative. Cupcake is a great baker and has many loyal customers, but he's interested in trying new recipes. Not all of the recipes work out (such as the homemade fortune cookies), but Cupcake never gives up. He listens to friends, browses through cookbooks, and finds all sorts of opportunities to get inspired about baking. In fact, Bake Sale inspired me to sift through some recipes and then sift through some flour to make my own delicious treats. For kids who are similarly inspired, the book also features several recipes that Cupcake used throughout the story, such as marzipan, vanilla cupcakes, and vanilla frosting. And who knows? This book could bring out the baker in your little one and provoke a fun and rewarding afternoon of delicious activities.
For little ones who aren't quite ready for kitchen activities, Bake Sale is a great opportunity to teach youngsters about how rewarding strong friendships can be. Cupcake sacrificed his hard-earned money so that Eggplant could go on a trip, and through this act of kindness, their friendship is even stronger in the end. Additionally, the book could open up some great opportunities for conversations about creativity and imagination. Whether its baking, building, or drawing, Sara Varon's book will show readers that hard work and hobbies can be incredibly rewarding and fun. Sure, you may encounter some setbacks along the way, but with motivation and the support of friends and family, anyone can reach their goals.
