The Sugar Plum Bakers: And the 12 Holiday Treats

A crew of fairy-like "bakerinas" labor in Sugar Plum and Mr. Gingerbread's kitchen to create 12 international sweets for holiday distribution. But though the group races to finish before an approaching storm, they struggle to work as a team, and one particularly independent sous chef repeatedly goes missing. Management nevertheless spurs them on with a refrain: "With a pinch of hope and a dash of zing, we can do anything!" Eventually, the treats are made--including Christmas sugar cookies and benne wafers for Kwanzaa, both representing the U.S.; Caribbean coconut tarts for Christmas; Filipino ensaymadas for Noche Buena; and Japanese daifuku mochi for New Year's. And though the storm seems fierce, their chaotic coworker offers up imaginative transport. Lui's painterly digital renderings showcase the bakerinas, portrayed with various skin tones, hard at work, and while culinary details sometimes weigh down the telling, Tanumihardja nevertheless cooks up informative holiday fare. Back matter includes list of desserts and a recipe. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

K-Gr 2--This picture book explores the yummy goodness of the holidays with the help of fairies and the baked goods they are preparing for delivery to children the world over. Unfortunately, one of the bakers is causing a bit of havoc with his not-so-helping hand: Echo wants to help, but he isn't having success. The fairies get frustrated with him, as they are running out of time to have their delicacies ready before the impending snowstorm. But when they realize Echo is gone, they start to understand what he added to each of the recipes with his own special type of zing. Readers will see in Echo's story how everyone has special gifts to add to any team. Country flags on pages with treats help readers identify where that treat is from. Lui's illustrations of whimsical fairies working together to make the treats will have readers licking their lips and wanting recipes to try at home. Luckily, Tanumihardja shares an easy recipe for brigadeiros in the back of the book for young bakers. Explanations of each featured specialty add to the overall lesson that while treats from around the world might all be different, they are equally delicious--just like how all members of a team are important. VERDICT A fun addition to holiday literature that incorporates the importance of teamwork and diversity.--Darla Kaminsky