Synopses & Reviews
Twelve-year-old Evie Carson lives with her mom. In an apartment across the lake, Evies celebrity-chef dad is starting a new life with his young second wife, Angie, whos expecting twins. To make matters worse, Evies dad has custody of the beloved family dog. Navigating her new family situation is difficult, and Evie turns to her love of cooking as a way to stay connected to her father. Through cooking classes, Evie finds an unexpected friend in Corey, whose eccentric aunt Shanti might be able to make everyone a little happier. Evie learns to look outside herself, help others, and make friends where she never thought she could (she also learns to make a pretty darn good soufflé).
Review
* “An appealing book with an authentic voice, particularly when discussing the upheaval and discomfort caused by divorce, as well as the effort and good will required to smooth the transition.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Evie tells her story with a pinch of humor and a dash of vulnerability, sifting together the people in her life and blending them into a surprising new family . . . Sweet and savory.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Relationships are at the heart of this appealing, illustrated chapter book.” —Booklist
“Evies narration is emotionally perceptive without being sappy, and the emphasis on roles and relationships yields solid character development that serves to move the story forward. Each chapter is followed by a recipe, and the cooking frame adds organization and appeal to the story.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books, RECOMMENDED
About the Author
ALISON JACKSON is the author of several books for young readers, including If the Shoe Fits and I Know an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Pie. Ms. Jackson, a former librarian, lives with her family in Orlando, Florida.
TUESDAY MOURNING has illustrated the covers of over fifteen chapter books and has a few of her own childrens books in the works. She lives with her family in Knoxville, Tennessee.