The Sugar Plum Bakers by Patricia Tanumihardja and Bonnie Lui - OPTIONAL

The Sugar Plum Bakers: a tale of 12 holiday treats by Patricia Tanumihardja, illustrated by Bonnie Lui. PICTURE BOOK. Disney, 2023. $18. 9781368089579

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The bakerinas are in a rush to get the final cookies for celebrations around the world.  Unfortunately, Echo isn’t helping so much as impeding.  But when Echo finally gets the hint and leaves, the other bakerinas realize that they are missing that special zing that helps make all of the work lighter.

Only one recipe is included in the book and each of the cookies is only briefly mentioned, not feeling that they are part of the book at all. Not so much a tale about the treats, but a tale about the bakers. Lui’s illustrations are adorable as usual, let down by a story that doesn’t quite hit the mark. 

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS