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Cindy’s mother is a talented baker who is capable of making delicious treats in all shapes and sizes. One day, however, she grows tired of having to constantly clean up after the mess of baking and decides to stop making her famous desserts. Cindy and her father decide to come up with a plan that will get her mom back to baking in order to rediscover her love of making her famous dishes. With Cindy’s birthday coming up, it is the family tradition that she can have whatever she wants for her dinner, and she asks for spaghetti as well as one of her mom’s pies. Cindy’s master plan is that she offer to help her mom prepare the meal, and both of them agree that sounds like much more fun. Bonding together in the kitchen, Cindy’s mom rediscovers her love of cooking, and together they have a fantastic birthday meal.
For many people, meals at home prepared by a parent are something to look back on fondly. However, many children do not properly appreciate how much work goes into cooking food, especially after a long day at work. Images in the book of the happy family working together to not just make food but also clean up the inevitable mess that follows can make even the hard work look like fun. Children may also want to read the story multiple times to appreciate the upbeat attitude and good message but also to find a hidden chicken in every illustration. This book, with its large illustrations, colorful characters, and warm, inviting tone, not only shows kids how parents need and deserve gratitude for their efforts but also opens up the conversation about children pitching in on tasks that they may take an interest in when they are old enough to handle them.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review