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Pickle-Chiffon Pie
Three very different princes seeking to win the hand of the princess go off into the forest to see who can bring back the most wonderful thing and marry the princess.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1967
3 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Jolly Roger Bradfield
22 books11 followers"Jolly" Roger Bradfield is perhaps best known for his work as a children's book author and illustrator, though he also worked as a cartoonist on the daily comic strip Dooley's World.
He retired from writing in 1988 to focus on painting.
He retired from writing in 1988 to focus on painting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 13, 2014
I think this is perfection in the children's books category! The story is whimsical and touching. It relies on human emotion instead of a villain to help teach kindness and love.
I remember my mom reading this aloud to me when I was a child. For many years it was out of print and selling for over $75 on ebay. But it's now been reprinted and available for our rising generation to read and enjoy!
I remember my mom reading this aloud to me when I was a child. For many years it was out of print and selling for over $75 on ebay. But it's now been reprinted and available for our rising generation to read and enjoy!
October 3, 2021
I saw that Purple House Press had reissued this and it immediately brought a HUGE smile to my face. I loved this book as a kid! I admit the five star rating is probably mostly do to nostalgia but the watercolor and ink drawings and the fairy tale elements are still good today. The images of the creatures in the forest have been in my head whimsically dancing around for more years than I care to count but seeing them on the page again was a delight! It was fun to read it to the boys.
June 5, 2019
I might have to come back and give this five stars. It's just magical. And so funny. And (obviously) a classic. I need to find more by Bradfield for sure.
April 10, 2018
This is the second child I have read Pickle-Chiffon Pie for in their First Grade year and once again plenty of giggles and grins. My current six-year-old loves this story, especially as it relates to a princess. For her, I'm tempted look for more of these books. Once again a great recommendation. We own this book.
July 14, 2017
What a fun book! It's like a cross between a Dr. Seuss and a Bill Peet. I had one question at the end: what is root beer soup? Although honestly, this isn't the type of story you can question too closely - or else you are one of those grown-ups who has a difficult time with this type of story!
January 23, 2013
So many baffling details. When I was a kid, I just read it and enjoyed it. Now I read it and enjoy it and think, "Why does that animal have three noses?" Really fun book.
September 20, 2019
A childhood favorite. ❤️
February 11, 2021
Our SpEd 11 year old and 7 year old quite enjoyed this book. The latter even came into the story hesitant because it featured "royal stuff" and he is quite against "royal stuff" like princesses and whatnot. However, this kept his attention and impressed even his cautious interest.
We are in the midst of cultivating kind, good hearts in our children, and this was such a perfect story to help us round that out in a story. An observable feast of morality, children can see that it isn't just brawn or brains, while nice and good on their own, the heart of a person will always outshine those qualities.
And in line with the overarching theme of kindness, the two who have been rejected aren't entirely rejected at all but included well in the festivities at the end. A must for every children's library at home.
We are in the midst of cultivating kind, good hearts in our children, and this was such a perfect story to help us round that out in a story. An observable feast of morality, children can see that it isn't just brawn or brains, while nice and good on their own, the heart of a person will always outshine those qualities.
And in line with the overarching theme of kindness, the two who have been rejected aren't entirely rejected at all but included well in the festivities at the end. A must for every children's library at home.
July 3, 2017
I ordered this book about a month ago, and it finally came in! I love this story. It was first published in 1967 and is now being republished. It is so wonderful to have an older story in our collection that is beautiful shape! It is a great story about kindness and compassion. I plan on sharing it in my storytimes next week.
May 3, 2021
These books are transcendent! I stumbled across these at a local bookstore near the project I work on in Seattle. Jolly Roger Bradfield, the creator of the Keebler Elves! writes weird/heartwarming bed time tales. I took a chance on the weirdness and my daughter and myself enjoyed every last page (story and drawings).
February 1, 2020
I was amazed to find out how famous this book was - thought it was just a funny little book that was somehow part of my family library. It was great buying for my kids who now love it almost as much as I did.
February 11, 2021
Have already read this one to the 6 year-old twice, and she’s read it to herself more times than that since first reading it a few days ago. I don’t remember ever reading this one as a child, but I wish I had, because it’s got a perfect combination of silly and sweet.
July 18, 2009
I used to read this book every night when I couldn't sleep. I've saved it from many an attempt to be given away by the parentals and now it is safely here in my apartment where I can look after it.
January 14, 2016
Best book I've read this year
September 25, 2017
I adored this book. Cute and imaginative call the way down to the jacket. Great lesson too! Will be looking for more stories by this author to read to my daughter.
September 29, 2017
A magical story with a joyful ending and fantastic illustration style.
January 20, 2018
Adorable with a great message
September 13, 2018
Best kids book ever.
September 23, 2019
All time favorite children’s book. Such lovable sweet characters. The illustrations are heartwarming. I will always recommend this book with a 5 star rating.
March 5, 2025
Pickle Chiffon Pie by Jolly Roger Bradfield is a delightful and quirky children’s book that combines a heartfelt story with an offbeat sense of humor. Originally published in 1967, the book tells the story of a young girl named Opal, whose grandmother has an extraordinary recipe for a dish called “pickle chiffon pie.” It’s a wacky concoction that’s as amusing as it is unexpected, and the narrative delivers a whimsical adventure that reflects themes of family, imagination, and acceptance.
One of the standout features of Bradfield’s work is the way he creates such a unique, almost surreal world. The oddity of a pie made from pickles at the center of the plot highlights the story’s sense of adventure and the joy of embracing the unusual. It’s an amusing take on the often predictable world of children’s literature, and it stands out for its ability to blend the bizarre with the heartwarming.
The character of Opal is relatable and endearing, a young girl who is caught in the whirlwind of her family’s eccentricities. Her curiosity and bravery take her on a journey to understand the meaning behind the pickle chiffon pie, which ties into her relationship with her grandmother and the sense of wonder that she has towards life’s simple, yet mysterious, pleasures. The book is beautifully illustrated, with Bradfield’s artwork enhancing the whimsical nature of the text. His drawings add an extra layer of charm, capturing the playful spirit of the story.
While the book is light-hearted and fun, it also subtly touches on the themes of family bonds and traditions. Opal’s connection with her grandmother is central to the plot, and their relationship is portrayed with warmth and humor. The book also highlights the importance of acceptance, as Opal learns to appreciate things that seem strange or different at first glance.
Though Pickle Chiffon Pie may seem quirky and humorous at first, it’s a story about embracing what makes us unique and celebrating family traditions, no matter how odd they might seem. Bradfield’s work is a testament to the power of creativity and the joy of looking at the world through a child’s eyes.
In conclusion, Pickle Chiffon Pie is an unforgettable read for children and adults alike. Its blend of humor, heart, and eccentricity makes it a timeless classic in the world of children’s literature. It’s a fun, imaginative tale that encourages readers to embrace life’s oddities and find beauty in the unexpected.
One of the standout features of Bradfield’s work is the way he creates such a unique, almost surreal world. The oddity of a pie made from pickles at the center of the plot highlights the story’s sense of adventure and the joy of embracing the unusual. It’s an amusing take on the often predictable world of children’s literature, and it stands out for its ability to blend the bizarre with the heartwarming.
The character of Opal is relatable and endearing, a young girl who is caught in the whirlwind of her family’s eccentricities. Her curiosity and bravery take her on a journey to understand the meaning behind the pickle chiffon pie, which ties into her relationship with her grandmother and the sense of wonder that she has towards life’s simple, yet mysterious, pleasures. The book is beautifully illustrated, with Bradfield’s artwork enhancing the whimsical nature of the text. His drawings add an extra layer of charm, capturing the playful spirit of the story.
While the book is light-hearted and fun, it also subtly touches on the themes of family bonds and traditions. Opal’s connection with her grandmother is central to the plot, and their relationship is portrayed with warmth and humor. The book also highlights the importance of acceptance, as Opal learns to appreciate things that seem strange or different at first glance.
Though Pickle Chiffon Pie may seem quirky and humorous at first, it’s a story about embracing what makes us unique and celebrating family traditions, no matter how odd they might seem. Bradfield’s work is a testament to the power of creativity and the joy of looking at the world through a child’s eyes.
In conclusion, Pickle Chiffon Pie is an unforgettable read for children and adults alike. Its blend of humor, heart, and eccentricity makes it a timeless classic in the world of children’s literature. It’s a fun, imaginative tale that encourages readers to embrace life’s oddities and find beauty in the unexpected.
February 14, 2021
fell in love with this rather unusual silly book. adorable artwork - very very fanciful and a very sweet story with a beautiful lesson for children woven into the fun.
i don't know if the authors name really is Jolly Roger but it suits the him to a t..
we all love this book & it made me want to do two things IMMEADIATELY. find more books by him (already got another lol)
and at the request of the kids FIND a pickle chiffon pie recipe.
the book shares this one
Making Pickle-Chiffon Pie
2 cups imagination
3 teaspoons humor
Exciting illustrations, one per page
At least one dragon
2 tablespoons silliness
Combine: 1 beautiful princess with 1 hero, well seasoned
A pinch of moral values
Mix together in a lively plot
and guess what - I DID. actually found 2 sort of.
the first is from a little known (except locally) home of the PICKLE PIE From the SunGlow Cafe in Utah (Apr 6, 2020 — Bicknell, Utah)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucTNO...
& second a you tuber who actually Made a pickle chiffon pie from scratch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Yon... & the conclusion is
Tangy and sweet kind of like sweet gherkins with a briny aftertaste. & not "terrible" lol
i don't know if the authors name really is Jolly Roger but it suits the him to a t..
we all love this book & it made me want to do two things IMMEADIATELY. find more books by him (already got another lol)
and at the request of the kids FIND a pickle chiffon pie recipe.
the book shares this one
Making Pickle-Chiffon Pie
2 cups imagination
3 teaspoons humor
Exciting illustrations, one per page
At least one dragon
2 tablespoons silliness
Combine: 1 beautiful princess with 1 hero, well seasoned
A pinch of moral values
Mix together in a lively plot
and guess what - I DID. actually found 2 sort of.
the first is from a little known (except locally) home of the PICKLE PIE From the SunGlow Cafe in Utah (Apr 6, 2020 — Bicknell, Utah)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucTNO...
& second a you tuber who actually Made a pickle chiffon pie from scratch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Yon... & the conclusion is
Tangy and sweet kind of like sweet gherkins with a briny aftertaste. & not "terrible" lol
March 16, 2024
I have an odd history with this book. To confess, my mother had a mint copy that I found and took (I'm sure she's never noticed it missing or, if she did, chalked it up to having had kids), and in a particularly moneyless housecleaning fit, I sold it in an online auction...
...for $120!! O_O WOW
Later, when I got a job, I started to have regrets about the sale, despite (probably?) having put the money to good use, and re-acquired a... less mint (but still decent!) copy for not *quite* $120, but more than maybe I should have spent on it.
It's a cute story, though, with a good moral! Even IF it buys into the old "beautiful princess must marry whoever wins a competition" trope, and even IF it features a food item I would never want to eat myself (I don't like cucumbers except perfectly raw and fresh!). I still haven't figured out just what made the book so valuable back then, but at least I have it, should Mom ever remember it and ask where it went, haha...
...for $120!! O_O WOW
Later, when I got a job, I started to have regrets about the sale, despite (probably?) having put the money to good use, and re-acquired a... less mint (but still decent!) copy for not *quite* $120, but more than maybe I should have spent on it.
It's a cute story, though, with a good moral! Even IF it buys into the old "beautiful princess must marry whoever wins a competition" trope, and even IF it features a food item I would never want to eat myself (I don't like cucumbers except perfectly raw and fresh!). I still haven't figured out just what made the book so valuable back then, but at least I have it, should Mom ever remember it and ask where it went, haha...
Read
November 9, 2022Pickle-Chiffon pie is a story without a villian. No fighting, no bloodshed, but still exciting and fast-moving. It is a tale that stretches the imagination: the reader must accept a juggling lion (six cans of root beer at once!) and a sixteen-footed Gazoo. Not a hard assignment for a child, but perhaps a bit more difficult for a worldly grown-up.
Take heart, all you staid elders. The story has elements running throughout that should appeal to adults as well as children (how ‘bout mice that paint in the fashion of Picasso, Matisse, Whistler, Grant Wood and even Toulouse Lautrec?) because the author knew that if a story is a REALLY A GOOD ONE, parents everywhere would be commanded by their children to read it aloud again and again. And maybe even once more…
Take heart, all you staid elders. The story has elements running throughout that should appeal to adults as well as children (how ‘bout mice that paint in the fashion of Picasso, Matisse, Whistler, Grant Wood and even Toulouse Lautrec?) because the author knew that if a story is a REALLY A GOOD ONE, parents everywhere would be commanded by their children to read it aloud again and again. And maybe even once more…
February 29, 2024
I thought the name - Jolly Roger - was indicative of how strange this would be. I mean, paired with a title about chiffon pie derived from pickles (Batampte comes to mind), I couldn't be far off the mark, right? Wrong. The author is known for his early contributions to Sesame Street, and that brilliance shows in the plot full of heart, Quentin Blake-like illustrations, and James Thurber-level creativity. I inhaled this. I want more. And maybe, since koolickles weren't that bad (aka Koolaid Pickles from Missouri - thank the Gastro Obscura for that adventure), I'll take a slice of pie, too.
November 27, 2017
length makes this preschool and up. but it's a really cute story about three men vying for a princess. what trait will win the man the princess. Great kindeness themes.
February 16, 2019
Read with Rosemary and Joel. It's kind of adorable.
October 17, 2019
Absolutely adore this book! I still get teary eyed at the end when I am reading to my children- just as I did when I was young! Great messages for children!
December 31, 2020
A sweet wholesome children's book the emphasizes good character and heart above possessions.
September 14, 2021
One of our most favorites. Classic. Love the pictures and message so much.
October 10, 2022
A funny fair tale, all my kids enjoyed! Even the 12 year old.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews