Baker Makers

by Kim Smith

With a focus on overcoming fails and pivoting to new ideas, this hilarious story stars a young boy who dreams of baking extraordinary cakes but struggles with perfectionism in the midst of competition from fellow Baker Makers.  Naveen loves to bake. In fact, he’s sure he’s practically a master baker. So, he is thrilled when his class is assigned to tackle creative cake-making at Baker Makers Lab. Naveen is positive his cake will be the most astonishing and extraordinary one of all. But the mismatch between his fertile imagination and his actual skills leads to disaster. Will he find a way to embrace the unexpected? Find out in this delicious and delightful STEAM-centred picture book about letting go of perfection from New York Times –bestselling author-illustrator Kim Smith, creator of Boxitects . 

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Childrens, Storytime, Stem

48 pages, Hardcover

Published January 16, 2024

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute! I know my little one would enjoy this and I’m thinking about doing the recipe with her in the back. The story follows a young boy who loves the idea of baking but struggles with following the basics. I love the idea that Smith works with in reiterating to children that all things take time and patience even the things that we love.

[Pine Reads Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

“His cake was going to be better than basic.”

Naveen, a young boy, loves to bake. He’d even go as far as claiming he’s a master baker, which is why he’s so excited about his maker class’s baking competition at Baker Makers Lab. Despite his confident attitude about his confection being the best of them all, Naveen is disappointed when he struggles with perfectionism in the middle of the competition. While his actions and imagination fight for control, Naveen must persevere and work to create a solution that does his imagination justice. Dealing with both his personal expectations and his desire to succeed, Naveen reflects on his thoughts and the actions of those that surround him to create a delicious dessert that he can take pride in.

I really enjoyed a lot of aspects of this picture book, but the art initially caught my eye. Filled with stunning and colorful images, Baker Makers is perfect for young readers who focus on illustrations just as much as they focus on the storyline. You can tell that Smith is primarily an illustrator by her clear and bold illustrations. Some of my favorite images from the book were of the different cakes and desserts the kids were imagining—they instantly made me remember the ridiculous things I would conjure up in my mind when I was younger. I also really enjoyed the discussion of perfectionism and how that can cause people to hyperfixate on certain details and dampen the enjoyment of trying new things. Despite my enjoyment of the art and the general themes of the book, I did have a small issue with the writing. There was something a bit odd-sounding about the language used in some areas of the story that might be due to regional differences or personal preference. That being said, I don’t anticipate this issue translating to young readers. The language is clear and attainable for the intended age range, which I really enjoyed seeing, since writing for younger age groups can often sound forced and unnatural. Overall, Baker Makers is perfect for parents to read to their children and can serve as a reminder that everyone has a beautiful imagination that can be brought to life!

Pine Reads Review would like to thank Kim Smith for sending us a copy of Baker Makers in exchange for an honest review.

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[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story that can introduce the concept of trial and error - or - how to make the best out of something even if it goes wrong! Naveen loves to bake and has taken part in a makers lab on cooking - his teacher gives basic and simple instructions on how to make a cake - and then leaves it up to the class to add decorating and a creative spin on their cakes. It sounds like a real type of enrichment class (my school has a “cupcake cookery” with the same concept - BUT young Naveen ignores the instructions and tries to make a cake that would be better suited to a master cake baking class and … well, I will not spoil it, nut it teaches a good lesson. Kim Smith’s book will capture the imaginations of a young audience and also demonstrates in a playful and fun way, just how following directions AND being creative works when completing a project. The artwork is bright and colorful; expressive and fun - the cakes will make you hungry!

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A sweet story about battling perfectionism and showing it's okay to not be good at something right away.

I love the emphasis on being creative while still being realistic about your skills. It was great to see Naveen create something wonderful out of what he thought was a disaster.

Loved the bright, colorful illustrations. It was fun to see all the different cake designs.

Includes Ms. Maple's Basic Cake Recipe at the end and how to make your own version of Naveen's final creation.

Great lessons of not biting off more than you can chew, the importance of practice, that it's okay to make mistakes, and making the best out of unexpected outcomes.

Such a wonderful read with great lessons and fantastic artwork.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naveen loves to bake and considers himself to be a Master Baker! So why pay attention when his Baker Maker Lab teacher is providing instructions for the cake they should bake? And who needs a recipe! Just add a little of this and a lot of the things you love! Unsurprisingly, Naveen's creation is not the best. In fact, it is a disaster. But Naveen does not give up. He examines where he went wrong - like not following the recipe - and tries again! Things still don't go exactly as planned but Naveen perseveres and ends up with a great bake!

I really enjoyed the encouragement Naveen received from his teacher and his classmates. And that the author includes a recipe for Naveen's Uni-Cone cakes in the back of the book! Just be sure to read that ahead of time because kids listening to this book are probably going to want to try some baking.

[Sue H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naveen believes that he is a master baker- so of course when his class is challenged to make creative cakes at Baker Makers Lab, he picks the most complex design in his class. But on top of that complexity, Naveen also refuses to follow the basic cake recipe -- nothing basic about his design. Even the disaster that it looks (and tastes like) after it is complete.
The next day he tries again, this time, following the recipe. When he tries to carve the cake again, it crumbles--but he doesn't give up. In doing so, he creates something new.
I think this is a good story about accepting help and following useful instructions, but more importantly, it is a good story about how to pivot when things don't turn out as planned.
There is a recipe at the end of the book for the basic cake recipe and also for the special creation but it is requires 2 cans of icing so be prepared!

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is mentioned in the author blurb that she mixes up salt with sugar, so be careful if she offers you a slice of her cheesecake. Well, as someone who bakes what I've been told by many people is the best cheesecake they've ever tasted, I understand the point here about following directions and measuring. So I like this story.

But I hate the (sorry) cookie cutter art which looks like every other book being written today. Which lost this book a star.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naveen loves to bake! But when his cake doesn't turn out as planned, what does he do? Good message about making the most of every situation, no matter how disastrous it may seem. Bonus points for colorful illustrations and diverse representation plus a fun recipe in the back.

Themes: baking, school/classrooms, being flexible when outcomes are not as we expect
Ages: 2-3rd grade
Pub year: 2024

[Mr. Lowton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canadian author/illustrator. 2024 publication. Picture book. This week in Naveen's class, students are tasked with creating a cake. Naveen skips the details (and the recipe) and things end up in a mess. Naveen learns the importance of reading the recipe and learning from mistakes. Recipe provided and "more" on the author's website. Class is diverse in ethnic appearance. Solid purchase.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though colorful, the cookie-cutter art makes this story seem as botched as Naveen’s first attempt at cake making. Where’s the originality? The lessons about following instructions, letting go of perfectionism, and learning from trial and error are helpful, though. The surprise result is redeeming, too, especially with the recipe that kids can try at home.

[Kelly]

Great book to show that baking really is a science and that you can be creative in the kitchen. Could pair with The Fabulous Fannie Farmer nonfiction/biography to show how important exact measurements are.

[Ny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playful and confident story about making mistakes and salvaging fun and pride. Sweet supportive characters, gentle arc. The included recipe sure requires a lot of frosting, I’m afraid to try it with the kids.

[Olivia Zerger · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute with colorful illustrations.
Picture book with plot

[Ellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars (I loved it)

Absolutely adorable!

Bright, engaging illustrations. A great message about rolling with your mistakes/trying again. And there is even a recipe in the end pages. Nice!

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love that it includes a recipe

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute early elementary picture book about baking and how sometimes things go well and sometimes they don't.

[kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, well done

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/3

Baking, Cakes, Embracing Mistakes

[Wordfangirl]

Cute recipe at the end

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story and great art!

[Vanshikha Vij · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Review out now on pinereadsreview.com
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Interview with Kim Smith out now on pinereadsreview.com
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