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Pickle Words: Crunchy, Punchy Pickles and Poetry
This sweet and spicy celebration of all things pickled is the perfect poetry picture book for foodies of all ages!
Open this book to savor a riotous rainbow of pickles. Not just green cucumbers, but yellow peppers, pink cabbages, and purple plums! Pickles come in all shapes and sizes—and so do the words that describe them.
Punchy poetry and zesty art tell the story of a diverse community drawn together by their love of pickles. From kosher dills to sweet chutney to tangy kimchi, Pickle Words describes them all in this global tour of pickled foods. Back matter includes the science of pickling, an easy recipe for refrigerator pickles, and a visual glossary of pickles from around the world.
Open this book to savor a riotous rainbow of pickles. Not just green cucumbers, but yellow peppers, pink cabbages, and purple plums! Pickles come in all shapes and sizes—and so do the words that describe them.
Punchy poetry and zesty art tell the story of a diverse community drawn together by their love of pickles. From kosher dills to sweet chutney to tangy kimchi, Pickle Words describes them all in this global tour of pickled foods. Back matter includes the science of pickling, an easy recipe for refrigerator pickles, and a visual glossary of pickles from around the world.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published July 16, 2024
21 people want to read
About the author
April Pulley Sayre
106 books105 followersApril Pulley Sayre was an award-winning children’s book author of over 55 natural history books for children and adults. Her read-aloud nonfiction books, known for their lyricism and scientific precision, have been translated into French, Dutch, Japanese, and Korean. She is best known for pioneering literary ways to immerse young readers in natural events via creative storytelling and unusual perspectives.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 10, 2024
Pickles are kind of amazing: just put vegetables in jars with vinegar or brine, and after some time has passed, wow, a whole new flavor. This fun book combines a love of pickles with a love of words and adds a ton of fun facts to sweeten the deal (even though pickles are sour). The rhythm of the poetry has a few awkward moments, but it's still a lot of fun to read and explore, and the artwork is zesty throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2024
Let's celebrate the pickle and let's celebrate it in poetry form! Additionally, it's multicultural and I am here for it!!
January 21, 2025
so fun! i love pickles and poetry! such fun world play and fun word sounds for kids too!
July 12, 2024
Book Review: Pickle Words: Crunchy, Punchy Pickles and Poetry by April Pulley Sayre and Jialei Sun (Illustrator)
Rating: 4 Star
As a self-proclaimed foodie and lover of all things pickled, I couldn't resist diving into "Pickle Words: Crunchy, Punchy Pickles and Poetry" by April Pulley Sayre and Jialei Sun. Let me tell you, this quirky and colorful picture book is a true feast for the eyes and the imagination.
The book opens up a world of vibrant pickles beyond the usual green cucumbers. From yellow peppers to pink cabbages and purple plums, the illustrations by Jialei Sun bring a riotous rainbow of pickles to life. But it's not just about the visuals; Sayre's punchy poetry dances off the pages, celebrating the diversity of pickled foods and the words we use to describe them.
What truly sets this book apart is its celebration of community and diversity. Through the stories of characters drawn together by their love of pickles, the book showcases a global tour of pickled delights, from kosher dills to tangy kimchi. The inclusivity in representation, both in terms of people and dishes, is heartwarming and refreshing.
One of the highlights of "Pickle Words" for me was the inclusion of a recipe for refrigerator pickles and a visual glossary of pickles from around the world in the back matter. It's not just a book to read; it's an invitation to roll up your sleeves, get hands-on, and explore the world of pickling right in your own kitchen.
Overall, "Pickle Words" is a delightful and educational read that manages to blend poetry, art, and culinary exploration seamlessly. It's a charming reminder of the joys of trying new things, preserving traditions, and coming together over shared passions. Whether you're a pickle aficionado, a budding chef, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this book is sure to tickle your pickle-loving fancy.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Star
As a self-proclaimed foodie and lover of all things pickled, I couldn't resist diving into "Pickle Words: Crunchy, Punchy Pickles and Poetry" by April Pulley Sayre and Jialei Sun. Let me tell you, this quirky and colorful picture book is a true feast for the eyes and the imagination.
The book opens up a world of vibrant pickles beyond the usual green cucumbers. From yellow peppers to pink cabbages and purple plums, the illustrations by Jialei Sun bring a riotous rainbow of pickles to life. But it's not just about the visuals; Sayre's punchy poetry dances off the pages, celebrating the diversity of pickled foods and the words we use to describe them.
What truly sets this book apart is its celebration of community and diversity. Through the stories of characters drawn together by their love of pickles, the book showcases a global tour of pickled delights, from kosher dills to tangy kimchi. The inclusivity in representation, both in terms of people and dishes, is heartwarming and refreshing.
One of the highlights of "Pickle Words" for me was the inclusion of a recipe for refrigerator pickles and a visual glossary of pickles from around the world in the back matter. It's not just a book to read; it's an invitation to roll up your sleeves, get hands-on, and explore the world of pickling right in your own kitchen.
Overall, "Pickle Words" is a delightful and educational read that manages to blend poetry, art, and culinary exploration seamlessly. It's a charming reminder of the joys of trying new things, preserving traditions, and coming together over shared passions. Whether you're a pickle aficionado, a budding chef, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this book is sure to tickle your pickle-loving fancy.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
May 14, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, publisher, and author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The cover is cute, amusing, colorful, and appealing to both adult and child readers. The graphics are vivid, unique, and complement the poetry text. I enjoyed the paper slips throughout the book that describe the pickled foods, such as bumpy, fresh, and juicy, because they are educational and provide a terrific learning experience about the various ways one may describe foods. The short and medium-length rhyming style is easy to read and understand, making it a quick and educational read for both children and adults.
I enjoyed how the author and illustrator represented diversity in this book, from the people to the dishes. I liked seeing the illustrations of the kids participating in the pickling process because it demonstrates a method for families of all ages and sizes to spend time together while trying something new or keeping a traditional dish or activity alive in their household. I admired and liked how the author dedicated pages at the conclusion to the many foods that were pickled and referenced in the novel, as well as gave other resources for people to learn more about pickling and pickled foods. Pickle Words: Cruncy, Punchy Pickles, and Poetry, written by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Jialei Sun, is a wonderful short poetry book that would be ideal for children and adults who enjoy pickling, pickled foods, gardening, or food in general, or who want to purchase a book that will provide learning opportunities about these topics and possibly more in the future.
The cover is cute, amusing, colorful, and appealing to both adult and child readers. The graphics are vivid, unique, and complement the poetry text. I enjoyed the paper slips throughout the book that describe the pickled foods, such as bumpy, fresh, and juicy, because they are educational and provide a terrific learning experience about the various ways one may describe foods. The short and medium-length rhyming style is easy to read and understand, making it a quick and educational read for both children and adults.
I enjoyed how the author and illustrator represented diversity in this book, from the people to the dishes. I liked seeing the illustrations of the kids participating in the pickling process because it demonstrates a method for families of all ages and sizes to spend time together while trying something new or keeping a traditional dish or activity alive in their household. I admired and liked how the author dedicated pages at the conclusion to the many foods that were pickled and referenced in the novel, as well as gave other resources for people to learn more about pickling and pickled foods. Pickle Words: Cruncy, Punchy Pickles, and Poetry, written by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Jialei Sun, is a wonderful short poetry book that would be ideal for children and adults who enjoy pickling, pickled foods, gardening, or food in general, or who want to purchase a book that will provide learning opportunities about these topics and possibly more in the future.
May 13, 2024
"Pickle Words," written by April Pulley Sayre, is an exceptional book that offers many valuable lessons on cleaning, sorting, and soaking. The book explores the fascinating world of pickles and delves into their unique characteristics. For example, the author notes that pickles can come in different shapes, such as straight, curved, or bent. Additionally, Sayre suggests that you can clean, sort, and soak pickles before you enjoy their deliciousness.
The book also touches on different types of pickles, such as Kimchi, a Korean dish often served with pickles. Sayre also discusses Piccalilli and Chowchow, popular condiments that pair well with pickles. The author covers all these topics in a captivating and engaging way that will keep readers interested.
April Pulley Sayre's 'Pickle Words' is not just a book about pickles, it's a treasure trove of educational resources. From Pickle's poetry to vocabulary words, the author has ingeniously woven learning opportunities into the narrative. The inclusion of rhyming words and definitions makes it a fun and engaging tool for young readers to expand their knowledge.
The visual feast provided by Jialei Sun's illustrations in 'Pickle Words' is a treat for the eyes. The vibrant and captivating drawings not only enhance the reading experience but also make the book a delightful addition to any home or school library. 'Pickle Words' is a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
I just reviewed Pickle Words by April Pulley Sayre. #PickleWords #NetGalley," written by April Pulley Sayre
The book also touches on different types of pickles, such as Kimchi, a Korean dish often served with pickles. Sayre also discusses Piccalilli and Chowchow, popular condiments that pair well with pickles. The author covers all these topics in a captivating and engaging way that will keep readers interested.
April Pulley Sayre's 'Pickle Words' is not just a book about pickles, it's a treasure trove of educational resources. From Pickle's poetry to vocabulary words, the author has ingeniously woven learning opportunities into the narrative. The inclusion of rhyming words and definitions makes it a fun and engaging tool for young readers to expand their knowledge.
The visual feast provided by Jialei Sun's illustrations in 'Pickle Words' is a treat for the eyes. The vibrant and captivating drawings not only enhance the reading experience but also make the book a delightful addition to any home or school library. 'Pickle Words' is a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
I just reviewed Pickle Words by April Pulley Sayre. #PickleWords #NetGalley," written by April Pulley Sayre
January 17, 2025
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
A fun exploration of pickles and poetry. Dive in to the world of pickled foods from pickled cucumbers and kimchi to chowchow and piccalilli.
Follow along in this rhyming journey as four families prepare to host a pickle party, showcasing their favorite pickled foods and coming up with fun pickle-related words. Throughout the book are breakout sections with more detailed information about the processes involved. The book can be read through as a cute rhyming pickle story for younger children and then explored more deeply as they get older. The breakout sections do disrupt the flow of the poetry if read sequentially, in my opinion, but it works well to read through as poetic story first or to go through and discuss each page at a time.
Adorable and delicious-looking artwork. I loved looking through all the different pickled foods and their ingredients. Simply scrumptious.
At the back is an illustrated exploration of pickled foods from around the world; information on different pickling processes including fermenting, canning, and quick pickling; a recipe for making your own quick pickles; and suggested books and websites for further information about pickles.
A great resource for discussing pickling, word choice, and poetry.
A fun exploration of pickles and poetry. Dive in to the world of pickled foods from pickled cucumbers and kimchi to chowchow and piccalilli.
Follow along in this rhyming journey as four families prepare to host a pickle party, showcasing their favorite pickled foods and coming up with fun pickle-related words. Throughout the book are breakout sections with more detailed information about the processes involved. The book can be read through as a cute rhyming pickle story for younger children and then explored more deeply as they get older. The breakout sections do disrupt the flow of the poetry if read sequentially, in my opinion, but it works well to read through as poetic story first or to go through and discuss each page at a time.
Adorable and delicious-looking artwork. I loved looking through all the different pickled foods and their ingredients. Simply scrumptious.
At the back is an illustrated exploration of pickled foods from around the world; information on different pickling processes including fermenting, canning, and quick pickling; a recipe for making your own quick pickles; and suggested books and websites for further information about pickles.
A great resource for discussing pickling, word choice, and poetry.
May 26, 2024
Who doesn’t love a pickle? Sayre and Sun introduce children to the world of fermented food in this blending of poetry and fact. An author’s note explains that this book arose out of a fun author visit activity creating poetry out of words used to describe pickles. Sayre’s crisp poetry accompanies informative text blocks like a good pickle partners with a sandwich. Not only does she cover fermented foods from a variety of cultures and countries, she also explores the history and science of pickled foods. Sun’s digital media illustrations are as vibrant as pickles are flavorful. Wide-eyed children in every range of skin tones try fermented foods from kosher dills to kimchi, and from chowchow to chutney, which are all labeled with the kinds of punchy words Sayre and her students discovered in her workshops: “zesty,” “puckery,” “fresh,” “sharp,” or just down right “tasty,” to name a few. Back matter includes notes on the different pickling processes—fermenting, canning, and quick pickling—as well as a variety of sources to explore and even a recipe for quick dill pickles. Readers of all ages will be inspired to try new pickles and write some pickle poetry.
June 20, 2024
I really liked this book! There was so much good stuff packed into the story.
Number one: Highly diverse! I loved how the authors took the time and effort to include pickled foods/dishes from all over the world. It makes for a well-rounded story and promotes well-rounded thinking.
Number two: Interactive! There are recipes and lots of good pickling information at the end of the book so that kids can get involved by making their own pickles. I love when books do this, especially for kids! This will definitely allow kids to explore cooking and new foods.
Number three: Educational! There are adjectives that relate to pickles on every single page, and this will definitely expand kids' vocabularies. There are also fun facts about pickling scattered throughout the book, and I even learned some new things. As a bonus, these fun facts were consistently relevant, to both pickled foods and the act of pickling.
This entire book was great, with detailed and vibrant illustrations and interesting yet different information woven into a core idea.
Bravo!
Number one: Highly diverse! I loved how the authors took the time and effort to include pickled foods/dishes from all over the world. It makes for a well-rounded story and promotes well-rounded thinking.
Number two: Interactive! There are recipes and lots of good pickling information at the end of the book so that kids can get involved by making their own pickles. I love when books do this, especially for kids! This will definitely allow kids to explore cooking and new foods.
Number three: Educational! There are adjectives that relate to pickles on every single page, and this will definitely expand kids' vocabularies. There are also fun facts about pickling scattered throughout the book, and I even learned some new things. As a bonus, these fun facts were consistently relevant, to both pickled foods and the act of pickling.
This entire book was great, with detailed and vibrant illustrations and interesting yet different information woven into a core idea.
Bravo!
August 22, 2024
I loved this book! The author provides not only a tasty poem all about the world of pickles and pickling, but pickle facts, and how-to info on doing it yourself. There's a lot packed into a few pages.
Jialei Sun's bold, colorful artwork really wowed me - just seeing all those pretty colors layered in a jar made me want to head to the kitchen and cut up vegetables.
And, I had no idea you could pickle mangos and lemons!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the read.
Jialei Sun's bold, colorful artwork really wowed me - just seeing all those pretty colors layered in a jar made me want to head to the kitchen and cut up vegetables.
And, I had no idea you could pickle mangos and lemons!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the read.
June 18, 2024
This book is fabulous- so many vibrant pages filled with families of all kinds creating pickle magic in the kitchen. Words of poetry around crunchy cucumbers. This fun children’s book was creative, and informative. There were several types of cucumbers and pickling methods I’ve never heard of. I love the combined, educational tid bits, with the poetry from page to page.
The best is the end that encourages “hungry readers” to try several other food educational books.
Hope this author has more coming!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Charlesbridge for access to my ARC copy of this book.
The best is the end that encourages “hungry readers” to try several other food educational books.
Hope this author has more coming!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Charlesbridge for access to my ARC copy of this book.
May 20, 2025
Cute. The first four or so spreads are off a who’re family but it branches out to Korean, Indian, African (not sure which ethnic group or country, it doesn’t specify) families.
Only contains one recipe for standard American style cucumber pickles. The chow chow and piccalilli sound really good though, and no recipe :/
The art is really cute, but I really feel as though there was something missing. Surely there is not just for cultures that pickle?
Only contains one recipe for standard American style cucumber pickles. The chow chow and piccalilli sound really good though, and no recipe :/
The art is really cute, but I really feel as though there was something missing. Surely there is not just for cultures that pickle?
May 7, 2024
With cute illustrations and a clever selection of words, this appealing book showcases pickles in all their delicious diversity.
Spanning the globe, it explores how different cultures produce diverse but equally delicious offerings to complete their heritage traditions, from mouth-watering chutney to piquant pickled cucumbers and spicy kimchi! It gets 3.5 stars.
Spanning the globe, it explores how different cultures produce diverse but equally delicious offerings to complete their heritage traditions, from mouth-watering chutney to piquant pickled cucumbers and spicy kimchi! It gets 3.5 stars.
October 15, 2024
Fun! Sayre uses poetry to celebrate pickling: pickles, kimchi, chutney, piccalilli, chowchow, sauerkraut and more. Throw a pickle party with pickle poetry. Backmatter includes a world of pickles, more on the pickling process, a recipe for quick dill pickles and an Author's note on how describing a whale as looking like a pickle led to the book.
September 2, 2024
I wish this had been straight nonfiction without the "poetry." The information is interesting, and the related words are fun. But this would be too hard for me to do as a readaloud. I am looking forward to this trend of two books happening at the same time going away.
July 6, 2025
I like the readability of this book—a snappy read aloud. And the subject is new—all about foods that are pickled or fermented. The notes and back matter explain all different kinds of pickled foods and the process. And it also exposes readers to different cultures of food.
July 25, 2024
a nonfiction book about the world of pickling - it's bigger than you might think!- told in short spicy rhymes with additional facts on each page.
August 15, 2024
Such a fun book!
September 3, 2024
Whee! Good, simple rhymes about all things pickle-able.
October 21, 2024
I usually love love love books by APS. This one was not my favorite. I do not believe if will have much kid appeal.
January 20, 2025
I like picture books with recipes in them.
January 21, 2025
A very cute book, and I like how this book talked about the diversity of pickling. Good for collections that circulate lots of food books.
May 27, 2025
Cute book for my pickle loving daughter, we will switch up our recipe to try the one featured in the book!
Read
May 28, 2025Right as I was thinking they had forgotten pickled beets, I turned the page and there they were! Delightful book.
February 27, 2024
Thanks to Edelweiss for an advanced copy of this book. It is a delicious read! It's a fun book to learn about how different cultures pickle foods. The artwork is stunning. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews