Spaghetti Smiles

by Margo Sorenson, David Harrington (Illustrations)

Every day after school, Jake visits his uncle Rocco at his Crazy, Mixed-Up Italian Restaurant, where Jake reads his newest books to Rocco and then they bowl with mozzarellas and play pick-up-sticks with spaghetti. When the restaurant needs a new neighbor, can Jake convince Mrs. Page to move her bookstore next door, so he and Uncle Rocco can still have fun and read together? Young readers will enjoy imagining what would happen if a wacky pasta restaurant and quiet bookstore became neighbors.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2014

About the author

Fun ahead for young readers with Margo's two newest picture books, LITTLE CALABASH (Island Heritage, Fall 2020) and CALVIN GETS THE LAST WORD (Tilbury House, October 2020), which was featured in the New York Times Children's Books review. Margo's 30th book, YA/Adult novel SECRETS IN TRANSLATION set in Italy was released in 2018 by Fitzroy Books. Her 27th book, picture book SPAGHETTI SMILES was released in 2014 by Pelican Publishing. Margo Sorenson was born in Washington, DC, and spent the first seven years of her life in Spain and Italy, devouring books and Italian food. She finished her school years in California, graduating from the University of California at Los Angeles. After teaching high school and middle school and raising a family of two daughters, Margo is now a full-time writer, writing primarily for young people of all ages, toddlers through high schoolers. Margo enjoys writing for young readers since she believes they are ready for new ideas and experiences, and they really have fun "living" the lives of the characters in books. She enjoys meeting with her readers in school and library settings from Minnesota to California and Hawaii.

Besides winning recognition and awards for her books from various groups, including finalist for the Minnesota Book Award, nominations from the American Library Association and winning the Milken National Educator Award, Margo was invited to donate and archive her working papers with the internationally-known children's literature collection, the Kerlan Collection, at the University of Minnesota. After having lived in Hawaii, California, and Minnesota, Margo and her husband now live full-time in Rancho Mission Viejo, California. When she isn't writing, she enjoys visiting her grandchildren, playing golf, reading, watching sports, traveling, and hearing from her readers. Margo is represented by Dan Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency.

Reviews

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spaghetti Smiles by Margo Sorenson,
illustrated by David Harrington thoughts:
I was honored to hear from Margo Sorenson about her new book release Spaghetti Smiles. Honored to receive a copy for review.
This picture book is just one of many books by Margo Sorenson. She’s written quite a lovely community book filled with funny food celebrations at a restaurant, a mission for a nephew who wants to help his Uncle out, and even a little celebration of literature mixed in. The illustrations are hilarious and the mixed up food ideas are quite fun to read aloud. I also think the mixed up food would lend well to classroom writing projects and discussions on creative ways food can interact with everyday objects.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm probably being a little too overly critical for a picture book, but I really don't understand what the point of this story was. And how could Rocco's restaurant be failing when the townspeople always said he had the best food and they'd eat there a lot? And how is a bookstore going to bring more business?

It was kind of a strange story, even for a picture book.

[The Advocate]

"Beautifully illustrated by David Harrington, 'Spaghetti Smiles' is a sweet book for any child and encourages them to spend time with family and help them when in need!"
Read more here.

[Beth Carroll · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found it confusing as to why being next door to the pizza place would influence your business.