The bestselling Cupcake Diaries series is now available in graphic novel format! In this adaptation of the seventh book, Emma needs a break from big-sister duty—or her summer will be anything but sweet!
Emma is not thrilled with always having to rearrange her schedule so she can babysit her younger brother, Jake. Now, Emma’s parents have broken some news that threatens to push Emma over the edge—since Emma and Jake are going to the same day camp this summer, she’s expected to sit with Jake on the bus. Not only does this mean Emma can’t hang out with her friends, but she also has to comfort Jake…who gets carsick! Can Emma find a way to sweeten up her summer plans?
Fun, bright, full-color graphic panels tell the story with the same humor and heart as the original novel.
Coco Simon always dreamed of opening a cupcake bakery, but she’s afraid she would eat all the profits. When she’s not daydreaming about cupcakes, Coco edits children’s books and has written close to 100 books for children, tweens, and young adults, which is a lot less than the number of cupcakes she’s eaten. Cupcake Diaries is the first time Coco has mixed her love of cupcakes with writing.
I was reading this book before going to bed, and being warm and cozy while reading it, I suppose that memories of the book overall opinion mighttt be affected a little by this. But, still. In summary- This book is cute. I liked the summer school and the new friends that were made (Kira most of all!) and something about the ‘Summer of Emma’ feels very nostalgic. I did read the novels when I was a lot younger, so maybe that’s it…? Anyways, although I had some positive feelings while reading, there were also some nitpicks I had with the book- Firstly, Emma gets to model for a literal celebrity just because she happens to look like the women’s relative?!? It’s so unrealistic. I don’t know, it’s okay for books to go overboard with fun scenarios sometimes, but this did feel like a little much. And secondly, as always, I need to talk about the art. Honestly, I feel bad saying this! I’m sure the deadlines are tight, and the artist is the same for every book, so I’m sure they are doing their best. But… the artist leaves much to be desired. Like not only is it hyper simple with little to no shading or background and outfit detail, there are often errors. I saw one scene where behind Katie, a white glob was present behind her, which I assume was a mistake. I think they should hire more artists, I’d be just fine with style changes from book to book, like The Baby-Sitters Club. You know how I said that it was unbelievable that Emma got to model for the celebrity. And yeah, it still is, but I bet she really does look just like the women’s relative. Sydney looks like Emma’s clone, and the worker at Mona’s shop looks like Emma’s mom. Long story short? All blondes in this series are nearly impossible to tell apart.
Also some of the dialogue drove me insane. When Emma is modeling a slightly high-slit dress for the women, the woman gasps and replies very negatively. But then worried she might’ve hurt Emma’s feelings, she adds; ‘I just react very strongly to young girls dressed inappropriately’ Maybe it’s just a me thing, but this line of dialogue was so unbelievable and awkward.
Despite my nitpicks, I’d still recommend the book to kids. There wasn’t much to the story- but it was still fun. (This book contains a child vomitting (entirely censored), a minor girl wearing a slightly high slit dress, and talk of dead parents. I’d give this book an age rating of 7+!)
This will be the last Cupcake Diaries graphic novel I read, because they're just too bland. The stories a little too simple for my liking, the characters all look identical (omg so many long-haired blondes, I literally have no idea who is who!), and they just lack heart. I am all for middle-grade graphic novels, but these are a little too young for me. (Lol no duh.)
I love the brother and sister bond in this book and I love the fact that they explored being an introvert in this book and being shy and I love seeing her go to camp so I would definitely recommend this one
This has quickly become one of my favorite graphic novel series. I love the art style and the friendship between the girls. And all the cupcakes they make sound so good!