What do you think?
Rate this book
Chocolate Cake
When I was a boy,I had a favourite treat.It was when my mum made . . .CHOCOLATE CAKE!Ohhh! I LOVED chocolate cake.Fantastically funny and full of silly noises, this is Michael Rosen's love letter to every child's favourite treat, chocolate cake. Brought to life as a picture book for the first time with brilliant and characterful illustrations by Kevin Waldron.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2017
2 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Michael Rosen
598 books537 followersMichael Rosen, a recent British Children’s Laureate, has written many acclaimed books for children, including WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, and I’M NUMBER ONE and THIS IS OUR HOUSE, both illustrated by Bob Graham. Michael Rosen lives in London.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 26, 2017
Michael Rosen confesses his childhood love of the delicious chocolate cake his Mum used to make make in this delectable, mischievous story. His greedy crumb by crumb midnight feast consumption of one such cake - and the consequences - is related to readers in Mr Rosen’s inimitable style, with wit and humour which are reinforced by the brilliant illustrations.
A tasty story which could prompt discussions relating to honesty, consequences and doing what is right . . . . I could easily imagine using this to prompt discussions with individuals, groups or a class! The descriptions are also brilliant, bringing the events and tastes to life in the imagination of the reader. Definitely another winner from this brilliant author IMHO.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
A tasty story which could prompt discussions relating to honesty, consequences and doing what is right . . . . I could easily imagine using this to prompt discussions with individuals, groups or a class! The descriptions are also brilliant, bringing the events and tastes to life in the imagination of the reader. Definitely another winner from this brilliant author IMHO.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
June 18, 2019
Chocolate Cake by Michael Rosen. Illustrated by Kevin Waldron. 5+++ Stars. What a joyful story of a cute blond chocolate cake-loving boy who gets into mischief over a midnight snack! LOL funny. Loved the sounds! The illustrations are totally delightful. Its wonderful detail and color—mostly cozy and some dark and scary—make it highly appealing. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK Children’s, and Puffin (how I do enjoy your books!) for providing this ebook for review.
June 24, 2023
I have been able to be a part of many lessons where this poem has been used and each and every time it captivates the children. The poet, Michael Rosen, is so very enthusiastic it becomes infectious and it is all through something as simple as eating chocolate cake. He uses a range of playful and witty language throughout which has the children in stitches of laughter, who all want to join him on this journey of eating some chocolate cake.
In my experience, I feel this poem can be used for almost each year group, but I feel is more affective with years 4, 5 and 6 as they will be able to depict more of the language and techniques Michael Rosen uses.
In my experience, I feel this poem can be used for almost each year group, but I feel is more affective with years 4, 5 and 6 as they will be able to depict more of the language and techniques Michael Rosen uses.
September 21, 2018
A true winner with my 4 year old. If he asks me to read it again, it’s a definite hit. Not only is it enjoyable for him to listen too but for myself reading this book to him, using lots of funny and silly noises to bring the book to life.
I would love to try this book out with a reception/ key stage 1 class because most children love chocolate cake, but to secretly eat the whole cake would be a dream to most children. Until after that is!
This story written as a poem would be a great addition to any poetry performance for children to use in the classroom.
I would love to try this book out with a reception/ key stage 1 class because most children love chocolate cake, but to secretly eat the whole cake would be a dream to most children. Until after that is!
This story written as a poem would be a great addition to any poetry performance for children to use in the classroom.
September 6, 2019
This book would be suitable to read with FS and KS1 children. There’s onomatopoeia, rhyme and noises which help to bring the story to life and make it an enjoyable and fun book for children. It could be used in technology as children could bake a chocolate cake, and look at recipes and their features, which could also be done with KS2 children. Many children will relate to a love of chocolate cake and the temptation to eat a whole cake in secret too! Hot seating could be an enjoyable activity with this book.
August 16, 2017
It was a nice read about greed.
It's the story of a little boy who loves chocolate and especially chocolate cake !
It was a pleasant read but I have to say the illustrations are not my favorite.
But the book is perfect for a "story time" because the illustration and story are complete with scrawled sound-effects and onomatopoeic bits.
It's the story of a little boy who loves chocolate and especially chocolate cake !
It was a pleasant read but I have to say the illustrations are not my favorite.
But the book is perfect for a "story time" because the illustration and story are complete with scrawled sound-effects and onomatopoeic bits.
January 4, 2022
I love this book and I remember having it read to me by my head master and thinking the suspense and intonation in his voice was incredible.
I also think a lot of children can relate to this book. How much they love a certain bad food that they can’t have all the time.
I also love how this story finishes open ended with a question - children could answer this in a debate form and write persuasive texts to convince their reader if mum will or will not remember.
I also think a lot of children can relate to this book. How much they love a certain bad food that they can’t have all the time.
I also love how this story finishes open ended with a question - children could answer this in a debate form and write persuasive texts to convince their reader if mum will or will not remember.
August 7, 2018
Michael Rosen tells the slightly humorous tale of the time he was a child and woke up in the night to look at the chocolate cake in the fridge and ended up eating the whole thing. I think the story tickled me because of the artful telling. It has an open ending sure to get kids talking about what happens next.
Lesson: resisting temptation
Lesson: resisting temptation
Read
January 5, 2022Michael Rosen is such a fun and interactive storyteller, which he often does through poetry. Chocolate Cake must be one of the most memorable poems for me. The poem is filled with silly sounds which leaves children laughing every time. Line by line you can visualise every move made when sneaking downstairs, you can hear the creaks of the floorboards, and taste each and every crumb from the delicious chocolate cake. This poem has since been made into a picture book which has great illustrations for children to enjoy. Furthermore, Miachel Rosen himself has a Youtube channel where he reads the poem in an incredibly funny and engaging manner.
Some possible activities which students can do following on from reading Chocolate Cake
• Write a short poem on something that the children love. Children should aim to engage the reader by bringing the poetry to life with descriptive language. Use onomatopoeias, alliteration and descriptive adjectives.
• If the children are in a younger year group, ask them to write down how many onomatopoeias they heard when the poetry was read out to them. This could be a good way to assess the students understanding on key features (it can also be done with other features, like alliteration)
• ‘Piece of Cake’ – ask students to work out fractions based on how many slices of cakes are remaining
Some possible activities which students can do following on from reading Chocolate Cake
• Write a short poem on something that the children love. Children should aim to engage the reader by bringing the poetry to life with descriptive language. Use onomatopoeias, alliteration and descriptive adjectives.
• If the children are in a younger year group, ask them to write down how many onomatopoeias they heard when the poetry was read out to them. This could be a good way to assess the students understanding on key features (it can also be done with other features, like alliteration)
• ‘Piece of Cake’ – ask students to work out fractions based on how many slices of cakes are remaining
February 20, 2019
Michael Rosen wrote this ode to chocolate cake. Originally this was a poem, but now it has turned into a picture book. This was a Honored Book for through the Children's Books Ireland (CBI) for Illustrations by Kevin Waldron. This book is useful in the classroom because it is a very silly, interactive, and amusing story. This story will produce laughter and language from children. Rosen's use of sounds and noises will really bring to life the book and get children interested in reading. This book is not a good book for teaching children directional reading because not all of the words go left to right in a straight line. I do recommend this book because children can get involved with the book, and relate to it well. The illustrations reflect the written story well, and the noises the children and teacher make while reading create a memorable experience. Even if a children has never eaten or had chocolate cake before, they still have a favorite food that they cannot resist! The illustrations won an honored title because Waldron used turn pages, sounds, and the words to his advantage. For this book, I would take advantage of the sounds and have children draw a map of how to get to their favorite food and what kind of noises might they encounter during their excursion to the food. In the book, the boy has to sneak past his parent's bedroom which has a creaky floor, open the refrigerator, and more! I think it would be fun for the students to come up with their own noises and obstacles to sneak past. Another literacy activity could be creating some "frosting", maybe some brown paint or dyed shaving cream, and having children practice writing letters with it so it adds a sensory element to the experience.
June 18, 2018
For this, I am a big fan of the video clip where an animated Rosen is telling the audience of eating his mum’s delicious chocolate cake. The sound effects and story itself are hilarious and will be enjoyed by children and adults alike!
Though I am aware I’m not discussing the book, but instead the video clip, I just think there is so much rich literature to be relished and learned by children. For example, Rosen’s story telling is second to none, therefore this can be harnessed and used to develop children’s own story writing and storytelling. This is also inclusive of children who are perhaps not advanced readers, as they can develop their speaking and listening skills without having to do any reading.
Furthermore, in terms of being cross-curricular this multi-media text has lots to offer. What stands out to me is making chocolate cake! This can be worked into the design technology curriculum where children not only need to bake cakes, but also design the packaging, use their maths knowledge to weigh ingredients etc.
Though I am aware I’m not discussing the book, but instead the video clip, I just think there is so much rich literature to be relished and learned by children. For example, Rosen’s story telling is second to none, therefore this can be harnessed and used to develop children’s own story writing and storytelling. This is also inclusive of children who are perhaps not advanced readers, as they can develop their speaking and listening skills without having to do any reading.
Furthermore, in terms of being cross-curricular this multi-media text has lots to offer. What stands out to me is making chocolate cake! This can be worked into the design technology curriculum where children not only need to bake cakes, but also design the packaging, use their maths knowledge to weigh ingredients etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2017
True account of the author's childhood and a delicious chocolate cake...
I can relate. My secret shame was an entire bag of chocolate truffles though. Michael relates his childhood memory of his mum's delicious chocolate cakes, and how he couldn't resist eating a little of the leftovers... then a little more...
It will fascinate any child, hearing of an adult confess this to them, the greed, the disobedience, the possible consequences.
Rosen doesn't use rhyme or humour, he writes a straightforward account in which he tells us what he did when he was young, any child would be able to relate to his feelings.
The illustrations reminded me of my own drawings in childhood, they give the book an authentic feel.
This would work well in KS2 classrooms, talking about consequences and doing the right thing.
Not a picture book for toddlers, rather like the author's 'Sad Book'. Would resonate most with readers aged 5-10.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.
I can relate. My secret shame was an entire bag of chocolate truffles though. Michael relates his childhood memory of his mum's delicious chocolate cakes, and how he couldn't resist eating a little of the leftovers... then a little more...
It will fascinate any child, hearing of an adult confess this to them, the greed, the disobedience, the possible consequences.
Rosen doesn't use rhyme or humour, he writes a straightforward account in which he tells us what he did when he was young, any child would be able to relate to his feelings.
The illustrations reminded me of my own drawings in childhood, they give the book an authentic feel.
This would work well in KS2 classrooms, talking about consequences and doing the right thing.
Not a picture book for toddlers, rather like the author's 'Sad Book'. Would resonate most with readers aged 5-10.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.
September 28, 2021
I love to listen to Michael Rosen reading poems in his YouTube videos & this is one of my favourites! The way he reads snd makes all the silly noises always makes me laugh!
When mum discovered that there was a picture book version of the poem she knew I would like it!
The poem really is funny and tells a little story about when Michael Rosen’s was a boy and his mum would make chocolate cake which was his favourite snack. I also enjoyed the illustrations by Kevin Waldron. He does a great job of creating all the scenes from the poem and I like the way he uses a collage style to create textures.
I read the poem to my little brother who is two years old and now he loves it too! He likes to join in with the silly noises and look at the colourful pictures while we read to him. Now whenever he asks for chocolate cake we aren’t sure if he wants us to read to him or get him some cake!
When mum discovered that there was a picture book version of the poem she knew I would like it!
The poem really is funny and tells a little story about when Michael Rosen’s was a boy and his mum would make chocolate cake which was his favourite snack. I also enjoyed the illustrations by Kevin Waldron. He does a great job of creating all the scenes from the poem and I like the way he uses a collage style to create textures.
I read the poem to my little brother who is two years old and now he loves it too! He likes to join in with the silly noises and look at the colourful pictures while we read to him. Now whenever he asks for chocolate cake we aren’t sure if he wants us to read to him or get him some cake!
September 13, 2017
Chocolate Cake by Michael Rosen is a short picture book about a boy’s love of chocolate cake. The boy ends up not being able to wait for his chocolate cake and this is the storm of his midnight chocolate cake feast. The boys mistake is that is does not clean up his trail of it. His mom figures out what happened in the end, which allows for a lesson on teaching children of being truthful.
The illustrations is great. The illustrations are unique. They appear to be hand drawn which helps the book to authentic.
I have this book 4/5 stars.
Thank you Penguin Random House UK Children’s and Puffin via NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The illustrations is great. The illustrations are unique. They appear to be hand drawn which helps the book to authentic.
I have this book 4/5 stars.
Thank you Penguin Random House UK Children’s and Puffin via NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2018
Rosen relates how as a little boy one night he snuck down stairs just to look at the chocolate cake leftovers his mother would put in his lunch the next day, and how that changed to just licking up crumbs on the plate, to getting caught in the morning with chocolate on his face and an empty plate in the cupboard.
Rosen leaves it up to readers' imaginations what his punishment was, but does clearly say he was being greedy. It's an all too believable childhood tale. Could be a good tool to talk about delayed gratification and self-control. Also could be a good mentor text for kids writing about an event from their own lives.
Rosen leaves it up to readers' imaginations what his punishment was, but does clearly say he was being greedy. It's an all too believable childhood tale. Could be a good tool to talk about delayed gratification and self-control. Also could be a good mentor text for kids writing about an event from their own lives.
August 9, 2017
This book is a short picture book all about a boy's love of chocolate cake and having an insatiable appetite for it! Unable to get enough he tell of his a midnight chocolate cake feast, only not to clean up his mucky trail of it afterwards! Mum's always figure what happened after all!
Short and highly entertaining, it's a funny little book that will make young children giggle a lot as well as be drawn to the colourful drawings of his tale!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Short and highly entertaining, it's a funny little book that will make young children giggle a lot as well as be drawn to the colourful drawings of his tale!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
August 11, 2017
'Chocolate Cake' by Michael Rosen is a well known piece of text to all primary school teachers already. After seeing it being brought to life by Michael Rosen himself in videos he's posted on YouTube, it's lovely to see it being illustrated by Kevin Waldron. The illustrations are fantastic with wonderful detail and colour which I know will engage children as well as adults! It adds another element to Michael Rosen's true story (one many of us can relate to). Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK Children's and Puffin for providing this ebook!
August 27, 2017
Michael Rosen is obviously a fellow chocolate cake fan and I could empathise with the little boy in the charming illustrations very strongly. Who has not been woken in the night by a craving for leftover food that you know is just waiting to be eaten in the kitchen? Not you? Ah well I recognise the urge to get up and nibble anyway! Couldn't help but hear Michael's voice reading the story in my head and with all the fabulous noises to make, this would certainly be perfect for reading aloud. Now where did I save mum's chocolate coconut cake recipe........!
August 1, 2017
A young lover of chocolate cake eats a whole one at night - and that's it. The illustrations, complete with scrawled sound-effects and onomatopoeic bits, are very rough and ready, and so weren't completely to my taste. But the active layout and the very opportunity to make silly eating noises when sharing this little adventure with little adventurers is not to be forsaken - in its simplicity it should be right up their street. The book in a way is like its subject - easy, messy fun.
October 24, 2017
A book by Michael Rosen about stealing chocolate cake. What isn't there to like? The sumptuous use of onomatopoeia and descriptive language makes it a wonderful book to use in the classroom. Chocolate Cake would provide inspiration for children developing their descriptive writing. I love the way the typeface changes to enhance the descriptive words as they work seamlessly with the pictures. I love the expressive eyes, showing every emotion throughout the book.
June 28, 2020
A funny realistic book of a child and he loves the chocolate cake. What I love about this book is that it is written in such a way that you you can see what the child is thinking. This makes it very funny, realistic and easily relatable.
This is a great book for use in schools when teaching children about past tense or how to recount something. As this book is written from the authors point of view remembering something that happened as a child.
This is a great book for use in schools when teaching children about past tense or how to recount something. As this book is written from the authors point of view remembering something that happened as a child.
November 25, 2023
Rosen er en flink fyr. Denne er litt krevende å lese, har en del tekst, som står plassert litt her og der og er i ulike størrelser, så kanskje fin for litt større barnetrinn eller starten av mellomtrinnet, med oppfordring til å fortelle om sin egen rampete historie på engelsk. Kjempesøt historie med åpen slutt, sånn at vi pedagoger kan bruke den masse videre! Flere nevner denne som sin favoritt barnebok, jeg kan forstå hvorfor!
September 30, 2017
The poem is a clear favourite in my classroom and this book is lovely - it has cute illustrations and I like how the text is scattered across the pages. However, I don't think anything can compare to actually listening to and watching Michael Rosen performing this poem aloud! That is an amazing experience, to which the book, though nice, is a poor second.
March 28, 2020
Michael Rosen performs this piece of poetry on YouTube - he does a brilliant job! It is so engaging and memorable as one of my tutees recommended it as she loved it when she watched it at school. He does not just read it, he performs it to a great standard.
Would definitely share this with children as it is funny and engaging. Also it is about chocolate cake which I think they would love!
Would definitely share this with children as it is funny and engaging. Also it is about chocolate cake which I think they would love!
December 6, 2023
A lovely book that will get children really excited about their love for chocolate cake. There is plenty of rhyme and rhythm and the illustrations are lovely, although slightly busy with scrawled sound effects. This book is perfect for Foundation Stage and KS1 and I enjoyed the book even more after watching Rosen's video performing this aloud!
August 12, 2017
Fantastic story, tinged with a child's feelings of remorse. Filled with Rosen's trademark rhythm and word play.
Perfect for bedtime reading to younger children or independent readers aged 6+. Also recommended for class reading and circle time.
Perfect for bedtime reading to younger children or independent readers aged 6+. Also recommended for class reading and circle time.
September 25, 2017
A fun picture book that reads a bit like a stand up comedy routine. Michael Rosen is hilarious (as per usual) and we can all relate to chocolate related self control issues.
The ending fell a bit flat for me, but the rest of the book was strong enough to carry through.
The ending fell a bit flat for me, but the rest of the book was strong enough to carry through.
April 6, 2020
This poem is performed on youtube. Micheal Rosen performs the poem well with good sound effects and voices. I played this poem to children in year two and they enjoyed the facial expressions and sound effects.
August 26, 2020
Michael Rosen does wonderful books for children. I love using this book when teaching Figurative Language and Onomatopoeia. Every time I use this book, I have a craving for Chocolate Cake. Definitely a winner for me!
September 3, 2020
Vibrant, light hearted and entertaining picture book suitable for early readers about a boy and his favourite treat! Really relatable for any child who has done something they perhaps were told not too and the attempt to cover it up afterwards!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews