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The Tiny Baker
Every day, insect customers line up to dine at the tiny baker's tearoom, but when her ladybug cooks fly away, upending the pristine kitchen, the baker learns an important lesson about friendship.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 21, 2020
1 person is currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 31, 2021
Each night, before she goes to sleep,
The baker counts, not woolly sheep,
But friends - true friends - who care enough
to pitch right in when things get tough.
A tiny bee who bakes everything from pecan pralines to eclairs (mixed) for her tiny sized clientele. When suddenly her pastry chefs leave her, she finds her kitchen in uproar and then her loyal clients help her with everything from cleaning to dusting her off. And they mention that they don't only come here for the tasty treats but also her.
A nice story about friends who actually care and help you in your hour of need. It has fun rhyming and a very practical message but I loved the illustrations the most.
3.5 stars
The baker counts, not woolly sheep,
But friends - true friends - who care enough
to pitch right in when things get tough.
A tiny bee who bakes everything from pecan pralines to eclairs (mixed) for her tiny sized clientele. When suddenly her pastry chefs leave her, she finds her kitchen in uproar and then her loyal clients help her with everything from cleaning to dusting her off. And they mention that they don't only come here for the tasty treats but also her.
A nice story about friends who actually care and help you in your hour of need. It has fun rhyming and a very practical message but I loved the illustrations the most.
3.5 stars
March 8, 2022
This has immense style! I’m not even a big fan of bugs and I was rather charmed. The text flows delightfully and the illustrations have impeccable detail. I could easily see this being five stars for the right reader, though given my kids’ lack of enthusiasm maybe it’s one that appeals more to adults.
February 6, 2025
This is such a sweet book and the photos are so beautiful! I love reading this story to my kids letting them know how important friendships are.
August 22, 2022
Such cute illustrations and a sweet message.
December 4, 2020
Unique, delightfully illustrated picture book story of a bug bakery (a bakery that staffs and serves bugs, NOT a bakery that cooks bugs!) I know I would have enjoyed this immensely as a kid.
November 15, 2020
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
THE TINY BAKER is the sweet story of a baker bee who runs a bakery and tea shop. Every day, her insect clientele lines up to enjoy her tasty treats. One day, while she is serving her customers, her ladybug staff takes wing and leaves the kitchen in an uproar. The baker bee is sitting amidst the mess when her customers rally to her rescue. The ants work together to clean it up quickly, and the baker bee realizes that she has so many friends and is cheered.
What I loved: This book is told in rhymes, which adds to the fun of the experience. The bakery is lovingly described and it comes to life in the lovely illustrations throughout. The storyline is cute with plenty of bakery puns, including that when the ice cream maker explodes, it a la moded. The text rolls of the tongue, and it is also nice that it includes unusual and big words that can help to build a child's vocabulary. The value of relationships and friendships shines through the end of the story, with the baker's many friends coming in to save the day. The artwork here is also absolutely gorgeous with plenty of details to explore.
What left me wanting more: As small points, the book ends somewhat abruptly and I think I wanted some more closure with the bakery as well as more explanation why the ladybugs took off. The text is also a little awkward in places, as there are a lot of big words, so it is definitely one better read aloud versus children reading to themselves.
Final verdict: Beautifully illustrated and with rhyming text, THE TINY BAKER is a sweet story of friendship. Highly recommend for children who love baking, bugs, and good friends.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
THE TINY BAKER is the sweet story of a baker bee who runs a bakery and tea shop. Every day, her insect clientele lines up to enjoy her tasty treats. One day, while she is serving her customers, her ladybug staff takes wing and leaves the kitchen in an uproar. The baker bee is sitting amidst the mess when her customers rally to her rescue. The ants work together to clean it up quickly, and the baker bee realizes that she has so many friends and is cheered.
What I loved: This book is told in rhymes, which adds to the fun of the experience. The bakery is lovingly described and it comes to life in the lovely illustrations throughout. The storyline is cute with plenty of bakery puns, including that when the ice cream maker explodes, it a la moded. The text rolls of the tongue, and it is also nice that it includes unusual and big words that can help to build a child's vocabulary. The value of relationships and friendships shines through the end of the story, with the baker's many friends coming in to save the day. The artwork here is also absolutely gorgeous with plenty of details to explore.
What left me wanting more: As small points, the book ends somewhat abruptly and I think I wanted some more closure with the bakery as well as more explanation why the ladybugs took off. The text is also a little awkward in places, as there are a lot of big words, so it is definitely one better read aloud versus children reading to themselves.
Final verdict: Beautifully illustrated and with rhyming text, THE TINY BAKER is a sweet story of friendship. Highly recommend for children who love baking, bugs, and good friends.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
December 4, 2021
Η μικρή ζαχαροπλάστισσα έχει ένα επιτυχημένο κατάστημα γλυκών με συνταγές που πραγματοποιούν διαλεχτοί βοηθοί. Τι θα γίνει όμως αν ξαφνικά τα πάντα ανατραπούν και μείνει μόνη χωρίς αυτούς ενώ έχει κόσμο στο μαγαζί; Θα καταστραφεί η φήμη της ή θα προλάβει να σώσει τις ζημιές;
Η Hayley Barrett έγραψε ένα τρυφερό παραμύθι για τη φιλία δοσμένο με τετράστιχα και ομοιοκαταληξίες, κατάλληλο για παιδιά από 4 ετών και πάνω. Ενδιαφέρουσες ολοκληρωμένες μα και κοφτές προτάσεις συγκροτούν μια γλυκιά ιστορία γύρω από την αλληλεγγύη και τη δοτικότητα που γνωρίζει η ζαχαροπλάστισσα χάρη σε απρόσμενους φίλους. Εκλεράκια και σουδάκια, πραλίνες και κεκάκια και άλλα κερασματάκια στολίζουν όμορφα τις δύσκολες στιγμές της ιστορίας και η κεντρική ιδέα του παραμυθιού δίνεται με πολύ παραστατικό και έξυπνο τρόπο. Η εικονογράφηση της Alison Jay ζωντανεύει έναν κόσμο μυρμηγκιών, μελισσών, ακρίδων και άλλων εντόμων που επισκέπτονται το μαγαζί της ζαχαροπλάστισσας και φυσικά έχουμε πάρα πολλά γλυκά μπροστά στα μάτια μας, με αποτέλεσμα η κοιλίτσα μου να αρχίζει να λιγουρεύεται!
«Η μικρή ζαχαροπλάστισσα» είναι ένα υπέροχο, διασκεδαστικό παραμύθι με προσεγμένες προτάσεις και λεπτομερή εικονογράφηση, που δε ζωντανεύει απλά τον κόσμο ενός ζαχαροπλαστείου αλλά τονίζει και τη σημασία της φιλίας και της υποστήριξης μέσα από μια συναρπαστική ιστορία.
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: www.vivliokritikes.com/%ce%b7-%ce%bc%...
Η Hayley Barrett έγραψε ένα τρυφερό παραμύθι για τη φιλία δοσμένο με τετράστιχα και ομοιοκαταληξίες, κατάλληλο για παιδιά από 4 ετών και πάνω. Ενδιαφέρουσες ολοκληρωμένες μα και κοφτές προτάσεις συγκροτούν μια γλυκιά ιστορία γύρω από την αλληλεγγύη και τη δοτικότητα που γνωρίζει η ζαχαροπλάστισσα χάρη σε απρόσμενους φίλους. Εκλεράκια και σουδάκια, πραλίνες και κεκάκια και άλλα κερασματάκια στολίζουν όμορφα τις δύσκολες στιγμές της ιστορίας και η κεντρική ιδέα του παραμυθιού δίνεται με πολύ παραστατικό και έξυπνο τρόπο. Η εικονογράφηση της Alison Jay ζωντανεύει έναν κόσμο μυρμηγκιών, μελισσών, ακρίδων και άλλων εντόμων που επισκέπτονται το μαγαζί της ζαχαροπλάστισσας και φυσικά έχουμε πάρα πολλά γλυκά μπροστά στα μάτια μας, με αποτέλεσμα η κοιλίτσα μου να αρχίζει να λιγουρεύεται!
«Η μικρή ζαχαροπλάστισσα» είναι ένα υπέροχο, διασκεδαστικό παραμύθι με προσεγμένες προτάσεις και λεπτομερή εικονογράφηση, που δε ζωντανεύει απλά τον κόσμο ενός ζαχαροπλαστείου αλλά τονίζει και τη σημασία της φιλίας και της υποστήριξης μέσα από μια συναρπαστική ιστορία.
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: www.vivliokritikes.com/%ce%b7-%ce%bc%...
November 16, 2020
The tiny baker has the most dainty and delicious treats at her fashionable tearoom. Her insect customers are always well-behaved and elegantly dressed. But when the ladybug pastry chefs in the kitchen are called away to migrate, they leave a huge mess in the kitchen! How will the tiny baker clean up the mess and deliver delectable desserts to her fancy clientele? She discovers that true friends are always willing to help in a crisis.
I adore this book! Everything about it is perfection.
I love the positive messages about true friendship and jumping in to help someone in need.
I love the interesting plot, and how the tearoom and kitchen are described.
I love all the crazy insect characters with their refined manners and fashionable Victorian clothing.
I love the beautiful illustrations with all the little details in the background that make the story come alive.
It literally made me hungry seeing all the wonderful desserts in this book! I had to go get myself a little piece of chocolate to munch on while reading it.
Suddenly I'm inspired to bake some madeleines or ladyfingers or eclairs. I want pink lemonade and rose-hip tea.
This book is a complete delight from beginning to end!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I adore this book! Everything about it is perfection.
I love the positive messages about true friendship and jumping in to help someone in need.
I love the interesting plot, and how the tearoom and kitchen are described.
I love all the crazy insect characters with their refined manners and fashionable Victorian clothing.
I love the beautiful illustrations with all the little details in the background that make the story come alive.
It literally made me hungry seeing all the wonderful desserts in this book! I had to go get myself a little piece of chocolate to munch on while reading it.
Suddenly I'm inspired to bake some madeleines or ladyfingers or eclairs. I want pink lemonade and rose-hip tea.
This book is a complete delight from beginning to end!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 9, 2020
A quiet story of what it means to be a friend.
A plump little bee with a very successful sweets shop finds her kitchen has been abandoned by her pastry chefs one day. Disaster ensues with the unattended cooking they left behind. She sees the true value of friendship when all of her regular customers come to her aid to clean up and get the kitchen back on track.
Barrett has made the quirky choice of making all of the characters into insects in this rhyming story. The rhyming couplets read aloud nicely, the action is well-paced, and the text is rich with vocabulary appropriate for this setting. However, it is Allison Jay's signature alkyd oil paint on paper with crackling varnish that really brings this gem to life. This technique adds such an old-fashioned bookmaking feel to the book. Jay adds a dash of life and whimsy to the story by changing visual perspectives, exaggerating proportions of the insect characters, giving a charm to the interior of the sweets and tea shop, adding textures and jewel-tone colors, and infusing intriguing expressions on the faces of all. I especially enjoyed the humor of the ladybugs/ladybirds all "flying home".
Simply charming!
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 3.
A plump little bee with a very successful sweets shop finds her kitchen has been abandoned by her pastry chefs one day. Disaster ensues with the unattended cooking they left behind. She sees the true value of friendship when all of her regular customers come to her aid to clean up and get the kitchen back on track.
Barrett has made the quirky choice of making all of the characters into insects in this rhyming story. The rhyming couplets read aloud nicely, the action is well-paced, and the text is rich with vocabulary appropriate for this setting. However, it is Allison Jay's signature alkyd oil paint on paper with crackling varnish that really brings this gem to life. This technique adds such an old-fashioned bookmaking feel to the book. Jay adds a dash of life and whimsy to the story by changing visual perspectives, exaggerating proportions of the insect characters, giving a charm to the interior of the sweets and tea shop, adding textures and jewel-tone colors, and infusing intriguing expressions on the faces of all. I especially enjoyed the humor of the ladybugs/ladybirds all "flying home".
Simply charming!
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 3.
November 25, 2020
With well-metered and tightly rhymed text, the author provides a charming, tender-hearted, and delightfully delicious story about friendship with a very original premise. The tiny baker happens to be one of the insects who populate the entire story. All involved are as prim and proper as a characters in a Jane Austin novel, with illustrations that rise to that high bar and invite close inspection of each and every detail. The "problem to be solved" is among the most original I've read- a staff of support staff ladybugs abandon kitchen work to migrate, wreaking havoc on every inch of the establishment.
Let's just say it is worth multiple readings to appreciate the ways in which the lilting language and delicate details and reassuring resolve come together like the most elaborate creations of a master baker.
(Expect to have multiple cravings for sweets after reading.)
Older readers will note multiple opportunities to identify irony-
The "tiny baker" is among the largest of the insects;
Insects are assumed to be "dirty" and yet...
Text incorporates subtle word play that shines during repeated readings and reading aloud.
Vocabulary is as precisely placed as the decorations on the delicate pastries.
Let's just say it is worth multiple readings to appreciate the ways in which the lilting language and delicate details and reassuring resolve come together like the most elaborate creations of a master baker.
(Expect to have multiple cravings for sweets after reading.)
Older readers will note multiple opportunities to identify irony-
The "tiny baker" is among the largest of the insects;
Insects are assumed to be "dirty" and yet...
Text incorporates subtle word play that shines during repeated readings and reading aloud.
Vocabulary is as precisely placed as the decorations on the delicate pastries.
October 19, 2020
Using rhyming text, this picture book tells the story of a honeybee who runs a popular bakery with many loyal customers. But things get rather sticky when her ladybug take off and leave her kitchen in a mess. She is overwhelmed, but she need not be since her customers come to her rescue, and in a nick of time, everything is restored. The busy baking bee realizes that while her culinary treats are surely one reason that her customers come to her establishment, there's more to the place's appeal than just those sweet treats. The message that true friends are the ones that come to someone's aid when it's most needed rings loud and clear through the book. The unusual illustrations, created with alkyd oil paint on paper with crackling varnish, add a unique feel to the pages and the story itself. Students might well benefit from the book's message while being entertained by the images and the mess those chefs leave behind them.
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May 12, 2022I’m not sure why the decision was made for the characters in this book to be insects, but it did allow for some great illustrations.
Written in rhyme, the story is a simple one of community and friendship. What happens when you’re abandoned in the middle of a crisis?
The best things about the book were the style choices for the illustrations. Even though they are insects, the characters somehow suit the Victorian clothing they’re dressed in. It gives the book a whimsical feel and really adds character to the whole thing.
I’m still not sure why the characters are bugs, but the pictures were great!
Written in rhyme, the story is a simple one of community and friendship. What happens when you’re abandoned in the middle of a crisis?
The best things about the book were the style choices for the illustrations. Even though they are insects, the characters somehow suit the Victorian clothing they’re dressed in. It gives the book a whimsical feel and really adds character to the whole thing.
I’m still not sure why the characters are bugs, but the pictures were great!
April 25, 2021
The charming, detailed illustrations in this picture book invite readers into the tiny baker's cozy tea shop, and mouths will water at the depiction of the many tasty treats displayed there. The rhyming text engages in some fun word play, while telling the story of a mishap in the kitchen, and how the baker's friends save the day. The moral of the story: "Each night before she goes to sleep, the baker counts, not woolly sheep, but friends -- true friends -- who care enough to pitch right in when things get tough." I loved this book in spite of the fact that I found the insect characters to be a bit creepy.
July 30, 2024
The story was engaging and the illustrations were very detailed. I didn't expect the story to progress in the way that it did, and I loved the lesson at the end of the book. I hadn't expected the story to be as heartfelt as it was.
I wish that the book didn't use a rhyme scheme because I don't personally prefer that format, and I wish I knew why all of the ladybug bakers suddenly deserted the kitchen (I felt like it was either for a random reason that was unexplained or it is because of some "well-known" fact about ladybugs and their habits or migration patterns that I am not aware of--in which case, it still should have been stated for the reader for context).
I wish that the book didn't use a rhyme scheme because I don't personally prefer that format, and I wish I knew why all of the ladybug bakers suddenly deserted the kitchen (I felt like it was either for a random reason that was unexplained or it is because of some "well-known" fact about ladybugs and their habits or migration patterns that I am not aware of--in which case, it still should have been stated for the reader for context).
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October 2, 2020This is a sweet story about a tiny baker bee who overcomes tragedy with the help of her friends. The rhyming is well done, but it's not a text that will have your child reading along. There is one line that really strikes a chord, and it drives the lesson home that you can rely on friends, even when others let you down. Delightful touches: so many different insects and desserts - strange mix that adds to the overall whimsical feel, and absolutely charming illustrations. Surprising fall tie-in you might not be expecting re: ladybug migration.
October 18, 2020
So in the beginning, I really didn’t care for the book but it grew on me when it became about helping out a friend. I just don’t get why the characters are insects, it’s super weird.
I think some of this vocabulary is way too complex for a picture book audience (sublime, burnished,sheen, clientele to name a few). I picture reading it to kids and having to stop every page to explain the vocabulary words. And they are words that aren’t very common so it almost seems like a waste to try to teach so many unpopular words in one picture book.
I think the illustrations are pretty cool though.
I think some of this vocabulary is way too complex for a picture book audience (sublime, burnished,sheen, clientele to name a few). I picture reading it to kids and having to stop every page to explain the vocabulary words. And they are words that aren’t very common so it almost seems like a waste to try to teach so many unpopular words in one picture book.
I think the illustrations are pretty cool though.
November 17, 2020
A darling book about true friendship. The tiny baker, a honeybee, takes great pride in the precision and perfection of her bakery and all of its goods. When that goes awry one day it turns out to be a blessing in disguise as she learns about friendship. This book gives me warm reminders of MISS SPIDER'S TEA PARTY by David Kirk. Gentle illustrations, rhyming delicious text and a sweet message. A wonderful read aloud.
December 1, 2020
First, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous in The Tiny Baker with soft pastels and a crackling feature in the overlay, making the reader feel as if they've been transported to a Victorian village hidden in a grassy tuft somewhere. The story moves with excellent rhythm ad the rhyme scheme is exceptional. This little book speaks to me and I would certainly share it as a read aloud with preschool children, or offer it as a gift to a young person interested in baking.
January 23, 2022
The bumblebee has the best bakery and coffee shop in town. When the lady bug assistants all leave without warning, the kitchen is a disaster. Fortunately, the bee has a lot of friends.
This book has a lot of lovely rhymes and the illustrations are really gorgeous. The plot left me wanting, however.
This book has a lot of lovely rhymes and the illustrations are really gorgeous. The plot left me wanting, however.
February 1, 2023
I'm not a bug enthusiast. I do love bakeries but I didn't enjoy seeing the bugs all dressed up like fancy people in the bakery, kitchen, etc. I do like the message of coming to a friends aid when needed. It also had a lot of large words for expanding vocabulary. Not a terrible book but not a good fit for us.
November 8, 2023
Delightful illustrations pair with rhyming text about a baker bee who has a baking disaster. What does she do? Read it and see!
Themes: bugs/insects, baking, friendship/community, service, books that rhyme
Ages: 1-2nd grade (it's a lot of text to read)
Pub year: 2020
Themes: bugs/insects, baking, friendship/community, service, books that rhyme
Ages: 1-2nd grade (it's a lot of text to read)
Pub year: 2020
October 14, 2020
A very "sweet" book about friendship.
October 23, 2020
Tiny baker needs some help when her helpers leave the kitchen an utter mess her friends step in and help tiny baker put the kitchen back in order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
A gentle story of community support -- what a terrific book for 2020! Encourages everyone to shop local AND to look out for their neighbors.
Read
November 27, 2020A delightful story about baking and friendship told is lovely rhyme!
December 28, 2020
Heavenly!
February 9, 2021
In this insect world, the loyal customers of a honeybee-owned bakery come to the rescue when the kitchen is upended. Great, whimsical illustrations by Alison Jay.
April 8, 2021
Very cute rhyming story for preschool+
August 2, 2021
If the Tiny Baker is all the rage and the best baker - why is she out front serving customers, leaving others in the kitchen?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews