Marcel the Pastry Chef

by Marianna Mayer

A dishwashing hippopotamus practices pastry making in the palace kitchen each night while the rest of the world sleeps. Then one night the king discovers one of his delicious cream puffs. Confusion and justice follow.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1991

About the author

Marianna Mayer is a children's book author and artist recognized for her beautifully written retellings of classic folk and fairy tales. Born in New York City, she began her artistic training early and studied at the Art Students League after a year of college. Her first book was published at the age of nineteen. Mayer has authored several acclaimed works, including Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave, Pegasus, and The Twelve Dancing Princesses, often collaborating with renowned illustrators such as Kinuko Y. Craft and Michael Hague. She was previously married to illustrator Mercer Mayer.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My children and grandchildren love this one, too! The only problem? It always makes me hungry after reading it! It's all of those pastries...

[Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little story about a hippo who works in the kitchens of a castle as a dishwasher and teaches himself how to bake. Adorable art.

I was returning some books and happened to see this on the top of a pile that one of the desk people was scanning back in. I couldn't resist.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books I remember reading the most as a kid, and it's still amazing now I've grown. Marcel just wants to practice his baking, the royal cook wants to be recognized for his talents, and the king wants to eat as many pastries as can be made. The silliness and misunderstandings delight every time.

"Confusion and justice follow." 🤣

[Susie Jetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

why did I have to spend $40 on this book on amazon? why isn't this available on barnes and noble? it's worth it obviously because it's my childhood. one of my favorites.

[Elizabeth Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most charming picture books you will ever come across.

[Zach Hamrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. Marcel loves to bake. so at night when everyone else is sleeping Marcel bakes all these good treats. The king finds the delicious treat and gives credit to the head chef. The head chef was then assigned to create a wedding cake for the king but he had no idea how to bake. Marcel steps in a saves the day and then gets promoted to head Chef.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant story of a hippopotamus who bakes pastry in secret. The story quietly reinforces the value of selflessness. McDermott's artwork is wonderful and filled with enough details to keep a child focused and interested.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hippo who is the dishwasher for the king's cook has dreams of become a great pastry chef himself. He practices at night and through some serendipity, the king gets to sample his creations.

Fun illustrations.

[Annabella]

Read again February 25, 2014

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book so much. The illustrations of the pastry puffs are really what does it for me.