Blueberries for Sal Cookbook: Sweet Recipes Inspired by the Beloved Children's Classic

by Robert McCloskey

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Enjoy 30 sweet blueberry recipes in this beautifully illustrated official cookbook based on the beloved children’s classic Blueberries for Sal .

With over three million copies sold since its publication in 1948, Robert McCloskey’s Blueberries for Sal has established its place in the hearts of readers worldwide. Now, for the first time, you can share Little Sal’s love of blueberries with this charming cookbook of thirty family-friendly, blueberry-based recipes to enjoy,

• Blueberry Pie and Blueberry Muffins
• Breakfast Berry Blue Smoothie and Blueberry Coffee Cake with Streusel
• Delicious Moose Tracks Blondies and Blueberry-Coconut Cupcakes

Featuring the author’s original illustrations as well as new drawings inspired by the iconic images in the book, Blueberries for Sal Cookbook invites you to imagine all the ways Little Sal enjoyed her berries after that memorable day on Blueberry Hill.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food and Drink

128 pages, Hardcover

Published June 6, 2023

About the author

John Robert McCloskey was an American writer and illustrator of children's books. He both wrote and illustrated eight picture books and won two Caldecott Medals from the American Library Association recognizing the year's best-illustrated picture book. Four of those eight books were set in Maine: Blueberries for Sal, One Morning in Maine, Time of Wonder, and Burt Dow, Deep-water Man; the last three all on the coast. He was also the writer for Make Way For Ducklings, as well as the illustrator for The Man Who Lost His Head.

McCloskey was born in Hamilton, Ohio, during 1914 and reached Boston in 1932 with a scholarship to study at Vesper George Art School. After Vesper George he moved to New York City for study at the National Academy of Design.

In 1940, he married Peggy Durand, daughter of the children's writer Ruth Sawyer. They had two daughters, Sally and Jane, and settled in New York State, spending summers on Scott Island, a small island off Little Deer Isle in East Penobscot Bay. McCloskey's wife and eldest daughter Sally are reputed to be the models for little Sal and her mother in Blueberries for Sal (1948), a picture book set on a "Blueberry Hill" in the vicinity. Three others of his picture books are set on the coast and concern the sea.

Peggy died in 1991. Twelve years later on June 30, 2003, McCloskey died at his home in Deer Isle, Maine.

Reviews

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet novelty.

[Mychaela Bardakjy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have for any fan of Blueberries for Sal, which is a book holds a special place in my family’s heart, as it was read to my dad when he was a child, he read it to me as a child, and now I get to read it to my children. The recipes in this cookbook are mostly simple and easy, and my kids and I can’t wait to try them out! I also love the little tidbits throughout the book: some on McCloskey and some on the history of blueberries.

[L.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifted to my daughter by her grandmother. I’m glad most of the recipes use some alternatives flours (coconut, almond) and milk (coconut), making it easier to convert things to gluten- and dairy-free. Very fun idea!

Blueberry Upside-Down Cake - a bit bitter, but still good; will adjust next time
Coconut Cupcakes - so high calories and SO tasty!
Blueberry Apple Crisp - one of my favorite crisps ever for balance of flavors and texture

[Rev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit that my rating for this one is mostly based upon Blueberries for Sal holding a special place in my heart as one of my favorite childhood picture books. I was delighted that someone did a cookbook for it, especially since I'm kind of desperate to find a way to eat blueberries that I actually enjoy besides jam. There's many throughout this book that look promising though.

[Sheri Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update July 23: Brian and I give the Blueberry-Banana Bread two yums up!

I’ve always been a fan of Robert McCloskey’s illustrations—especially in Blueberries for Sal, so this little cookbook is delightful. I’m looking forward to trying some of the recipes. First up: Blueberry-Banana Bread. Next may be Blueberry-Apple Crisp. Both sound yummers!

[Jenna Hetmansperger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet little book that has both basic and unique recipes! I can't wait for it to be blueberry season in Michigan again and cook my way through it. It's a quick read and beautifully designed!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sturdy little cookbook is simply beautiful! With all the charm of the classic Blueberries for Sal, it includes a variety of sweet and even savory blueberry recipes using common ingredients. We've tried several already, including a bread, a pie, and a sandwich, and all have been delicious. This is a cookbook I'll hand on to and revisit every blueberry season.

[Angela Colson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m highly recommend getting this cookbook to go along with Blueberries For Sal. It’s more than just a cookbook; It’s full of adorable pictures and facts about bears and blueberries. My granddaughter will love having this cookbook and picking out recipes to make.

[Bobbi Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so wonderful! Quick notes about the recipes, illustrations in the same blue-ink style and just a feel-good kind of book. I copied several of the recipes.