The Biscuit Maker

by Sue Lawson

In Mavin Road, there’s no time for hellos or chats until a lonely and mysterious biscuit maker’s magic brings everyone together.Benedict Stanley lives alone with his cat in Mavin Road where families hustle, joggers puff and workers scurry to the train, and no one has time for anyone else. So Benedict begins making biscuits to mark moments in all their lives, leaving them secretly at their doors. People start talking. Who is this mysterious biscuit maker? When Benedict falls ill, young Rory, the only person to know his secret, gathers the residents of Mavin Road and brings them to his door. A beautiful heart-warming book that celebrates community and human connection.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

Paperback

First published September 2, 2020

About the author

Sue Lawson is an award winning young adult and junior fiction author, with a passion for
young people, writing and reading. Her books are recognized for the sensitive way they
explore the exciting and heartbreaking complexities of adolescence.
A former teacher, Sue has also worked for both ABC and commercial stations and currently
works part time for Geelong's BAY FM.
Her book Pan’s Whisper was shortlisted for the 2012 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards,
Young Adult Fiction, won the 2012 Australian Family Therapist Award, Children’s Literature
and was shortlisted for other awards.
Her latest young adult novel, based on real events, is Freedom Ride.

Reviews

[Christine Meunier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Miss really enjoyed this.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story about breaking down barriers of isolation within a street community. Nobody talks to elderly Benedict Stanley and his feline companion Audrey Mae, despite his cheerful morning greetings when people pass by. When a young boy stops to pat the cat, and says he is waiting for the toothfairy, Benedict is inspired and makes a batch of cookies which he decorates with a smiley face wit the front tooth missing. He leaves the anonymously at Rory
s front door. Biscuit making becomes a regular occupation with gifts left mysteriously and the neighbours left wondering. When Benedict falls ill and his garden becomes overgrown and biscuits stop arriving the neighbours start to understand and then they all come together to help Benedict.
The endpapers combine multiple perspective to show the street from above, the fronts of each house and cutaways to show is happening inside - lots to talk about! and to map the various neighbors as the come together at the end. A A mix of cameo, full and double page spreads of lively and ative scenes. Liz Anelli's style suits this book perfectly with the most engaging facial expressions and the considered inclusion of a diverse neigbhourhood in terms of ethnicity, relationships and families.
A wonderful story about building community, the importance of being kind.

[idreamofallthebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Mavin Road, there’s no time for hellos or chats until a lonely and mysterious biscuit maker’s magic brings everyone together.

I really enjoyed Lawson’s story about the kindness of one individual, as he attempts to bring about some happiness and joy in the lives of others. Benedict Stanley – and his cat, Audrey Mae – always enjoy greeting those who pass them by. But one day, they notice that everyone seem to be forgetting to enjoy the smaller things in life.

Lawson’s story of learning to appreciate the little things and looking out for one another is something that I think all children need to hear. As the world becomes increasingly stressful, it is important for children to see the sunshine in the space around them. Anelli’s illustrations were super nostalgic for me – they seemed like all the picture books from my childhood.

Thank you @walkerbooksaus for gifting me a copy to read and review!

[Dimity Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Biscuit Maker is a story of societal awareness and evoking change through the power of positive action and caring. When a whole community cares enough about its individuals, great change is possible. Children bear witness to several faces of humanity in this story: loneliness, fear and kindness in the most compassionate and enticing way – through the preparation and sharing of food! Benedict and Audrey even include their basic biscuit recipe, sure to prolong the enjoyment of this book even more. Not only is this story sweet to share with loved ones at home, its richly layered visual narrative and poignant prose makes it a compelling platform for classroom discussions, too. Delicious on every level.

Read my full review at: DIM'S re VIEWS: http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com/20...

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We were lucky enough to have borrowed the Biscuits Maker from the library just before 3 months of lockdown.
There is more to see on each reading of the story, lots of characters to talk about and lots of details in the illustrations to expand the story to what ever length you feel like.
A lovely tale of community.
We even tired out the recipe at the back.

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the spirit of community in this book! I want to do something similar to bolster neighbourhood relationships but I’m not sure what people will say nowadays with possible allergies and food safety- or does it just take one try? 🤔

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely read with small children about noticing our neighbours and what community really means.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice coming together of the neighbourhood but I am looking for books these days that have less sorrow and more fun for kids.

[Lara Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of an old man who makes biscuits for his community. He gets sick and doesn't make the biscuits anymore so the community help him out and make sure he is ok.