Baker Makers

by Kim Smith, Kim Smith (Illustrator)

Overview

With a focus on overcoming fails and pivoting to new ideas, this hilarious story stars a young boy who dreams of baking extraordinary cakes but struggles with perfectionism in the midst of competition from fellow Baker Makers.

Naveen loves baking. In fact, he’s sure he’s practically a master baker. So he is excited when his maker class tackles creative cakes at Baker Makers Lab!

He is positive his cake will be the most astonishing and extraordinary one of all. But the mismatch between his fertile imagination and his actual skills leads to disaster!

Will he find a way to embrace the unexpected? Find out in this delicious and delightful STEAM-centered picture book about letting go of perfection from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Kim Smith, creator of Boxitects.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063241374
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/16/2024
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	679,705
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

KIM SMITH is the New York Times–bestselling illustrator of several picture books, including Boxitects, Baker Makers, Builder Brothers: Big Plans and the Ice Chips chapter-book series. She lives in Calgary.

KIM SMITH is the New York Times–bestselling illustrator of several picture books, including Boxitects, Baker Makers, Builder Brothers: Big Plans and the Ice Chips chapter-book series. She lives in Calgary.

Editorial Reviews

With witty, lively text and vibrant colors, Smith tells a story that will reassure young readers worried about trying new things [in] an entertaining and humorous story about the power of creative thinking.” — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

12/01/2023

K-Gr 3—As she did with Boxitects, Smith offers an upbeat and empathetic foray into maker (and in this case, baker) culture. South Asian—presenting Naveen might only have a tiny bit of baking experience at home, but he's watched enough baking shows to feel quite confident in his skills. So confident, in fact, that when his Baker Makers class tackles creative cakes, Naveen sets out to make the biggest, most delicious, most elaborate cake of all. Forsaking attention to detail in his zeal to create an impressive bake, Naveen quickly faces disaster. Rallied by his classmates, Naveen tries again the next day, only to run into more unexpected results. But this time some creative problem-solving leads to a delicious solution. In the end, Naveen learns the value of planning ahead and the importance of persistence. The brightly colored cartoon illustrations create an enticing class setting that readers will want to join. The book includes the recipe for Naveen's final cake for inspired want-to-be bakers. VERDICT With an emphasis on effort before reward and a sturdy hero, this is a recommended STEAM—related title.—Alia Shields

School Library Journal

2023-10-07
An aspiring baker learns to make the best of his mistakes.

This week in Naveen’s Bakers Makers Lab, the class will be making creative cakes. Naveen can’t wait to whip up his dream concoction: a “twelve-layer space-unicorn cake” capable of breathing fire! Although he’s barely baked before, Naveen has learned a lot from cooking shows, looking at pictures of his favorite pastries, and, of course, sampling plenty of sweet treats. So when his teacher gives the class the recipe, he decides that he’s experienced enough to rely on his instincts. Unfortunately, his first attempt is a sloppy, terrible-tasting flop. The next day, he decides to follow the class recipe. Naveen’s second attempt seems like an improvement until he tries to decorate it, and everything falls apart again. Luckily, with a little creativity and a lot of persistence, Naveen turns his cake into something—or, more accurately, a collection of somethings—that is totally different from what he originally planned. The surprising results are nothing short of scrumptious. With witty, lively text and vibrant colors, Smith tells a story that will reassure young readers worried about trying new things. The book’s message isn’t groundbreaking, but its approach is fresh and funny. Naveen is cued as South Asian.

An entertaining and humorous story about the power of creative thinking. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews