Independence Cake

AUTHOR: Deborah Hopkinson
ILLUSTRATOR: Giselle Potter

From the Publisher:

Celebrate American independence with this delightful picture book as you travel to Revolutionary America and meet the amazing Amelia Simmons: mother’s helper, baker of delectable cakes, and soon-to-be authoress of the first American cookbook!
 
Master of the historical fiction picture book Deborah Hopkinson takes us back to late eighteenth-century America and the discombobulated home of Mrs. Bean, mother of six strapping sons, who simply can’t manage—until Amelia Simmons arrives and puts things in order. And how well she cooks—everything from flapjacks to bread pudding to pickled cucumbers! She even invents new recipes using American ingredients like winter squash. Best of all, she can bake, and to honor the brand-new president, George Washington, she presents him with thirteen Independence Cakes—one for each colony. “Delicious!” he proclaims. Author’s Note and original recipe included!

Leah’s Thoughts:

This is a fun story about a real colonial baker named Amelia Simmons. The tone is light and cheeky, almost like a tall tale, but it’s loosely based on real facts. The illustrations have a folk art style that suits the time period and lends it a unique personality. It’s not your typical Fourth of July book, but it gives kids a peek into early American life. Plus, cake is always a win with kids. There’s even a recipe if you want to try making it as a family.