Cookbook & Children's Book Author

Book Review

  • Independence Cake: A Revolutionary Confection Inspired by Amelia Simmons, Whose True History Is Unfortunately Unknown

    Independence Cake: A Revolutionary Confection Inspired by Amelia Simmons, Whose True History Is Unfortunately Unknown (Schwartz & Wade, May 2017) by Deborah Hopkinson  (Author),‎ Giselle Potter (Illustrator) Picture Book The true history of Amelia Simmons, the author of America’s first cookbook, remains unknown. Enter Independence Cake, a whimsical, fictionalized account of what could’ve been, delectable cakes included! After Amelia’s parents died—her father in America’s war for independence and her mother from small pox—Amelia was taken…

  • Bronze and Sunflower

    Bronze and Sunflower (Candlewick, March 14, 2017) by Cao Wenxuan (Author),‎ Meilo So (Illustrator),‎ Helen Wang (Translator) Middle Grade Set during China’s Cultural Revolution (1960’s-70’s), Bronze and Sunflower follows the trials and tribulations of a poor, rural family as they prevail over extreme hardship through the power of love, loyalty, and compassion. Sunflower accompanies her artist-father to the countryside where he undergoes political reform at a labor camp. Left on her own for most of the…

  • The Little Tree by Muon Van

    The Little Tree (Creston Boks, November 2015) By Muon Van  (Author),‎ JoAnn Adinolfi  (Illustrator) Picture Book Using a tree and her seed as metaphor, Van draws on her immigrant background to demonstrate a parent’s love for their child, even if it means setting them free. A little tree is worried that the forest around her is depleting and wants a better life for her little seed. “Are trees this small everywhere?” she asks a…