Zuzu's Wishing Cake

We first got Zuzu's Wishing Cake from some friends and enjoyed it so much, we bought another to give. The main character is a young girl who uses her creativity to produce toys and fun, and she shows compassion for the lonely boy next door. Lots to get out of the book, as well as interesting illustrations.

I started by asking the children if they had ever just wanted to do something nice for someone. Children K-2 can easily relate and many responded. The text is sparce and allows for much conversation between reader and audience. The pictures tell of making home-made toys and entertaining oneself - all in an attempt to meet a new neighbor. It is the perfect book for discussing characters, setting, problem and solution. It is best read to a small group of 8 at most because there are from 1-6 pictures on each page and everyone wants to see them all!

Zuzu and the Wishing Cake is a delightful how-to book - how to make a friend even when the new boy next door is shy and does not speak English well. And how to make toys to welcome her new neighbor without a trip to the local toy store. Zuzu has a simple message that will delight young readers and makes it worthy as a read aloud-talk about book in the classroom or as a goodnight book. Michelin's story coupled with Johnson's illustrations is excellent.