Customer Reviews

Zuzu's Wishing Cake

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Firstly, my mom is now a grandmother and her new grandma-name is Zuzu.

That said, I bought this for her and my nephew and it was a big hit. The illustrations are cute, it is a fast read but clever. I am pleased I found it.

We happened to find this book at the library. I was pleasantly surprised by the lessons taught in this book.

A new boy moves in next door to Zuzu. She notices that he doesn't smile or come outside to play. Zuzu tries to make several things for the boy before finally giving him a cake. Upon receiving the special cake, the boy smiles back.

This book teaches ways that a child can reach out to other children - even children from a different nationality. I especially like how Zuru didn't give up and tried several times.

Zuzu has a creative mind. The book shows several items that she made out of paper and cardboard. There are even step by step direction on how to make a few of them.

Friendship and imagination flow throughout this simple book. One that can be read over and over.

My kids, age two, love love love this book. They are always referring to little parts in the book while we are out and about. It really left an impact on them. It gives a good message about creativity and being kind to another, with a little diversity thrown in too, but not didactic in any way. Love it!

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.