Reviews

Silly Willy Apple Cake by Amelia Griggs

ellwynautumn's review against another edition

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4.0

Silly Willy Apple Cake is a sweet slice-of-life tale that takes us inside the happy kitchen of Bella and her mother Mia.

Told through charming rhymes, the book begins with the duo picking apples at a farm. Once their baskets are full, they quickly decide to make an apple cake when they get home.

After inspecting the apples, they mix them up in a bowl with flour, sugar and spices then pop it in the oven. While they wait for the cake to bake, they spend the evening playing a silly willy word game. Before long, the cake finishes and mother and daughter end their special day eating scrumptious pieces of apple cake. Yummy!

I enjoyed the wholesome message of 'family time' shared in this book. In today's fast-paced society, parents and children need to unplug from electronic devices and engage in pleasurable interactive activities. Making a meal or a special dessert is a perfect opportunity to create positive memories that will last a lifetime.

Another wonderful feature about cooking or baking with children is the educational value involved with the process. Kids can learn a great deal across the curriculum from this seemingly simple act:
vocabulary, measurement, following a sequence of directions, collaboration, using the five senses, health, nutrition, family traditions.

In addition to the rhyming words, another wonderful educational element is the list of action words used in the story: washing, cutting, mincing, slicing, chopping, peeling, mashing and dicing. A Kindergarten teacher could also utilize this to introduce and reinforce 'ing' words. The King of Ing rules!

While writing the story, Griggs', drew inspiration from the enjoyable moments she spent baking with her own mother when she was a young girl. Because she cherishes these childhood memories and wants her readers to create their own special moments, she included a recipe for Apple Cake at the end of the book. I can think of no greater gift for an author to share with others.

Winda Mulyasari's illustrations are cute, colorful and sprinkled with a generous serving of sweetness that's endearing. They capture the playfulness of the characters and compliment the story in a lovely way.


jbarr5's review against another edition

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5.0

Silly Willy Apple Cake by Amelia Griggs
Dedication page then the story.
Colorful children's book and having fun at the farm.
Like that the words tell you what the pictures are showing you.
Can use this as a counting book also and color, shapes, etc.
After picking apples they make a cake. Each step is described.
Fun to help by adding cinnamon and other things.
Love rhyming game at the end.
Recipe is included at the very end. Many variations for using apples.
Thanks note from the author and other works are listed at the end.

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