Giant's Mixed-Up Menu. Heather Gatzke. Illustrated by Val Lawton. Regina, SK: Your Nickel's Worth Publishing, 2010. 32 pp., pbk., $10.95. ISBN 978-1-894431-48-4. Kindergarten-grade 2 / Ages 5-7. Review by John Dryden. **/4

excerpt:

Chef walked back in to the kitchen very worried. What would something different be? What would make Giant happy? Just then, Chef's helper in charge of chopping vegetables said, "I've peeled all the carrots and potatoes for the stew for supper. Do you need more vegetables cut up?"
Chef looked at the chopped up vegetables and back to his helper.

"That's it!" he shouted. "STEW! We'll make supper for breakfast! You're brilliant!"

Giant is a nice giant who loves food and especially enjoys reading and ordering cook books from all over the world. One day, he wakes up confused and doesn't know what he wants to eat. Fortunately, his chef has a helper who happens to suggest making a stew. Chef mixes up the whole day in order to give Giant a break from his regular routine, and all is well once again.

     Giant's Mixed Up Menu is a nice book, but it lacks an interesting plot. There is no conflict in the book, and the only problem that is presented is Chef's 'worry' that Giant won't like his food, and the Giant's confusion about what he wants to eat. As soon as Giant suggests he doesn't know what to eat, Chef immediately is presented with the solution by his helper. The story would have been more interesting had there been a few more twists in the plot in order to solve the Giant's confusion.


     Nonetheless, Giant's Mixed Up Menu is a very pleasant story. It is a gentle tale that will be enjoyed by young readers.

Recommended.

John Dryden is a teacher is the Cowichan Valley, BC.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

NEXT REVIEW | TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE- December 17, 2010.

AUTHORS | TITLES | MEDIA REVIEWS | PROFILES | BACK ISSUES | SEARCH | CMARCHIVE | HOME