Frankie’s Favorite Food

Frankie’s elementary school is putting on an end-of-the-school year play where all of the children get to create and dress up as their favourite foods. Frankie is in a pickle and can’t decide what to be for the play because he has too many favourite foods. His teacher appoints him Costume Manager so that he could help with all sorts of foods that he loves. Frankie added some last-minute garnishes and ensured that everyone looked their freshest before going out on stage. The play goes (mostly) according to plan, and the “MACARON-a!” dessert singers wrap up the show. As Frankie is sweeping up the bits and pieces backstage, he comes up with a brilliant solution to his problem—he could be all of his favourite foods…by dressing up as leftovers! He proudly takes the stage covered in leftover scraps. The show ends with the performers, including Frankie, taking a bow.

In this endearing story, Kelsey Garrity-Riley does an EGGcelent job showcasing multicultural foods, including falafels, marzipan, and kimch. Diversity is also represented among the many characters. The story is a reminder to celebrate diversity and the unique way that food can bring people together.

Frankie’s Favorite Food is Garrity-Riley’s author-illustrator debut. She grew up in Germany and Belgium before moving to the United States to advance her career as an illustrator. Her favourite food growing up was her mother’s homemade pesto (which, not surprisingly, makes an appearance within the story). This story includes the perfect amount of details and colours to make each captivating full-page illustration intriguing without being overwhelming. The use of alliteration and rhythmic language in the text also adds to the fun and joyful emotions evoked by the illustrations. Each block of text is cleverly spaced and placed on each page so as to match what is happening in the story. For example, on one page the text is at the top left and top right of the curtains to keep the focus on the images.

Frankie’s Favorite Food will spark imagination, creativity, and hunger. Who knows what other sorts of school plays or events, such as a potluck, could be inspired by this book – and perhaps some picky eaters may even wish to try something new!