Cupcake Cousins

About The Book:  Baking a fluffy pink cupcake is awesome, but wearing a dress that looks like one? No, thank you!  Cousins Willow and Delia can't wait to spend a week vacationing together with their families. Their aunt is getting married, and Willow and Delia are hoping their tasty baked goods will be enough to get them out of being flower girls in the wedding.
But with a mischievous little brother, a bacon-loving dog, and a misbehaving blender in the mix, their treats don't exactly turn out as planned. When a real emergency threatens to ruin the wedding, will their baking skills be enough to save the day?  Join Willow and Delia in the kitchen by following their scrumptious recipes for whoopee pies, peach pancakes, and other tasty treats!


About The Author:  Chicago children's author Kate Hannigan writes middle-grade fiction and non-fiction books. She also interviews other writers for young readers on her blog, Author  Of. Her debut children's novel, Cupcake Cousins, published in May 2014 with Disney-Hyperion. Illustrated by Brooke Boynton Hughes, it tells the story of almost-10-year-old cousins Willow and Delia who have been asked to be flower girls and wear bright pink dresses for their aunt's upcoming wedding. But the cousins would much rather don white aprons and be flour girls, whipping up some culinary magic to share with their entire family.

Look for Kate's first historical fiction for middle-grade readers, The Detective's Assistant, to be published in April 2015 with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. As with the Cupcake Cousins, it celebrates strong, smart, and capable girls. Set in Chicago just before the Civil War, this novel features petticoats, peril, and Honest Abe Lincoln – while also honoring a real American heroine.
Kate's community service book The Good Fun! Book  (Blue Marlin, 2010), co-authored with Karen Duncan and illustrated by Anthony Alex LeTourneau, offers 12 months of parties kids can throw to help their communities and the world.
With AuthorOf.blogspot.com, Kate interviews writers of some of the best picture books, middle-grade fiction, and non-fiction for young readers. Read what inspired authors as varied as The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate's Jacqueline Kelly to graphic novelist Ben Hatke to non-fiction writer Judith Bloom Fradin. She also blogs with the savvy women over at GeekMom.com



My Thoughts On The Book:  I am a high school teacher and not terribly fond of reading children's books.  I decided to branch away from my norm of reviewing and found this delightful book. I believe it was written for upper elementary students.  I would give this book 5 stars. I thought the cover was cute, the story was entertaining and I believe it will hold the attention of a younger person.  I loved the life lessons that were presented in the story.  My favorite part of the story was the cooking.  I would give this as a gift to a child and would recommend it highly to teachers and librarians.


Disclaimer:  I received this book free from NetGalley Publicity Company in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  Thanks guys for allowing me this opportunity.