Crumble (a Graphic Novel) - by Meredith McClaren (Hardcover)

About the Book

Emily, her mom, and her aunt, who can magically bake emotions into the desserts sold at their family bakery, have a rule against baking bad feelings. But when Aunt Gina is killed in a car accident, Emily bakes her grief into a crumble and discovers the reason behind the rule.

Book Synopsis

A heartfelt and magic-filled graphic novel for fans of Sheets and Real Friends about baking, friendship, and feeling every kind of emotion--no matter the flavor.

Emily, her mom, and her aunt Gina have a very special magical power: They can bake emotions into the desserts they sell at their family bakery. Need a dash of confidence? Try their millionaire shortbread! Want relief after a stressful day? The cheesecake will lighten your spirits! There is only one rule: Never bake a bad feeling.   

Every day after school, Emily and her best friend, Dae, make tried-and-true recipes, while she and Aunt Gina brainstorm new ones. But when Aunt Gina dies in an accident, Emily's life is turned upside down. Not knowing what to do, Emily breaks the rule and bakes her bad feelings into. . . a crumble. It looks gross. Dae says it tastes gross. But they can't stop eating it. Neither can Emily's classmates. And with her grief and pain baked into the crumble, Emily gets the comfort of being at least a little numb. So even though she's not supposed to, she makes it again, and again, and again. 

But baking (and eating) bad feelings doesn't really make them go away . . . 

Praise for Crumble
★ "Deliciously cute, funny, and touching." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "Equal parts love and heartbreak.... Unique and poignant." --BookPage, starred review

Review Quotes

An ALA Best Graphic Novel for Children

"A useful allegory for older kids and tweens explaining that sometimes we can't stop consuming things--like social media--that make us feel bad."--NPR

"Blends culinary charm with a sensitive exploration of grief."--The Horn Book

* "Equal parts love and heartbreak.... Unique and poignant."--BookPage, starred review

"Hand this book to a kiddo who's dealing with the death of a close caregiver to encourage them to turn to help when they need it."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"McClaren handily navigates the theme of loss with care and respect, cleverly using emotionally infused desserts as a medium to delve into the complex world of feelings. The weighty issues of loss and grief are nicely balanced with the lighter elements of baking, humor, and friendship, which especially comes through in Bell's bright, softly rounded, and cartoonish artwork. An ideal read-alike for The Happy Shop or Pilu of the Woods, this emotionally intelligent story offers an engaging narrative with useful SEL tools."--Booklist

"McClaren builds dimensional characters and an ideally paced narrative that gives readers plenty of time to experience Emily's feelings--good and bad--alongside her. Bell's kawaii-informed style creates a cozy world that fans of Kristen Gudsnuk's Making Friends, Reimena Yee's Séance Tea Party, and Suzanne Walker's Mooncakes will eat up.... The levity of this magical story deftly balances the gravity of its subject matter and will leave readers wanting another bite."--School Library Journal

"This thoughtful graphic novel by McClaren (the Hinges series) affirms that while life changes after loss, it can still be sweet."--Publishers Weekly

* "Through Bell's cute, expressive, contemporary artwork and McClaren's uncomplicated yet profound writing, the story teaches a lesson about healthy grieving with subtlety and care and without platitudes.... Deliciously cute, funny, and touching."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

About the Author

MEREDITH McCLAREN is the writer and creator of Hinges for Image Comics, and the artist for the graphic novels Heart In A Box and Real Science Adventures: The Nicodemus Job. Additionally she's done short stories for Adventure Time, Bee and Puppycat, and Twisted Romance. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona. You can find Meredith on Instagram: @iniquitousfish.