Just the Right Cake - by Christina Tosi (Hardcover)

About the Book

After his parents separate, Phil, who loves to bake, embarks on a mission to make a cake that fits his new life, trying some new ingredients to master just the right recipe.

Book Synopsis

From Christina Tosi, the playful creator of the popular bakery Milk Bar, comes this story of a boy finding his comfort and creativity again after his parents' divorce. Original cake recipe included!

For Phil, every day is the perfect day to bake a cake, especially with his Mom and Dad. But after his parents separate, his favorite recipe doesn't taste quite right anymore. Something in missing.

Soon, Phil is on a mission to make a cake that fits his new life, incorporating some of his parents' favorite ingredients along with his own. In this comforting and sweet tale about moving forward after a big life change, trying something new is just the right recipe.

Review Quotes

"Offering a new recipe for moving forward, Milk Bar creator Tosi centers a child navigating his parents' divorce in this picture book about finding one's own bake . . . Via bake-shop-bright colors and round shapes, Balsley's crisp gouache and ink illustrations amplify the book's optimistic theme." --Publishers Weekly

"Reinforcing the upbeat tone and positive outlook in this tale of family changes, Balsley's cartoon illustrations depict a young patissier presenting the very picture of culinary self-confidence as he bustles about two kitchens while his parents look on affectionately and lend an occasional willing ear or hand . . . A foodie's delight, with a sweet message between the layers." --Kirkus

"Tosi and Balsley's second book is vibrantly illustrated in gouache and ink and then enhanced digitally; the pictures rendered are just as enticing as all the treats described. Readers are left with the simple but important lesson that while change can be hard, it can lead to new and exciting things . . . A solid purchase for collections wanting to augment their collections with books on divorce, change, family, and finding your story." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Christina Tosi is the two-time James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Milk Bar. Known for baking outside of the lines and turning dessert on its head, Christina founded Milk Bar in 2008, now with 16 locations throughout the country. Christina has been a judge on Fox's Master Chef and Master Chef Junior series, and was the only woman and only American baker featured on the hit Netflix docu-series, Chef's Table: Pastry.

Emily Balsley is an illustrator who spends her days creating in her color studio in Madison, WI. Her freelance clients include American Girl, Mudpuppy, Highlights Magazine, and Storey Publishing; the UW Memorial Union, Food Fight Restaurants, and Madison Magazine. When she isn't making, she loves to ride her bike, box, and spend time with her family and friends.