crystal_reading's review against another edition
3.0
I am editing this review because I failed to address things earlier. I was uncomfortable with the section that depicted two individuals that were enslaved. i was thrilled with the idea of the book and the dessert, but I glossed over that bit part that made me incomfortble because it's all so beautiful otherwise. That was a mistake. I still appreciate the ability of the artist and the way that the author and illustrator showed changes over time, but do not want to ignore the problematic issues of the book. I didn't question it much unitil I read reactions on Twitter recently from African Americans. Here also is the Publisher' Weekly review that touches on the issue http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-375-86832-0#path/978-0-375-86832-0
Review from blog http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2015/05/nonfiction-picture-book-challenge.html:
In this amazing book, readers are taken to four different time periods visiting four different families making what looks to be a truly scrumptious dessert - blackberry fool. I haven't yet made it since I am waiting for the appropriate season, but you can bet I will. I adored the illustrations and Sophie Blackall paid attention to detail as she created the lovely pictures. She shared some of the process on her blog (click on the title in the tags below the post to see all of the entries). You may see the decisions and the research that went into many of her illustrations. She even shares about the endpapers. I love it when I see something other than white endpapers. She used blackberry juice to make them. Very cool. Also, if you have a copy of the book that isn't covered for library use, do take the jacket off. The cover is also beautiful.
The text is awesome too. Looking for changes over time is a key component of our social studies curriculum. This book is a perfect way to show that even cooking can have changes over the years. For older students especially, you can talk a lot about the social changes as well as the invention of tools and even as I noticed, the change in diet. It is only later that people are adding refined sugar to the whipping cream. Another interesting aspect to discuss would be where people are getting the raw materials.
There is so much to love about this book. If you want to know more, be sure and visit Sophie's blog, but also read the Publisher's Weekly interview with both Emily and Sophie.
Review from blog http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2015/05/nonfiction-picture-book-challenge.html:
In this amazing book, readers are taken to four different time periods visiting four different families making what looks to be a truly scrumptious dessert - blackberry fool. I haven't yet made it since I am waiting for the appropriate season, but you can bet I will. I adored the illustrations and Sophie Blackall paid attention to detail as she created the lovely pictures. She shared some of the process on her blog (click on the title in the tags below the post to see all of the entries). You may see the decisions and the research that went into many of her illustrations. She even shares about the endpapers. I love it when I see something other than white endpapers. She used blackberry juice to make them. Very cool. Also, if you have a copy of the book that isn't covered for library use, do take the jacket off. The cover is also beautiful.
The text is awesome too. Looking for changes over time is a key component of our social studies curriculum. This book is a perfect way to show that even cooking can have changes over the years. For older students especially, you can talk a lot about the social changes as well as the invention of tools and even as I noticed, the change in diet. It is only later that people are adding refined sugar to the whipping cream. Another interesting aspect to discuss would be where people are getting the raw materials.
There is so much to love about this book. If you want to know more, be sure and visit Sophie's blog, but also read the Publisher's Weekly interview with both Emily and Sophie.
afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins follows a desserts transitions over centuries. Not only does the method of preparing the dessert change, but also the tools used to prepare the dessert. The final tableau features a father and son making the dessert and sharing it with a diverse group of friends. This picture book mixes non-fiction topics with a good narrative. This would be a great book for older children, maybe 2nd and 3rd graders.
jtlars7's review against another edition
Read sometime in 2018 with S. She really liked it and wanted to try the recipe, though we haven’t yet.
wiseowl33's review against another edition
5.0
What a cool story. I love the way kids can compare times, but see that some things never really change. Cool book.
mjfmjfmjf's review
4.0
Quite a few words for a children's picture book. And certainly repetitive. But this definitely works. We basically get to see four times and places with their clothing and technology and social practices. I would have liked to have seen the blackberry bushes look more like blackberry bushes. But well written with good well researched art. And an afterword that explained some of the choices the author made and some messages that they thought would come through in the story but might have been missed.
missprint_'s review
4.0
This is a beautiful book--as is to be expected with an illustrator like Blackall. Jenkins brings historic details into this story for a nice touch. The families shown are also diverse including a variety of living arrangments and cooks. Historical note at the end, plus a list of sources and a recipe. Lovely.
amandabock's review
5.0
My 8-year-old self would have adored this book: the history, the repetition with subtle changes, the illustrations with hints of Barbara Cooney and Tasha Tudor (the non-creepy ones), and the recipe at the end to make the dessert yourself.
readingthroughtheages's review
5.0
What a fine, fine story. Loved the amazing writing and beautiful illustrations.
heisereads's review
4.0
A beautiful picture book in both story and illustrations. The repetition of text through four centuries of families making the same dessert ties the story together in a way that shows history and the timelessness of passed down recipes, while acknowledging the differences between the culture in these times. Illustrations and text are well-researched according to the note at the end of the book. The kind of book I'd want to share with my mom and grandmother, or give as a gift along with a family recipe card.