A RUDE AWAKENING

Sometimes the sweeter the treat, the ruder the cake.

If that statement sounds ridiculous, it’s only in keeping with the tone of this droll picture book by Rowboat Watkins. How else could you describe a book in which an ill-behaved, two-tiered, pink confection learns the value of politeness when she finds herself in the company of surprisingly well-mannered giant cyclopes who favor jaunty little hats?

At its core, Rude Cakes is a book about manners. It’s a tale for those who never say please or thank you, never play nicely, never listen, never share, and absolutely never apologize. It’s also a story for anyone who already does all those things, because it’s just hilarious and silly fun for everyone.

For other quirky books about manners, please check out and share Meg Rosoff’s Meet Wild Boars, Ame Dyckman’s Tea Party Rules, and Laurie Keller’s Do unto Otters. Thank you for reading!

Ages 4+

THE TRIPLE BANANA SPLIT BOY/EL NIÑO GOLOSO

Enrique’s insatiable sweet tooth is getting out of control and his dad has forbidden him to eat anything sweet. His birthday is coming and Enrique won’t be allowed to help his grandmother with her baking. Since his father has forbidden to eat anything sweet, Enrique comes up with a plan to trick his father’s. Soon his mother catches him up and prepare a plan of her own . Enrique is allow to have desserts only on Mondays and Fridays after school.
Following Monday when they visited the ice cream parlor, Enrique orders a huge triple banana split, with strawberry, chocolate and vanilla scoops of ice cream, nuts, sprinkles and chocolate syrup.Later that night, Enrique is having terrible stomach aches and El Coco , a frightening creature with a huge mouth and sticky hair, haunts his dreams. Vibrant colors, and great facial expressions. Ages 4-9. Written by Lucha Corpi, illustrated by Lisa Fields.