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Eleanor #1

Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie

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I had a bad August.

A very bad August.

As bad as pickle juice on a cookie.

As bad as a spider web on your leg.

As bad as the black parts on a banana.

I hope your August was better.

I really do.



Written in a lyrical style with thoughtful and charming illustrations throughout, this remarkable debut novel tells a poignant story of friendship and the bittersweet feelings of growing up.

Praise for Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie
“Eleanor’s ingenuous free-verse monologue should strike a chord with readers, especially those who may have had to cope with the loss of a loved one. Cordell’s halftone cartoons convey the story’s pathos and humor, as well as Eleanor’s changeable moods.” –Publishers Weekly 

“Cordell’s winsome cartoon drawings complement the text without overcrowding the verse. It tells a simple, poignant story that will resonate with any child who has ever had to say good-bye.” –Booklist 

“This first novel is a promising debut. Eleanor’s concerns, not only about her babysitter, but also about playmates, friends and a new school year will be familiar to readers, who will look forward to hearing more about her life.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Sternberg hits all the right notes here, capturing a sensitive kid’s first experience of loss with tender respectfulness and full acknowledgment that separation is a bereavement too. Sprightly line drawings, with the same perky homeyness as the story, add visual energy.” –Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 

“Heartfelt, accessible, and energetic…” –Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 

"This heartwarming novel and its winsome cartoon-like illustrations draw readers right into the story. Children would enjoy this short chapter book as an independent read, but it would also be a particularly good choice for parents to read to or with their children." –BookPage

128 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

307 people are currently reading
1577 people want to read

About the author

Julie Sternberg

8 books41 followers
Julie Sternberg is the author of the best-selling LIKE PICKLE JUICE ON A COOKIE and its sequels. Her latest book, SUMMER OF STOLEN SECRETS, is a middle-grade novel coming out in 2021 from Viking. She also wrote THE TOP-SECRET DIARY OF CELIE VALENTINE series and the picture books BEDTIME AT BESSIE AND LIL’S and PUPPY PUPPY PUPPY. Her books have received a number of awards. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband; her younger daughter, who is almost but not yet old enough to abandon her; and her dog, Clementine, who basks in pools of sunlight in the apartment and occasionally heaves a deep sigh.
www.juliesternberg.com

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5 stars
811 (34%)
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598 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
Profile Image for Hossein.
224 reviews119 followers
June 4, 2021
از آن کتاب‌های بامزه‌ای که آدم‌ها و اتفاقاتش خوب‌تر از آن هستند که در جهانِ واقعی اتفاق بیفتند.
متن و نقاشی‌های بامزه‌ش حسابی بهم حس آرامش و امنیت داد و حالم را خوب کرد :)
Profile Image for Hannah (Granny) J.
4 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2021
This book created a rebellion, but only for those strong enough to shuffle the cards. ♦️ ♠️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melki.
7,168 reviews2,584 followers
May 25, 2018
Just about every bad thing that can happen to eight-year-old Eleanor is happening at once, but worst of all - her beloved babysitter has to move away. How will Eleanor cope? And, will things ever get any better?

This is a sweet enough story, though there's not much to it.

It would be a good read for a youngster who's dealing with the absence of a loved one, though.
Profile Image for Deb Tyo.
134 reviews34 followers
June 7, 2011
"Is there a story here?" That's the question Julie Sternberg asked herself as she and her husband drove their young girls around town after hearing news that their beloved babysitter was moving away. Everything that Julie and her husband suggested doing brought up memories of the cherished sitter. Reaching down into her bag, Julie pulled out notebook and pen and wrote the first pages of Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie.

I had a bad August.
A very bad August.
As bad as pickle juice on a cookie.
As bad as a spiderweb on your leg.
As bad as the black parts of a banana.
I hope your August was better.
I really do.

Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie is a sweetly written book about a soon-to-be third grader named Eleanor. Eleanor is having a terrible August because she has learned that her babysitter, Bibi, is moving away to Florida to take care of her sick father. Bibi has been her babysitter for Eleanor's entire eight years.

Eleanor is having a tough time coping with this change in her life. Nothing seems to be much fun anymore. And everything reminds her of Bibi. Then Natalie, a new babysitter, arrives. Natalie spends time playing mancala, a marble game, with Eleanor. Natalie waits patiently with her for the mail carrier who never seems to have the greatly desired letter from Bibi that Eleanor anticipates. All of Natalie's kindness and understanding seem lost on Eleanor. Will Eleanor adapt to this change in her life? Will she accept Natalie and come to terms with Bibi's move?

Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie is a great story for a young reader who might be experiencing a change in their own life. Whether a lost friendship, a move to a new school, or a greater loss of a parent or a family member, this book could help younger readers cope with their own feelings of bereavement.
9 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2012
Recently I have finished Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Steinberg. This book is about a little girl named Eleanor who has to let her baby-sitter Bibi go away to help her dad. When Bibi leaves a new baby-sitter has to come who's name is Natalie, but Eleanor isn't happy about that. I really liked this book because it has so many different things going on, but they are all connecting to one main idea. The author really made it very interesting to read because of how she wrote it , and how she organized it. When I began reading I felt like everything immediately made sense and fell into place. When I was reading this book I could not only picture the main character in my head I could picture every single one of the characters. I knew their color hair, eyes, personality, and age. I can relate to this story because when I was about Eleanor's age I had to let my baby-sitter Alexis go away to collage all the way in Georgia. Overall I would definitely give this book five stars. I really liked it and I hope that everyone else will to.
Profile Image for ستایش.
142 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2021
دوست داشتنی بود.
بخشی از کتاب:
حالا می‌فهمم بدترین وسیله توی دنیا
چیست؛
بدترین وسیله‌ توی دنیا
تاکسی است
که دور و دورتر می‌شود
Profile Image for Mehsi.
14.7k reviews439 followers
December 7, 2017
Book 1 in the Eleanor series, this time Bibi (the babysitter) leaves, there is a new babysitter, and then it is time for school to start!

Finally my library had book 1, or well, they had it, but it was missing. :P I was so delighted that I can read it. Though I do hope they add book 2 to their collection soon. Yes, for some reason they have book 1 and book 3, but not book 2. :P

The book starts off with a sad part as Eleanor learns that Bibi is leaving. She is going to take care of her sick father in Florida, which means she has to say goodbye to everyone. Of course Eleanor is shocked and sad. I was definitely happy with how her parents brought the news though, that is the best way to bring news like this (though Eleanor thought something else had happened at first).
Throughout the book we see Eleanor trying to live without her #1 babysitter. Everything reminds her of Bibi. From small little things like handshakes or storytelling, but also bigger things like what kind of pizza place Bibi liked. We see her frustrated, sad, but also slowly starting to feel less sad. She has a new babysitter, a new school year to look forward too.

I did think it was a bit funny that it took so long to get a letter from Bibi. I get that she probably lives a long way from Eleanor's place, and Bibi probably was busy with her father, but I still wonder why it took so long? Is it really the mail, or was Bibi just too busy?

I have to say I was a bit frustrated with Eleanor. I get that Bibi left, I get that this hurts, but that is still no reason to act crappy towards her mom (she has to work, do you want new stuff and to keep that home of yours?) and the new babysitter (I especially was frustrated during that evening time babysitting). Thankfully she starts to warm up to her new babysitter, and I have a feeling these two will be best friends soon. :)

But I also liked Eleanor, she is an interesting girl, and I just adore seeing her be so creative (with the drawings). She is also really sweet, and makes sure to fix things when she figures out they are not right (like with the scarf).

Plus I love Natalie. She was just so sweet, she tried her best, but didn't push when Eleanor was acting up. Instead she tried all sorts of new things to make Eleanor's days more fun. She listened to Eleanor, talked with her when she wasn't feeling happy. She is a great person, and a wonderful babysitter.

The teacher and what he did for his introduction? I loved it. What a way to welcome those kids. I liked that he gave them a chance to introduce themselves as well.

Of course, like the other book, there are illustrations throughout the whole book. I still love the style of them. They are adorable, cute, and fit the story perfectly.

All in all, even with a bit of a grumpy Eleanor, I would still recommend this book to everyone. Fun and sweet parents, a wonderful babysitter, a sweet girl named Eleanor who has to learn how to handle the loss of her babysitter and get used to a new school year, illustrations, friendship, and more!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Profile Image for Rossy.
368 reviews13 followers
February 6, 2015
Eleanor's babysitter, Bibi, is moving away to take care of her father. She has been with Ellie since forever, and Ellie has a hard time coping with her being gone. Plus, she's starting a new school year, meeting her new babysitter Natalie (who is lovely!) and her dad inviting Agnes from upstairs to play with her (Ellie doesn't like her).
The illustrations were adorable!
14 reviews
November 6, 2012
This weekend I finished Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg. Eleanor is a seven year old girl who has a super special bond with her babysitter Bibi. But soon Bibi has to move away. When this happened I knew how Eleanor felt. Mostly because the book told me she had spent her whole life with Bibi and I understood why she felt upset and sorrowful when her parents told her Bibi was leaving because everyone misses someone at some point in life.When her new babysitter, Natalie comes she tries to get Eleanor's mind off Bibi. But it seemed like Eleanor kept pushing her away and that made me feel sorry for Natalie. I really felt like Eleanor was next to me since the other discribed her emotions,thoughts,and her appearence. Soon Eleanor starts to get used to Natalie. They play games,laugh, and have fun with each other. Then Natalie suggests writing a letter to Bibi. So after waiting for a reply and making friends with the mail lady, days go by. Finally Eleanor gets her letter from Bibi. But after that the story to me sort of just ended. I know many people have said this before about this book and I will say it again: This story really should be longer. I think that because I want to know more about what happened,did Bibi ever come back,did Eleanor get more letters, and all those sort of things. I also know me and probably everyone has had some sort of time when they missed someone. Almost everything to this book I enjoyed (except the length) so I would give this book about 4 stars. I liked this book and you might too if you like short,simple (but still descriptive), and touching books. I really think it's a good read!
Profile Image for Reed S.
15 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2013
I recently finished reading Like Pickle Juice On A Cookie by: Julie Sternberg. I really like this book because when something bad happens there is something good to replace it such as when she looses her baby-sitter and then over time she starts to like her new baby sitter. It is also very descriptive because it goes over words more than once in different text around it. This book is told in 1st person and I usually like these types of books because its usually much more detailed and descriptive about the character that the book is mainly about. This book relates to me because I used to have an old friend who lived right next door and he moved away so this was hard to get used to but then someone else moved in and it turned out I liked them a lot too, so I know what it felt like for Eleanor when her baby-sitter moved away. At first I didn't like this book because it was kind of depressing in a slight way but when Bibi got a baby sitter and it lightened up more. This book also reminds me of a movie called Beast of the Southern Wild and in the movie a little girls dad dies and they make as sad as possible. You should read this book!
29 reviews
February 15, 2017
This book won a Gryphon Award. It tells the story of eight year old Eleanor and the loss of her beloved babysitter, Bibi, who moves out of state to care for her ailing father. Bibi has been Eleanor's babysitter since she was a tiny girl. Eleanor doesn't see how she will survive without her Bibi. When her parents hire a new babysitter, Natalie, Eleanor is upset. She doesn't want anyone to replace Bibi. Right away, she decides she's not going to like Natalie but, little by little, she realizes Natalie isn't so bad after all. In fact, she's great! She knows that she will always have a special place in her heart for Bibi but she can also enjoy special times with Natalie who is a kind, loving, and fun caregiver.
Children will identify with the emotions and feelings of loss that Eleanor experiences when her long time babysitter moves far away. Whether it's the loss of a beloved pet, moving to a new home, or having a best friend move away, most kids have experienced some form of loss. Eleanor helps them understand that they can cope with loss through the special memories of their loved one or loved pet.
Profile Image for Ann-E.
12 reviews
May 3, 2013
I just finished Julie Sternberg's Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie and I absolutely positively LOVED IT!!!!!
In this book, Eleanor an eight- year- old girl has a babysitter, Bibi who is moving away to take care of her sick father.
Eleanor doesn't like this idea and wishes it is just a bad dream and sooner or later she'll wake up, but that does not happen.
Later in the story Eleanor gets and meets new friends and begins to love her new babysitter, but not too much. Because she will always have that special spot in her that will have Bibi inside her forever. Everything about Eleanor jus makes me smile but almost makes me sad. She is such a cute personalized girl and so many things that anybody can relate to.
Eleanor is so sad but in the meantime is making new friends, and coming up with new ideas to connect with Bibi!
Several times I have felt what Eleanor is feeling and that is what makes it so relatable. I love this book and this adorable little girl!! The way this book is written is amazing and I would rate it with five stars!
99 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2013
Title / Author / Publication Date:
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie. / Julie Sternberg. / 2011.

Genre: Juvenile Realistic Fiction.

Format: Book - print (in verse). 128 pages.

Plot summary:
"When nine-year-old Eleanor's beloved babysitter Bibi moves away to care for her ailing father, Eleanor must spend the summer adjusting to a new babysitter while mourning the loss of her old one" (NoveList).

Considerations or precautions for readers advisory:
babysitting, middle school girls, loss, adjustment,

Review citation:
"Through short, easy sentences, Sternberg has captured the feelings of a young girl, the worries that loom large, and the importance of small matters. Early chapter-book readers will identify with the protagonist and enjoy reading about her. Cordell's pen-and-ink drawings effectively illustrate the ups and downs of Eleanor's life" (Terrie Dorio in School Library Journal).

Section source used to find the material:
Gryphon Award Winner 2012

Recommended age: Ages 9 - 12.
Profile Image for Faith K.
16 reviews
November 2, 2012
"Like Pickle Juice On A Cookie" is a short easy book to read about a girl named Eleanor and her babysitter who moved away. Eleanor had her sitter for whole life and is definitely not ready for her to go now. I thought that the way she waited and waited was a really good part to the story. Missing someone is a feeling everyone can relate to. It showed that she really loved her. The author described Eleanor as a sweet little girl who can be stubborn when she wants to. She would be someone I wouldn't mind having as a friend. If there is one thing that I would like to Change about this book it is the length. I think that the author could have stretched it so that it could be more elaborate. I realIy wish the book was longer. I also liked the illustrations a lot. They really helped me picture the book in my mind. It helped me relate to it more than it already did. I Really like this bluebonnet and I think that you would like it too!
Profile Image for Presley B.
14 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2012
Recently I read "Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie." The genre is poetry, and so far it is one of my favorite poetry books I've read. The main character named Elenore had a babysitter named Bibi. Bibi has to leave because her grandmother got sick, so Elenore's mother has to call a new babysitter named Natalie. The author does a really good job of establishing the setting and describing the characters through their actions. The story reminds me of my cousin who always comes to town and wants to try something new. When Elenor is with Natalie, everyday is an adventure because they are trying something new. I think this story would be really hard to write only in poetry because you cannot use as many words to tell your story. I highly recommend this book for everyone because about how to deal with change and trust new people.
29 reviews
January 17, 2018
Eleanor is not happy! Her "best" babysitter Bibi is moving away. Bibi is Ellie's everything. According to Ellie, there is no one else who can babysit. Then Natalie comes to the door. Ellie tells Natalie that she has to call her Eleanor, because Ellie is Bibi's name for her. Then Natalie asks Eleanor to play some board games. Then Natalie asks Eleanor to brush her hair, so Eleanor makes Natalie's hair just like hers, braided with barrettes at the ends. They start to have fun! She writes Bibi letters and Bibi writes back. Then Natalie and Eleanor have a conversation about first babysitters, and how it's hard and she understands that she will never be Bibi, but it's okay to remember Bibi and the special things the did together.
At the end Bibi sends a letter that Ellie treasures day and night, but knows that it's okay to like Natalie.
Profile Image for Gail.
841 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2011
A cute book. This books is simple with some cute line drawings to add to the story. The story starts out with the parents telling a little girl some bad news. She finds out her beloved babysitter is moving away. She is devastated. For the first little bit, her mom takes some time off from work and stays with her so she won't be so sad. Then they find her another babysitter and she goes through the process of comparing this new girl to her beloved, Bibi. In the end Bibi sends her a letter and the new babysitter is good and things work out. It is a very simple story that children will be able to relate to. It also lends itself to a good writing assignment using this book as an example of writing a simple journal like story and putting in some line drawings.
Profile Image for Arthur Pengerbil.
192 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2012
Reading Level: Grades 1-3

When Eleanor's babysitter Bibi moves far away, Eleanor is devastated. Life without her favorite person is hard. Everything Eleanor used to like to do is now unpleasant and sad because it reminds her of Bibi. It's awful - way worse than pickle juice on a cookie. Things get even worse when Eleanor's parents hire a NEW babysitter.

Written in verse, this short, charming novel explores loss in a fresh way - no one dies; Bibi has only moved away and still cares very much about Eleanor. Eleanor learns to accept and even come to like her new babysitter, but no one can ever replace Bibi.



For more book reviews from the HPPL Youth Department, click here.
Profile Image for Nouara Y..
14 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2013
I have just started the book Like Pickle Juice On A Cookie by Julie Sternberg. Like Pickle Juice On A Cookie is a very short book. It is also a bluebonnet. In my opinion it's a very good book, not only because it is short. But, even though it is short, doesn't mean it's not a chapter book, the words are big so there are a lot of pages. I like this book because it really relates to me and I understand what is going on. The main character, well I haven't got to the part where I had her name but the main character and I have many things in common such as we both had pets that ran away or IDE, and we both had our parents invite someone over to play that we don't even like. I really like Like Pickle Juice On A Cookie so far and I hope you will too!
Profile Image for Nicole.
11 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2012
"Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie" is about a girl named Elenor and her baby siter Bibi is moving to a place far away . I think Elenor feels very sad Bibi is moving away and she dose not want a new baby sitter ,I have experinced this once when my freind moved away and i did'nt get to see her untilIi went to visit her one year later. The author dose a realy good job of making us feel what elimors feelings because she puts it in such a good way.I realy liked when Elenor thought of writing a letter to Bibi because it is a realy sweet thing to do. Im realy happy I read this book and i recomed it to every body who likes slow paced books.
12 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2012
I have recently read Julie Sternbergs Like Pickle Juice on a cookie. In this book the girls baby sitter moves away. She is unable to get over it. I think that if I were to have my baby sitter move away to help her sick mother I would be sad for a while then get over it in a few days. This book has verry few words and lacks deatail. It was a verry childish book and could be inproved in many ways including deatail because it needs more discripton. It needs more evedince why her baby sitter was special an why at first was she was unwilling to get a new one. I dont think you should wast the ten minuts it takes to read this book.
Profile Image for Robin J..
13 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2013
I finish the book like Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie 2 weeks ago, The theme of this book is if your used to somebody its hard to let go. Text clues to support my theme idea are, when Bibi left Eleanor said '' This is the worst day of my life ''. Another text clue is when Eleanor said '' I won't do that, it reminds me to much of Bibi '' Eleanor really missed Bibi. Eleanor couldn't stop thinking of Bibi, another text clue is when she wouldn't let her new baby sitter do anything that reminded her of Bibi, She said '' You can't do that, that's what Bibi used to do. Eventually, Eleanor gets through the move but it's not easy.
Profile Image for Kirsten.
1,160 reviews
August 12, 2024
Something about this book makes me feel like I'm right back in third grade with Mrs Shearer at Decatur elementary school. Simple struggles that will draw in most seven and eight year olds. Although, I wonder how kids growing up somewhere completely different than a New York City apartment building would relate. Good early chapter book series.

On second reading, I liked this book even more than the first reading. Almost poetry, Eleanor’s feelings about having her first and only babysitter move away to Florida right before she starts third grade really moved me. And the tenderness in Bibi’s letter, when it finally arrived, was just right. Very sweet book.
Profile Image for Sean K..
9 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2013
I just finished pickle juice on a cookie and I think it's a great book. It's about this girl Eleanor who has a babysitter that she loves and really is attached to but she moves away. Eleanor is very upset and sad and she thinks nothing in her life could make it better. She gets a new babysitter and is she is still upset. Eleanor rights a note to her old babysitter. She waits for a letter. I think the book is funny and is just silly but I also think that It should be longer even though its a poetry book.
Profile Image for Courtney Barter.
30 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2017
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie is about a little girl named Eleanor whose babysitter has to move away. She is just so upset and hurt and cannot do ANYTHING because everything she does reminds her of Bibi the babysitter. She writes Bibi a letter and waits, and waits, and waits for a letter to come back from Bibi. She finally gets the letter and reads it everyday. Great book for children who have to deal with situations such as family or friends moving away! Gryphon Award.
Profile Image for Ashlee George.
14 reviews34 followers
February 17, 2016
This book wasn't one of my favorites. I did however like how it was written. The short lines and sentences were fun to read. I also like the descriptive language Julie Sternberg used. (lots of similes!)
Profile Image for Tori I.
35 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2012
Really short, but it happened to me so I got the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews

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