Timothy and Sarah: The Homemade Cake Contest

by Midori Basho

A tale of civic action among a town of mice teaches lessons about teamwork, initiative, good sportsmanship, and the importance of relationships between old and young When Miss Flora visits the home of twins Timothy and Sarah, she laments to their mother that a building that was once a vibrant gathering place for the entire town is now dilapidated and considered by many to be haunted. Together, Mother and Miss Flora come up with a plan to hold a cake-baking contest to generate the money needed to refurbish the building. As news of the contest spreads throughout the town, everyone from young to old responds with enthusiasm. When the day of the contest arrives, beautiful cakes of all shapes, sizes, and flavors are ready to be judged and then sold. Young listeners and readers delight to the fantastic cakes as well as to the surprising results of the contest.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2015

Reviews

[Tayler K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book for the beautiful illustrations. There are so many cakes and characters on every page, and all the details are lovely and different!

It seemed like a bit of a long story for children, but if they will pay attention it is a very nice story about community ties. The author is Japanese (this book is a translation) and unfortunately I think you can tell this is not an American author, because most Americans just don't have the same ideas about everyone from young to old being included and everyone working together as the natural course of things (instead of a big exchange of favors) that people from less individualistic societies have. But this is a very nice story about hospitality, making and carrying out a plan, helping others, helping the community in general, and everyone working together and getting along, and everyone being friendly to each other without necessarily being close friends.

[Leslie Angle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book to my little cousin, but not before reading it myself. It's super cute. Made me hungry for cake and nostalgic for my grandparents!