Book Nook: Every Cake Has a Story

 Christina Tosi, 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, inspires young readers to think differently in her debut children’s picture book Every Cake Has a Story. In this colorful tale, illustrated by Emily Balsey, the host of the new Netflix hit Bake Squad, celebrates the power of individuality and creativity. 

“Living life to its fullest is about approaching every day with a childlike sense of wonder – living in a technicolor world of your own making, said Tosi. I hope this book encourages kids (remember, age is a state of mind!) to throw away the rules, make a little mess, and tell their own unique story through dessert.”

 

In Every Cake Has a Story, readers meet Sammi, a girl who wishes there were more than the plain, same-old life she’s used to. In Samesville vanilla cake is the only recipe. So, she puts her boring cake recipe under her pillow and wishes that things were not the same. That night she has the most exciting, colorful dream of gumdrops and sprinkles and pretzels. When she wakes up, everything has been transformed! Her recipe card has become a cookbook full of fabulous offerings. Sammi rushes out into her newly interesting neighborhood, gathers up her friends, and they all work together to bake a wonderful cake full of all the fun ingredients Sammi has dreamed up.

 

With her world bursting with color and a new recipe book, Sammi and her friends celebrate their new life. Emily Balsley’s illustrations provide an adorable friend group full of diversity in race, ability, and gender expression. Anyone who’s a fan of Milk Bar will love Tosi’s signature treats within the pages and follow along with the original frosting recipe included!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina Tosi is the 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, with treats like layer cakes with unfrosted sides, Cereal Milk Soft Serve and Compost Cookies. Milk Bar is now available through 13 bakery locations throughout the country, as well as an online care-package site (milkbarstore.com) and through product lines in the grocery store including Target and Whole Foods. Christina is currently the host of Netflix’s Bake Squad series, has been a judge on Fox’s MasterChef Junior series, was the subject of an episode of the hit Netflix docuseries, Chef’s Table. Christina is the author of 4 cookbooks: Momofuku Milk Bar (2011), Milk Bar Life: Recipes and Stories (2015), Milk Bar: All About Cake (2018) and Milk Bar: Kid’s Only (2020). 

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

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.