STILL THERE WAS BREAD
By: Lisl H. Detlefsen
Illustrated by: David Soman
Published: October 15, 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins
Fiction
One of my favorite children’s books of 2023 was FARM BOOTS by Lisl Detlefsen. Lisl returns to the farm to share the story of Nana Rolls, rolls made by her Grandma that have brought many people comfort throughout the years.
Nana has arrived and she and her grandson are going to make Nana Rolls, just like she made with her Nana. Nana shared that these rolls would take all morning to make, but when her Nana made them, it took all day. As Nana and the boy make the dough, the illustrations flow back and forth from Nana making them as a child to now.
Nana explains how the rolls have brought people comfort when there wasn’t much else to eat, when others were sick, or most recently during the pandemic when others felt lonely. Yet, still, there was bread. As the dough is mixed, kneaded, and left to rise, Nana explains a bit of the history of her family and these special rolls.
An author’s note at the end tells of her great-grandma Mae who taught the author’s mom to make Nana Rolls. Even though the author doesn’t make them as well as her mom does, she hopes this story inspires you to seek out your own family recipes that have been passed down through generations. Baking a family recipe would make for the perfect activity during this holiday season. Of course, you could try making Nana Rolls yourself as the author’s family recipe for Nana Rolls is included on the inside back cover of the book.
Lisl H. Detlefsen is the author of a growing number of picture books, including Farm Boots, illustrated by Renée Kurilla, and At the End of the Day, illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao. She lives with her husband and two sons in a restored farmhouse on a family-owned cranberry marsh in Wisconsin. Lisl loves to bake, though her “Nana rolls” never turn out quite as good as her mom’s. You can visit her online at lislhdbooks.com.
David Soman has illustrated many beautiful picture books, including The Impossible Mountain and the New York Times bestselling Ladybug Girl series, which he co-created with his wife, Jacky Davis. He is an instructor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and lives with his family in Upstate New York. Check out his website at davidsoman.com.
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Posted Under baking, Book Review, bread, Children's books, David Soman, fiction, grandparenting, Lisl H Detlefsen