Marigold Bakes a Cake” by Mike Malbrough is a delightful children’s book that tells the story of Marigold, a cat who loves Mondays because that’s when he bakes cakes. Armed with his favorite recipe, Marigold sets out to create a delicious cake. He skillfully whips up egg whites and adds a cup of milk, but things take a hilarious turn when he mistakenly adds a pinch of finch instead of a pinch of something else. The mishap continues with “smidgeons of pigeons” and “spoonsful of loons,” leading to chaos in the kitchen and, ultimately, no cake.
The book is structured as an interruption story, where the whimsical creatures’ antics keep interrupting Marigold’s baking adventure. This leads to humorous and unexpected moments that will surely bring laughter to young readers. The story is infused with equal parts of humor and charm, making it an engaging and entertaining read.
Mike Malbrough’s watercolor illustrations bring the story to life, filled with charmingly zany details that enhance the comedic elements of the tale. Marigold’s expressions, his polka-dot bow tie, and the mess caused by the birds add to the visual appeal of the book. The illustrations are vivid and expressive, complementing the playful rhymes and surprising page turns that contribute to the book’s overall appeal.
“Marigold Bakes a Cake” has received praise for its humor, creativity, and whimsy. It’s a perfect addition to the tradition of interruption books, a style that allows for interactive and engaging read-aloud experiences. The book has drawn comparisons to other popular children’s books, such as Mo Willems’ “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” and David Ezra Stein’s “Interrupting Chicken.”
Overall, “Marigold Bakes a Cake” is a scrumptious and laugh-out-loud picture book that celebrates the joy of baking, the importance of following recipes correctly, and the hilarity that can ensue when unexpected interruptions occur. It’s a fantastic choice for parents, teachers, and librarians looking for a fun and engaging story to share with young readers during storytime or for independent reading.
Our Marigold Bakes a Cake Book Review
MARIGOLD BAKES A CAKE by Mike Malbrough, on sale July 18! You won’t want to miss reading this picture book with your little one.
I’ve been the owner of cats. They like to be alone. The cat in this book is no exception; Marigold prefers to be alone.
Unlike most cats, Marigold prefers to be alone…baking.
Whether you like cats or delectable treats, Marigold Bakes a Cake is a Scrumptious Summer read that goes “full-on feline frenzy” as Marigold faces some unexpected guests.
As someone who loves baking, I found this book to be the perfect recipe. It combines equal parts of humor and charm, a dash of detail in the illustrations that will fill your reading time with laughter and might leave you hungry for cake!
The illustrations are so much fun, and as someone who used to bake and decorate cakes, the details are incredible.
Some might say I am too old for picture books, but I found Marigold Bakes a Cake to be so much fun. I may have read it a few times. The word play is just too much fun!
About Marigold Bakes a Cake:
Marigold, the cat, loves Mondays, for that is when he bakes cakes! With his favorite recipe in front of him, he rolls up his sleeves and gets down to it. He whips up egg whites . . . Easy. He adds a cup of milk . . . Peasy. Then he sprinkles in just a pinch of . . . of Finch?! That’s not right at all! Neither are the smidgeons of pigeons or the spoonsful of loons. Clearly, a chase is in order! Yet all that leads to is a spectacularly messy kitchen. And no cake.
Mike Malbrough was a freelance graphic designer, comic book artist, performer, and teacher with a career spanning two decades before beginning his career as a picture book author-illustrator. He is the director of ORNG Ink, an after-school studio for young artists, and has received several awards and honors for his work in the community with children and teens. Mike lives in Orange, New Jersey, with his wife, two adventurous kids, and a cat named Agnes who hates him.