Zuzu’s Wishing Cake

ZUZU’S WISHING CAKE
By Linda Michelin
Illustrated by D.B. Johnson
Houghton Mifflin, 2006

Category: Picture book

Zuzu’s got a new neighbor and she wants to get to know him. But the new boy doesn’t come outside to play or respond to Zuzu’s attempts at friendship. In fact, it is very possible the new boy doesn’t speak English. These obstacles might stop an ordinary kid, but not Zuzu. With a loaf of bread, a jar of jam, and a lot of flair, Zuzu creates a gift no one can resist … not even her new neighbor.

I met the creators of this book over the weekend. Linda Michelin and D.B. Johnson are a kind, generous, and creative couple; it is easy to see where Zuzu got her virtue. I look forward to reading this one to my little niece, for whom it was purchased, and pointing out the author’s inscription:

“Wishing works!”

And I am wondering if another little girl I adore–a little girl who happens to be stuck with Mom all day tomorrow while her big brothers go off swimming with a friend–might dig a wishing cake for lunch …