Spaghetti Smiles

by Margo Sorenson, David Harrington (Illustrator)

Overview

A crazy Italian joint makes a tasty read! Reading in the mixed-up Italian restaurant is one of Jake's favorite things to do! Whether they play with food or dig into a good book, Jake and his uncle always have an amusing and delicious time. Juggling ravioli, bowling with mozzarella balls, or playing spaghetti pick-up sticks are just a few of the fun games Jake and his uncle invent. As much as Jake enjoys these culinary amusements, he could just as easily devour a good read. When his uncle's restaurant needs a neighbor, Jake must find the perfect fit. But who is willing to work next to such a crazy joint? Filled with reading, ravioli, and resolve, this is a story for any family who plays and reads together.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781455619221
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	09/15/2014
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Award-winning author Margo Sorenson was born in Washington, DC, but spent the first seven years of her life in Spain and Italy, cultivating her love for reading. After teaching at the middle- and high-school levels, Sorenson became a full-time writer of children's and young adult fiction. Through her characters, Sorenson hopes to introduce kids to new ideas and experiences.


David Harrington's affinity for art began at a young age, when he drew on everything-except paper. Since receiving a BFA from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, he has illustrated numerous children's books, including Pelican's Pecos Bill Invents the Ten-Gallon Hat, winner of the WWA Spur Award, Chachalaca Chiquita, Ole! Cinco de Mayo!, and The Boy Who Wouldn't Read.

Editorial Reviews

Spaghetti Smiles is a charming children's picture book about a family dilemma. Jake's Uncle Rocco runs a popular but slightly loopy restaurant. Rocco loves fun and games, perhaps a little too much; he has a reputation for being a mix-up! The restaurant needs a new neighbor, someone who likes to have fun; otherwise it will have to close down. But who would want to have their business next door to a man known for accidentally mixing Italian food into the oddest of situations? Jake investigates one business after another, without success. The down-on-her-luck bookstore owner is his last prospect; could reading and Italian food be a match made in heaven? Exuberant, playful illustrations perfectly set the mood of this boisterously funny picture book.

Children's Bookwatch

Sort of the favorite Italian-restaurant cousin of the classic 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,' this humorous children's adventure stars Jake, a boy who loves hanging out at Rocco's Italian Restaurant after school. He and his Uncle Rocco read books and play crazy games together, such as bowling with mozzarella balls and juggling ravioli . . . it's a sweet story, too, with some good lessons about business and family. . . . Pizza, anyone?

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