Book Review of I Really Want the Cake
The Children’s Book Review
I Really Want the Cake
Written by Simon Philip
Illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti
Ages 3-5 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Orchard Books | ISBN: 978-1-338-58941-2
What to expect: Rhyme, Dessert, Self Control (or lack thereof)
Honestly, who of us hasn’t wanted to dive in, just a teeny, tiny bit, to that delicious-looking cake that someone left on a counter? Just a smidge couldn’t hurt, could it?
In this hilarious story about a little girl and her dog, that’s exactly what they are trying not to do. And it’s not easy – there’s a delicious smell flitting through the air, delighting their sense and making their mouths water. The little girl knows, based on a clearly written note, that she is not to, under any circumstances, eat the gorgeous chocolate cake her mother has left on the kitchen table.
She tries so hard to ignore it. But it’s just so chocolate-y. So after bouts of reading books, playing tennis and guitar, and generally trying to do everything possible to not eat the cake, the little girl and her pup sidekick can stand it no more. They have to try the cake! But just a teensy taste turns into a gobbling, devouring mess! Sure, the cake was delicious, but now there is no cake. Off go the little girl and her dog to re-create Mom’s special chocolate confection. Except, she’s never made a cake before.
It’s going to be delicious…right?
So much fun to share with small children, I REALLY WANT THE CAKE is absolutely relatable and a total blast to read. The rhymes are fun and fast-paced, showcasing the little girl’s terrible need for the cake (she really needed it, trust us). And the bright, action-packed illustrations will delight children as the little girl tries so very hard to not eat the amazing chocolate cake, and spectacularly fails. They’ll laugh even more as she attempts to recreate her mother’s cake (ketchup and all!). The protagonist is cute and full of spunk, and her doggy sidekick has some seriously funny attitude. The illustrations are perfect!
Your children will be begging you to read it again as soon as you’ve finished it! And just in case all this talk of cake makes you hungry, there’s a wonderful recipe for a delicious chocolate cake at the back of the book.
Highly recommended.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Simon was born in Chichester in 1988 and has lived there ever since, although he occasionally leaves to buy milk. After gaining a 1st class degree in History at Exeter University, he immediately put his skills to good use working as a barman at a local pub. He soon grew tired of the owner calling him Andy, and so, naturally, decided to become a primary school teacher. Teaching rekindled his love of children’s literature, particularly picture books, so much so that he had a go at writing his own.
Deciding he was better at writing stories for children than he would ever be at teaching them, he made a swift exit from education to live the cliché of the writer who works in a bar. He hopes that one day he’ll be able to give up writing stories and become a barman full-time.
You can find him online at simon-philip.com.
About the Illustrator
Lucia Gaggiotti is a graphic designer and artist and the illustrator of How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? and Where Did My Clothes Come From?, both written by Chris Butterworth. Lucia Gaggiotti lives in London.
You can find her online at luciagaggiotti.com.
I Really Want the Cake, written by Simon Philip and illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like I Really Want the Cake by following our reviews and articles tagged with rhyme and dessert.