Clever Jack Takes the cake by Candace Fleming

Fleming, Candace, Clever Jack Takes the Cake. Schwartz & Wade Books, 2010. PICTURE BOOK.

Jack has been invited to a birthday party for the princess of the land. Poor and not having any money, however, he has no gift to give her. Coming up with a plan to trade for cake supplies, he decides to make her a birthday cake with a succulent strawberry in the middle of the cake. Along the way to the castle, he encounters a swarm of crows, a troll demanding toll, and a dark forest, and a hungry bear. Will Jack have anything left for a present that the princess will enjoy?

A cute picture book that has a good message. The pictures are done well and they complement the text well. The text is simple, but fun to read. Readers and young children who like fantasy, adventure, and fairy tales read aloud will enjoy reading or hearing this story. Pre-K, EL (K-3). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.