Best Friends Bakery Sugar and Spice by Linda Chapman Review

Reviewed by Lee-Anne McCarthy

Finding books that are both appropriate and appealing for my 10 year old reluctant reader is always fun. When I was sent the Best Friends Bakery – Sugar and Spice I was keen to show her and encourage her to see if she could engage with and enjoy the story. The cover of the book itself was really appealing with a delightful image of the main character Hannah with a delicious tray of cupcakes. Cupcakes are always very appealing in our house even if it is just stories about them.

Sugar and Spice tells the story of Hannah Hallett who is 11 years old. Her life has undergone some significant changes; her mum has a new husband, she has new twin sisters and a new home is a very different place. As a sister to twin brothers the tale of the sibling to another terrible twosome really grabbed Caitlin’s attention. Hannah’s mum is working hard to create a successful bakery business while juggling all the other responsibilities in her life. Something I could very much identify with. Trying hard, Hannah’s mum comes up against lots of struggles in a bid to make her business a success but Hannah is sure she can help. The story is one of adventure, friendship, patience, hard work, success and of course baking.

The book is broken up into more than manageable chapters for a young somewhat accomplished reader. The publisher recommendation is 8+ which I think is the perfect kind of age. It’s perfect for the pre-tween.  The vocabulary throughout is interesting and adventurous. There were times when some words need a little explanation but for me as a teacher I think this is a great asset of this book. It encourages parent and child discussion. Its most definitely a book aimed at young ladies. There were times when Caitlin really identified with the events and tales in the book. There were simple yet engaging illustrations throughout the book. These offered a little light hearted break from the read but didn’t occur so often as for the book to become in Caitlin’s words ‘childish’.

We really enjoyed this book. The story really made us both smile and would definitely recommend it to pre-tween young ladies everywhere.

Rating: 4/5

RRP: £4.99 (paperback)

Available to buy from Amazon here.