5.0
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Productstar 5.0
Petronella and the Grumpy Baker by Sabina Stading
This book's got it all - a young girl who loves baking, a grumpy baker, and some seriously fun adventures. Petronella's enthusiasm is infectious, and the baker's gruff demeanor makes for a perfect pair. Trust me, your little ones will be hooked from the start.
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Plugavitz is at it again, but good and magic will prevail!
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'm diving back into the Petronella series with my daughter, and we're absolutely loving every minute of it. 'Petronella and the Grumpy Baker' is a fantastic addition to the series, with gorgeous illustrations and a story that's both fun and engaging. The author, Sabina Steding, has done it again, and we can't wait to see what's next. The illustrations by Sabina Büchner are a real highlight of the book, adding a touch of whimsy and charm to the story. This one's a great choice for kids who love adventure and humor.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
Kapağı9/10
GrafikKalitesi8/10
HikayeKalitesi9/10
DizininKalitesi9/10
Hello everyone, welcome to my review today!
I'm glad to be diving back into one of my daughter's favorite book series - the Petronella stories.
'Petronella and the Grumpy Baker' is the 4th installment in the series, and we've actually read it out of order, before the winter story.
Author: Sabina Steding
Illustrator: Sabina Büchner
Publisher: Peter
Price: around 350 rubles, but I managed to snag it on sale for 205.
Where I bought it: IM Ozon
The book has 19 chapters and 220 pages.
Ooh, the cover art is a classic.
If you've read this series or checked out my reviews, you'll remember how the Brezel family (dad, mum, and two kids, twins Lina and Luis) had to move from the city to an old house with a garden because dad lost his job at the confectionery and their financial situation took a hit.
Everyone hated the old house at first, but the kids ended up befriending a witch living in the apple tree garden and other magical creatures, thanks to her recipe for a magical cake, they won a cooking competition, beating the grumpy baker, Mr. Plügawiž, and their parents eventually opened a cafe called 'The Old Windmill' in the garden. They grew to love the house, the garden, and their new business. And the kids got hooked on magic and fantasy. They couldn't imagine living any other way.
I've read a few books in this series, but this one's got me thinking about the importance of community and looking out for one another. The story's about a guy named Plugavitz who's always causing trouble, and this time he's after the old Melnik house that the Brezels are renting. He's trying to buy it from them and kick them out on the street, which is just not right.
The cafe 'At the Old Mill' is doing okay, but they don't have the money to buy the house outright. The family's in a tough spot, and it's hard to see them getting kicked out.
The parents are at their wit's end, and they go to the bank to try and get a loan. But even that's not enough to cover the cost. It's a tough situation, and it's clear that the author is trying to teach kids about the importance of community and looking out for one another.
Of course, the kids are devastated, and they turn to Petronella for help. But this time, there's no easy magic solution. They have to think creatively and come up with a plan to save the house.
Meanwhile, Plugavitz is getting more and more aggressive, showing up at the cafe and causing a scene. He's convinced that the house is his, and he's not going to let anyone get in his way.
There are so many twists and turns, I won't bore you with all the details, but you get the idea - just when you think the good guys are done for, someone always finds a way to turn things around.
The ending is really heartwarming, I'm talking tears of joy and relief here, it's that good.
This book's got it all - perseverance, creative problem-solving, and the importance of family and friendship.
I have to say, this is the first book where Papa Breezle doesn't crack jokes at the kids' expense, like he does in other books... and he's actually a pretty cool character!
The little magical friends are back, and they're more supportive than ever! We meet a new character, Granny Witch Petronella, who used to be the guardian of the apple orchard.
This book's got a gripping storyline, so it's hard to put down - you'll want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
I loved the mix of funny and heartwarming moments in this book. The scene with Petronella's magic in the café against Plugavitsa and his minions had me laughing, while other parts really tugged at my heartstrings.
I also appreciated how the book taught kids about concepts like deals, banks, credit, rent, and buying and selling – it's a great way to introduce them to real-life finance.
Illustrations are the usual black and white, but there are plenty of them.
Text is easy to read, even on your own.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with kids, and I'm excited for my daughter and me to dive into the next adventures of Petronella and her friends.
Thanks so much for reading this review!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is this book suitable for younger readers?
Yes, this book is suitable for kids aged 4-8, but may be more enjoyable for older readers due to the complexity of the language and story.
What are the main themes of the book?
The main themes of the book are friendship, perseverance, and the importance of following your dreams.
Are the illustrations in the book any good?
Yes, the illustrations in the book are beautiful and add a touch of magic to the story.
Is the book part of a series?
Yes, 'Petronella and the Grumpy Baker' is the 4th installment in the Petronella series.
Can I return the book if I don't like it?
Yes, you can return the book if you don't like it, but please see the return policy for details.
How long does the book take to read?
The book is approximately 128 pages long and takes around 2-3 hours to read, depending on the reader's pace.
Is the book available in other formats?
Yes, the book is available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats.
Can I purchase the book online?
Yes, you can purchase the book online from various retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
check_circlePros
- •The story is full of humor and adventure, making it perfect for kids who love to laugh and explore.
- •The illustrations are beautiful and add a touch of magic to the story.
- •The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for kids to become invested in their journey.
- •The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, humor, and heartwarming moments.
- •The themes of friendship and perseverance are great for kids to learn and grow from.
- •The book is a great value for money, offering a fun and engaging story at a reasonable price.
cancelCons
- •The book can be a bit predictable at times, making it easy to guess what's going to happen next.
- •Some of the supporting characters feel a bit one-dimensional, lacking the depth and development of the main characters.
- •The story can be a bit too long for younger readers, with some scenes feeling a bit dragged out.
- •The language can be a bit complex for younger readers, with some vocabulary and sentence structures that may be difficult to understand.
- •The book doesn't quite live up to the standard set by the previous installments in the series.
- •The build quality of the book is decent, but not exceptional.
