November 25, 2020 12:57 pm
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and if you’re like me, you want to dig into dessert first! So today I’m pleased as punch to highlight Hayley Barrett and Alison Jay’s newest confection—THE TINY BAKER!
Oh wow, it’s a delicious read!
Hayley, how did you get the idea for the story? Did you sing “Hold me closer, Tiny Baker…save your appetite for the pie tray…”?
THE TINY BAKER came to me as a first line, “The tiny baker bakes for ants.” That was enough to get my mind swirling with teatime treats meant for elegANT (get it?) customers. I had such fun playing with the cookies and pastries, stirring as many into the story as I possibly could. When British illustrator Alison Jay was selected to create the book’s artwork, I knew she’d whip up a fanciful fairyland, and she most certainly did.
But that first line didn’t remain your first line…
…how and why did you revise it?
The editorial process for THE TINY BAKER was straightforward and fairly easy. Barefoot Books’ Emma Parkin and I understood each other and the story right away. I was sorry to lose the mention of ants in the first line, but I trusted Alison Jay’s imagination and approach. I was confident she’d illustrate the teashop’s patrons with myrmecological and sartorial panache.
Once the first line change was made, I found I was free to describe the sweets on offer right away. That was nothing but fun.
Now let’s let everyone in on a secret…we share the same agent…and all three of us share a love of baking. What did our agent do when you sent her the manuscript?
As everyone knows, Ammi-Joan Paquette is an ace baker with a serious sweet tooth, so I knew she’d savor this story. I couldn’t wait to send it to her. Once I did, we worked together on a few small changes, then dusted the finished text with powdered sugar and sent THE TINY BAKER on submission. Waiting, whether for cookies in the oven or a book on submission, is always the hardest part, right? But patience pays off in the end.
So tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I’m betting you and your Tiny Baker have a favorite recipe to share…? (Pretty please with a cherry on top?)
Of course!!! Here’s a small batch version of my family’s recipe for sugary, spicy:
MARY ANNE COOKIES
Ingredients:
Prep:
Recipe:
Enjoy!
Besides an appetite, what do you want kids to take away after reading THE TINY BAKER?
The picture book process invites serendipity. Writers and illustrators often share stories about the unexpected coincidences and surprising connections that arise. Although I began writing The Tiny Baker years ago, it now strikes me as a book fitted to this particular moment. The Covid-19 pandemic has knocked many of us flat on our backsides. We’re often “bewildered, flummoxed, in distress,” just like my bumblebee baker when she loses her beetle brigade.
I hope young readers notice how the baker’s community rallies—quickly and cooperatively—to assist their overwhelmed friend. Whether each day is good or not so good, may we follow their example and be there for one another.
Wow, a book with sweets and a sweet message. You can’t ask for more.
Thank you, Hayley! And congratulations on THE TINY BAKER, which is available now from Barefoot Books!
Blog readers, you can win a copy, too!
Leave a comment below…why don’t you share your favorite dessert?!
A random winner will be selected soon.
Good luck!
Hayley Barrett loves to write picture books. She is the author of Babymoon, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, and What Miss Mitchell Saw, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. Girl Versus Squirrel, illustrated by Renée Andriani, released in June 2020, followed by The Tiny Baker from Barefoot Books in fall 2020. Hayley Barrett lives and writes outside of Boston. Learn more about Hayley and her books at HayleyBarrett.com.
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Picture Books
Tags: Alison Jay, Hayley Barrett, THE TINY BAKER
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A winning topic and gorgeous illustrations!
By Natasha Wing on November 25, 2020 at 1:02 pm
“…myrmecological and sartorial panache” – luscious!
Congrats on this sweet, sweet treat Hayley and Alison!
By Cathy Ballou Mealey on November 25, 2020 at 1:23 pm
Congratulations, and thanks for the recipe, too!
By rosecappelli on November 25, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Love this sweet story and the beautiful illustrations. Looking forward to seeing it up close. Thank you for sharing it!
By Sarah Stuart on November 25, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Looks absolutely delicious!
By Melanie Ellsworth on November 25, 2020 at 1:43 pm
What a beautifully illustrated story! And I love that pairing of caramel and clientele. Brilliant!
By Jilanne Hoffmann on November 25, 2020 at 1:56 pm
What a beautiful book! Congratulations! Loved hearing about the process. I look forward to reading. I requested my local library purchase this as well! Thank you for the recipe! I love a chocolate chip cookie any time 🙂 Wishing you all the best! Rosanna
By Rosanna Montanaro on November 25, 2020 at 2:07 pm
Oh sorry – I meant to also say – I’m Canadian so just here to read the post! I realize I can not enter 🙂
By Rosanna on November 25, 2020 at 2:09 pm
This is such a delicious book–I savored it! Congrats–and I also loved Girl Versus Squirrel (I can relate)!
By Nancy Furstinger on November 25, 2020 at 2:11 pm
What a sweet idea! Congratulations. I look forward to seeing this book.
By lmconnors on November 25, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Yum! I love that the first line just came to you. That fascinates me. I love hearing how author ideas grow from these blog posts.
By Mitchell Linda on November 25, 2020 at 2:17 pm
What a delightful story! I can’t wait to read it. Choosing a favorite dessert is like choosing between kids—but I guess I’ll pick one. White chocolate bread pudding.
By Pat Tanumihardja on November 25, 2020 at 2:46 pm
Precious & delicious! Your book has my name on it–it’s a must-read for me to savor. And, how sweet of you to share a prized family cookie recipe. I will be making it!
By Mary Lou Johnson on November 25, 2020 at 2:47 pm
This looks scrumptious, Hayley!!!
By Amy Benoit on November 25, 2020 at 2:54 pm
This book looks positively delicious! My favorite dessert? Anything with caramel. Flan is right up there and so is cheesecake. Thanks for the post.
By rosihollinbeck on November 25, 2020 at 2:57 pm
What a delicious post! Thank you for sharing!
By Rebecca E Guzinski on November 25, 2020 at 2:58 pm
I love the language in those excerpts from The Tiny Baker. I’m glad you were able to use words that aren’t normally found in picture books.
By Janet Sheets on November 25, 2020 at 3:21 pm
What a sweet story! I love how you walk kids into a whole world. I can’t wait to read it. My favorite dessert: pecan pie!
By Christine Pinto on November 25, 2020 at 3:22 pm
This sounds like a super sweet story (pun intended). Congrats on your latest publication!
By dinatowbin on November 25, 2020 at 3:37 pm
Apple pie a la mode!!!
By Alicia Meyers on November 25, 2020 at 4:01 pm
What a delicious-sounding picture book! I love hot apple pie smothered with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
By Brenda Huante on November 25, 2020 at 4:26 pm
This PB sounds sounds as if it will be absolutely delicious oops , I meant delightful ! I Thanks Tara ! Thanks Haley and Alison! Happy Thanksgiving! Butter cookies are always a favorite. My gandmom used to bake Springerie cookies. A German Anise treat! I’ve never quite mastered the art of making them! Thanks for sharing your recipe! 🙂
By seschipper on November 25, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Delicious verse and illustrations. Congrats!
By Ashley Potts on November 25, 2020 at 4:54 pm
My daughter and I are going to love this book! She loves baking, baked goods, and tiny things! We love making madeleines for a not so terrible for you sweet. And I love anything peanut butter and dark chocolate. ♥️♥️ Best of luck with this release!
By Kelly Rice Schmitt on November 25, 2020 at 5:11 pm
How very sweet! Thanks for sharing!
By katiemillsgiorgio on November 25, 2020 at 5:18 pm
I love this book! I made up a dessert, and I think I’ll be serving it to my friends this year. No family get-togethers. Yet. 🙂
By Amy on November 25, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Can’t wait to savor this book!
By supermario6 on November 25, 2020 at 5:26 pm
This is a sweet book in every sense of the word!
By kathydoherty1 on November 25, 2020 at 5:42 pm
This book looks like a real treat!
By Christine on November 25, 2020 at 6:07 pm
Wonderful illustrations, love, love, love it!
By chantalmarieb on November 25, 2020 at 7:14 pm
Congrats Hayley and Alison! What a delightful book 🙂
By chardixon47 on November 25, 2020 at 7:31 pm
What a sweet story! I look forward to reading it.
By Debbi G on November 25, 2020 at 9:23 pm
Baked goods and bugs. Quite a combo! Love the illustrations and the rhyming. Congrats, Hayley.
By marty on November 25, 2020 at 10:17 pm
Congratulations, Hayley! After hearing you at the Writer’s Loft, I got your book and my son and I devoured it. So lovely!
By Cynthia Greene on November 25, 2020 at 11:00 pm
I really like SWEETS. During the month of December, Panettone is available; a special Italian sweet bread mixed with candied fruit or chocolate chips throughout the bread.
By readmybook2002 on November 25, 2020 at 11:01 pm
Love seeing Hayley’s back / bake story! 😉
By Nancy Ling on November 25, 2020 at 11:09 pm
I’m not much of a baker — my favorite dessert is a pumpkin pie from the bakery!
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
By Carolsue on November 26, 2020 at 3:20 am
It’s so great to see a kids book about baking. Your book will probably get a few more kids into the kitchen! Congratulations on the book!
By srkckass on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 am
My favorite dessert is anything chocolate— pudding, cake, cookies, pie… I love them all!
By debbiearnn on November 26, 2020 at 8:52 am
Yay! A sweet treat of a rhyming picture book from Hayley!
Tara, is it possible to get launch date and publisher up front in the post? That’d be awesome.
By Anna E. Jordan on November 26, 2020 at 9:13 am
Tara, just wanted to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and that I’m thankful for all you do for the kid lit world by keeping us posted on what’s new and wonderful and worth going after as writers, illustrators and more. And your sense of humor slays me—the Tiny Dancer reference here was too much!😂😂😂
We met a couple years back when you allowed me a guest post on my release date during Story Storm. Somehow you just keep going strong with your excellent blog, not to mention your books. Thank you, thank you and bountiful blessings on this special day!
By Janna Matthies on November 26, 2020 at 10:18 am
I love apple pie! Especially a lattice top one.
By Linda on November 26, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Yum! I’m getting hungry just reading the blog. What a fun story. Congrats!
By Darcee Freier on November 26, 2020 at 1:34 pm
This book looks irresistible! Congrats on your sweet success!
By danielledufayet on November 26, 2020 at 2:22 pm
Oh my gosh! This book looks adorable! I can’t wait to read it. And thank you Tara for that song that will now be stuck in my head all day. LOL!
By jenabenton on November 26, 2020 at 2:22 pm
A great story as well as a great sounding recipe. i will give it a try. thank you.
By TerriMichels on November 26, 2020 at 3:34 pm
What a fun picture book with delights inside for everyone! Congratulations Hayley!
By Suzanne Lewis on November 27, 2020 at 8:23 am
Loved reading about Tiny Baker! I’m a pumpkin bread fan. 🙂
By Cathey Nickell on November 27, 2020 at 9:27 am
I’d love to read this book. Congratulations! My current favorite dessert is pavlova, like a giant marshmallow meringue with fresh fruit and enough whipped cream to satisfy even me…or brownies of course
By Joanne Roberts on November 27, 2020 at 12:33 pm
Cute, makes me hungry!
By Nicole on November 27, 2020 at 3:59 pm
Love the sample pages here. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy
By CindyC on November 27, 2020 at 8:06 pm
You had my mouth watering just hearing the title! Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
By Meredith Fraser on November 27, 2020 at 10:43 pm
A tearoom for tiny pastry lovers! This looks adorable. I can’t wait to read it.
By Judy Sobanski on November 28, 2020 at 1:36 am
This is adorable! I love books set in bakeries and coffee shops. And the characters-too cute! Congrats!
My favorite treat is pumpkin pie. Or something rich and chocolate, like truffles. Mmmm.
By Angie on November 28, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Congrats, Hayley! You’re right–your delicious story is a perfect launch for our pandemic times. We’re all in this together. As for my favorite dessert? Pretty much anything chocolate, but chocolate chip cookies top that list.
By Joannie Duris on November 28, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Nothing Half-baked here ! Love It!
By Stephen S. Martin on November 28, 2020 at 2:49 pm
What a treat this book is! Gorgeous and fun!
By Brenda Maier on November 29, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Congratulations, Hayley! The Tiny Baker sounds super sweet!
By Shaunda Wenger on November 29, 2020 at 1:22 pm
I’m salivating to read! Congrats!
By Gina Shroyer on November 29, 2020 at 1:49 pm
Congrats, Hayley and Allison! Carrot cake is my favorite dessert. 😉
By Susan Johnston Taylor on November 29, 2020 at 5:32 pm
This looks so fun!! I can’t wait to read it! I love a good sticky toffee pudding, or brownies. I’m fine either way! 🙂
By Michele Rietz on November 29, 2020 at 11:06 pm
Anything flaky and buttery and that involves fruit!
By stephanie lau on November 30, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Hayley, this book is so adorable! Your rhyme is pitch perfect and word choices delectable. Wow, the elegant bug-society illustrations put the icing on top for sure. Congratulations, loved reading this post!
(Pls forgive my Thanksgiving comment geared at Tara, inspired by your TINY BAKER post—not very social media saavy and thought I was commenting about Tara’s blog in general).
By Janna Matthies on November 30, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Ooh, ooh, ooh, do I love this book. Anything chocolate…
By Wendy Wahman on November 30, 2020 at 2:09 pm
So excited to dive into this delicious treat! I will savor every bite like when I enjoy my favorite dessert Boston cream pie
By justaubrey87 on November 30, 2020 at 9:51 pm
Thank you for sharing
By Kassy Keppol on December 1, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Hayley is a talented writer and a lovely #kidlit supporter of others in the community.
By Carol Gordon Ekster on December 1, 2020 at 11:40 pm
Now writers are bakers too and a fun way to weave a story. Congrats and thanks for sharing a recipe. We thank our bakers and writers.
By aliciaminor on December 5, 2020 at 3:06 pm
The description of this book made me cry, then smile! Thanks.
By Nancy Ferguson on December 6, 2020 at 4:29 pm
Hayley, I’m almost afraid to read your book as it sounds so delicious. Will I gain weight? Seriously, it sounds like a delightful book, and I can hardly wait to read it. Congratulations on your “tasty” book.
By betlw on December 8, 2020 at 12:10 pm
This book sounds delicious!! Congratulations!
By Karan Greene on December 8, 2020 at 11:19 pm
Oh, this sounds adorable!!! And YAY for another great book in rhyme! 🙂
By RebeccaTheWriter on December 11, 2020 at 2:35 pm
What a beautiful book. Thank you for sharing the process.
By muskoshe on January 11, 2021 at 7:05 pm
Darling desserts!!
By dannayork3805 on January 5, 2022 at 1:04 pm