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:
- 1/3 c. all-purpose flour, sifted before measuring
- 1/3 c. granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling dough balls
- 2 Tbsp. molasses
- ½ stick of softened butter
- ½ tsp. each of cloves, ginger, cinnamon
- 1 large egg white
- ¼ tsp. regular salt
- ¼ tsp. baking soda
Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Line cookie sheet with parchment paper, if available.
- Fill a small bowl with granulated sugar & set aside.
Recipe:
- Cream together butter and 1/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Blend egg white into butter and sugar mixture
- In another mixing bowl, whisk flour with spices, salt, and baking soda.
- Blend dry and wet ingredients into a stiff dough.
- Roll walnut-sized pieces of dough into balls.
- Drop balls into bowl of sugar and roll to coat completely.
- Place dough balls on parchment-lined or ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until cookies are set and fragrant.
- Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
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.
74 comments
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November 25, 2020 at 1:02 pm
Natasha Wing
A winning topic and gorgeous illustrations!
November 25, 2020 at 1:23 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
“…myrmecological and sartorial panache” – luscious!
Congrats on this sweet, sweet treat Hayley and Alison!
November 25, 2020 at 1:30 pm
rosecappelli
Congratulations, and thanks for the recipe, too!
November 25, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Sarah Stuart
Love this sweet story and the beautiful illustrations. Looking forward to seeing it up close. Thank you for sharing it!
November 25, 2020 at 1:43 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Looks absolutely delicious!
November 25, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
What a beautifully illustrated story! And I love that pairing of caramel and clientele. Brilliant!
November 25, 2020 at 2:07 pm
Rosanna Montanaro
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
November 25, 2020 at 2:09 pm
Rosanna
Oh sorry – I meant to also say – I’m Canadian so just here to read the post! I realize I can not enter 🙂
November 25, 2020 at 2:11 pm
Nancy Furstinger
This is such a delicious book–I savored it! Congrats–and I also loved Girl Versus Squirrel (I can relate)!
November 25, 2020 at 2:12 pm
lmconnors
What a sweet idea! Congratulations. I look forward to seeing this book.
November 25, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Mitchell Linda
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.
November 25, 2020 at 2:46 pm
Pat Tanumihardja
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.
November 25, 2020 at 2:47 pm
Mary Lou Johnson
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!
November 25, 2020 at 2:54 pm
Amy Benoit
This looks scrumptious, Hayley!!!
November 25, 2020 at 2:57 pm
rosihollinbeck
This book looks positively delicious! My favorite dessert? Anything with caramel. Flan is right up there and so is cheesecake. Thanks for the post.
November 25, 2020 at 2:58 pm
Rebecca E Guzinski
What a delicious post! Thank you for sharing!
November 25, 2020 at 3:21 pm
Janet Sheets
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.
November 25, 2020 at 3:22 pm
Christine Pinto
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!
November 25, 2020 at 3:37 pm
dinatowbin
This sounds like a super sweet story (pun intended). Congrats on your latest publication!
November 25, 2020 at 4:01 pm
Alicia Meyers
Apple pie a la mode!!!
November 25, 2020 at 4:26 pm
Brenda Huante
What a delicious-sounding picture book! I love hot apple pie smothered with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
November 25, 2020 at 4:53 pm
seschipper
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! 🙂
November 25, 2020 at 4:54 pm
Ashley Potts
Delicious verse and illustrations. Congrats!
November 25, 2020 at 5:11 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
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!
November 25, 2020 at 5:18 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
How very sweet! Thanks for sharing!
November 25, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Amy
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. 🙂
November 25, 2020 at 5:26 pm
supermario6
Can’t wait to savor this book!
November 25, 2020 at 5:42 pm
kathydoherty1
This is a sweet book in every sense of the word!
November 25, 2020 at 6:07 pm
Christine
This book looks like a real treat!
November 25, 2020 at 7:14 pm
chantalmarieb
Wonderful illustrations, love, love, love it!
November 25, 2020 at 7:31 pm
chardixon47
Congrats Hayley and Alison! What a delightful book 🙂
November 25, 2020 at 9:23 pm
Debbi G
What a sweet story! I look forward to reading it.
November 25, 2020 at 10:17 pm
marty
Baked goods and bugs. Quite a combo! Love the illustrations and the rhyming. Congrats, Hayley.
November 25, 2020 at 11:00 pm
Cynthia Greene
Congratulations, Hayley! After hearing you at the Writer’s Loft, I got your book and my son and I devoured it. So lovely!
November 25, 2020 at 11:01 pm
readmybook2002
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.
November 25, 2020 at 11:09 pm
Nancy Ling
Love seeing Hayley’s back / bake story! 😉
November 26, 2020 at 3:20 am
Carolsue
I’m not much of a baker — my favorite dessert is a pumpkin pie from the bakery!
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
November 26, 2020 at 5:54 am
srkckass
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!
November 26, 2020 at 8:52 am
debbiearnn
My favorite dessert is anything chocolate— pudding, cake, cookies, pie… I love them all!
November 26, 2020 at 9:13 am
Anna E. Jordan
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.
November 26, 2020 at 10:18 am
Janna Matthies
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!
November 26, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Linda
I love apple pie! Especially a lattice top one.
November 26, 2020 at 1:34 pm
Darcee Freier
Yum! I’m getting hungry just reading the blog. What a fun story. Congrats!
November 26, 2020 at 2:22 pm
danielledufayet
This book looks irresistible! Congrats on your sweet success!
November 26, 2020 at 2:22 pm
jenabenton
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!
November 26, 2020 at 3:34 pm
TerriMichels
A great story as well as a great sounding recipe. i will give it a try. thank you.
November 27, 2020 at 8:23 am
Suzanne Lewis
What a fun picture book with delights inside for everyone! Congratulations Hayley!
November 27, 2020 at 9:27 am
Cathey Nickell
Loved reading about Tiny Baker! I’m a pumpkin bread fan. 🙂
November 27, 2020 at 12:33 pm
Joanne Roberts
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
November 27, 2020 at 3:59 pm
Nicole
Cute, makes me hungry!
November 27, 2020 at 8:06 pm
CindyC
Love the sample pages here. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy
November 27, 2020 at 10:43 pm
Meredith Fraser
You had my mouth watering just hearing the title! Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
November 28, 2020 at 1:36 am
Judy Sobanski
A tearoom for tiny pastry lovers! This looks adorable. I can’t wait to read it.
November 28, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Angie
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.
November 28, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Joannie Duris
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.
November 28, 2020 at 2:49 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Nothing Half-baked here ! Love It!
November 29, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Brenda Maier
What a treat this book is! Gorgeous and fun!
November 29, 2020 at 1:22 pm
Shaunda Wenger
Congratulations, Hayley! The Tiny Baker sounds super sweet!
November 29, 2020 at 1:49 pm
Gina Shroyer
I’m salivating to read! Congrats!
November 29, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Congrats, Hayley and Allison! Carrot cake is my favorite dessert. 😉
November 29, 2020 at 11:06 pm
Michele Rietz
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! 🙂
November 30, 2020 at 12:48 pm
stephanie lau
Anything flaky and buttery and that involves fruit!
November 30, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Janna Matthies
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).
November 30, 2020 at 2:09 pm
Wendy Wahman
Ooh, ooh, ooh, do I love this book. Anything chocolate…
November 30, 2020 at 9:51 pm
justaubrey87
So excited to dive into this delicious treat! I will savor every bite like when I enjoy my favorite dessert Boston cream pie
December 1, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
December 1, 2020 at 11:40 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Hayley is a talented writer and a lovely #kidlit supporter of others in the community.
December 5, 2020 at 3:06 pm
aliciaminor
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.
December 6, 2020 at 4:29 pm
Nancy Ferguson
The description of this book made me cry, then smile! Thanks.
December 8, 2020 at 12:10 pm
betlw
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.
December 8, 2020 at 11:19 pm
Karan Greene
This book sounds delicious!! Congratulations!
December 11, 2020 at 2:35 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
Oh, this sounds adorable!!! And YAY for another great book in rhyme! 🙂
January 11, 2021 at 7:05 pm
muskoshe
What a beautiful book. Thank you for sharing the process.
January 5, 2022 at 1:04 pm
dannayork3805
Darling desserts!!