Poppy Song Bakes a Way

Gr 1-4–Glaser introduces readers to Poppy Song, one of the newest students in Mrs. Z’s class. Poppy is a third grader who loves baking and her grandma, whom Poppy calls Po Po. For Poppy’s turn at Valued Visitor Day, she invites her grandma to school. The kids all know that Poppy and Po Po are wonderful bakers, so Poppy wants to bake something special: Dragon’s Beard candy. In the week leading up to the event, Poppy tries to make the candy, deepens friendships, and learns that her beloved Po Po is struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Glaser’s series entry is a warm, sweet read perfect for sensitive children seeking solid realistic fiction. Even the announcement of Po Po’s Alzheimer’s is handled with tenderness and depicts friends and family who are supportive and caring. This series consists of chapter books by notable kid lit authors. Each author brings their unique style to the series, which in turn shapes the distinct personality of the protagonist. Fajardo’s illustrations bring consistency to characters and places. The grayscale illustrations convey emotion and mood with cartoonlike facial expressions and tone.