Is there anything more perfect than pies and picture books? Meet the amazing Jenn Carson, owner of LiLLiPiES bakery! I first met Jenn when she was doing farmers markets and delivering her amazing baked goods to my favorite local coffee shop. Long time blog readers might also remember that Jenn as the architect of this truly astounding Strega Nona house that was part of our 2013 Gingerbread Cottage Challenge.
Over the years, Jenn’s business has grown exponentially, culminating in a fantastic bakery that also serves delicious breakfasts. And now…she’s a children’s author! It took absolutely no convincing for me to photograph her happy busy eatery, and chat with her about this heartwarming story of baking and family.
Hi Jenn! Tell us a little about yourself!
Hi Dana! I am Head Baker and owner of LiLLiPiES bakery in Princeton. I also teach Artisanal Bread Baking at Mercer County Community College’s Hospitality program. My husband, Ken, and I have three adult children as well as a sweet doggy named Lucy.
You already have an amazing cookbook…what inspired you to write a picture book as well?
I have a background in elementary education and have always seen the importance and beauty in parents baking with their children. Plus, I had a blast collaborating with Sofia for the original cookbook and wanted to work with her again.
Tell us a little about the lovely family that fills the pages of this story…
Pie For My Birthday is a true story of our son, Sean’s 6th birthday. It’s a story about listening to each other, patience, cooperation, and teamwork. In the end, our family worked together to make little pies for Sean’s class.
These days, Sean (that little kindergarten boy in the book) works as a project manager here in New Jersey. James, (the impish little brother in the book) is a civil engineer working in Brooklyn. Sara, (the teeny baby sister in the book) is a college student, majoring in Music and Business. Ken (the Dad) is a Pharmaceutical Chemist who focuses on cancer therapies. We still enjoy cooking together very much.
What was it like to work with the illustrator, Sofia Schreiber?
Working with Sofia was absolutely wonderful. She actually knows my kids and Ken quite well and was able to show their personalities in her paintings for the book. Watching her progression week to week brought me to tears quite often. She is really an amazing talent.
Ok, so this is technically not a question, but we were SO excited to see a donut recipe in the back of the book. Your donuts are LEGEND!
Haha! Glad you enjoy them. I started making them for farmers markets. One farmers market had their opening day on National Donut Day. I thought it would be fun to bake my cake recipes in donut pans, so that customers could try our cake. When the next week came around and the donuts were not offered, I got quite a few requests to bring them back. They’ve been on the menu ever since.
If you were send one message to the little future bakers who read this book, what would it be?
Bake on!
“The art is gorgeous, the book is inclusive, and it’s a great introduction to graphic novels. Plus, the tea dragons are adorable.”
“I still quote this book: ‘You get what you get and you don’t get upset.’”
“It illustrates the process of self-discovery.”
“It is a story about not caring what others think or conforming to the role society has written for you. With hard work, persistence and creativity, you can make anything happen – like surrounding yourself with nature, even in the middle of the city.”
“Her house is upside-down! She’s essentially the neighborhood witch, and I love how all the kids’ commonplace problems manifest in reality.”
“Adventures of a worker bee who likes to eat pollen, make sweets, and organize her honey pots.”
“It opens up a good discussion about where our food comes from.”
Darlene Dreyer – Assistant to the Associate University Librarian
“I read it as an adult and was very moved by it. The description of the family and beautiful young friendship, and the more than devastating ending.”
“I love the details in illustrations, and as a young parent I could totally understand Petson’s life with a naughty kitten. I read it in Russian countless times, and it was translated to many languages (English title: Pancakes for Findus).”
“Besides beings a nice story for children who love animals, I appreciate that it was an early exposure to thinking about ethics in scientific research. It also provided considerate thoughts about the nature of prejudice and touched on environmentalism, so not merely the endearing tale of a motherly mouse seeking to save her sick child from the spring plow, but that was also a lovely aspect of the story.”
Berta Harvey – Library Collections Specialist V, Lewis Science Library
“My children found it so engaging when they were toddlers. It has very expressive pictures and it’s fun to read.”
“A book of stories and poems, mostly whimsical, always thoughtful, and sometimes melancholical.”
“ALL of Freeman’s picture books are beautiful!”
“It was the first time I’d seen my own love for books and fantasy stories reflected back in a book.”
“This is a wonderful story about how love and care impact the ways living beings interact with the world – all wrapped up in an adorable story about a family trying to adopt fearsome watchdogs only for each dog to become more of a marshmallow than the last.”
“The illustrations are rich; my son and I see something new each time we read it. It’s also a wonderful story about how even the most contentious relationships can be healed!”
“My favorite story to read to my kids when they were young.”
“Timeless triumph of peace and gentleness over stupidity and aggression. And the cork trees!”
I wanted a horse so so so soooo very bad growing up. Wished for it, dreamed of it, waited for it. It took a couple decades, but my horse FINALLY arrived! My heart runneth over…
Are you ready for it? Yes! It’s time for the Cotsen Children’s Library’s annual 350 for 50 contest! We challenge you to write a short, 350-word tale that includes the sentence, “Every movement was in slow motion.” (just 344 words left to go!) Winning stories will be illustrated and published here on Pop Goes the Page. Additionally, winning authors will enjoy an online $50 literary shopping spree!