The author’s storytelling voice and the illustrator’s folk-inspired art whip up a delicious tale of tarts. Simon was once a famous baker; his bread rose higher than anyone’s and people came from all over to buy it—until two baker friends stole all his money. After that everything he touches falls flat. He sells his shop, buys a farm 100 miles away and sells eggs. One day he sees a young girl wearing a dress of bright patches. Sally had been his favorite customer, and he always gave her extra bread because her family was poor. Now, in return, she gives Simon a pouch of dried raspberries to plant. When Simon opens the door the next morning, he sees a rolling red sea of raspberries, leading to a partnership with Baker Willums to make raspberry tarts that become a sensation for the town’s birthday celebration. The text’s oral beginnings make it a delicious read-aloud, and Moses’s old New England setting suits it to a T. Stretching out the word “rassssspberrrrrrrieeeeeeeees” (printed in a curling red type) throughout heightens the fun. Recording included. (Picture book. 4-7)
