The Jelly Donut Difference
Sharing Kindness with the World
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Can a jelly donut make a difference? Leah and Dexter are twins who can't seem to get along. When their parents ask them to get eggs from their neighbor, Ms. Marvis, they discover she is lonely and misses her family.
After learning about Ms. Marvis's Polish heritage and the tradition of making pączki (jelly donuts), the twins decide to bake a batch to share with her. This act of kindness leads to a heartwarming connection and a newfound appreciation for family, friendship, and community.
This heartwarming picture book is perfect for children ages 4-8 and teaches the importance of empathy, kindness, and sharing cultural traditions. It is a sweet story that shows how even the smallest act of generosity can make a big difference.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Dismondy introduces twins Dexter and Leah, who squabble with each other but extend kindness to an elderly neighbor. While picking up eggs from Ms. Marvis, who lives nearby, Dexter notices how quiet her house is and suggests that his parents invite her over for dinner. During the meal, Ms. Marvis shares stories of making paczki (jelly donuts) with her family in Poland before Lent; with help from their father, the children whip up a batch of paczki for their neighbor, who responds with a long thank-you note. British author-illustrator Brooks evokes the story's wintertime setting through a minty palette of pale blues, pinks, and greens, contrasting cozy kitchen-centric scenes with outdoor flurries and snowdrifts. Although both children seem to recognize the rewards of their kind actions, neither grows much as a character: Dexter starts and finishes the book as an empathetic peacemaker, while Leah is antagonistic and not much else. Even so, this earnest story of being a good sibling, neighbor, and friend may inspire readers to find ways to be generous in their own lives. All that's missing is a paczki recipe. Ages 4 8. (BookLife)
