The Girl Who Loved Poutine

by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, Rachel Qiuqi (Illustrator)

Overview

Zoey loves poutine with its French fries, gravy, and squeaky squeaky cheese curds. It's her favourite dish to make with her father. And it's their annual tradition to make it for their shared July 1 birthday. Zoey is excited. Tomorrow is her fifth birthday! It's also a holiday in Canada. This year, family members—grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins—from across Canada are coming to celebrate Zoey's birthday. But as a surprise to Zoey, everyone is bringing their own special poutine dish. There are recipes from all over Canada, including Alberta, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island. All so unique and all so delicious! It will be a poutine contest and Zoey will be the judge. How will Zoey ever decide whose dish is the winner? Back matter includes information about the history of this classic dish, as well as a recipe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534113169
Publisher:	Sleeping Bear Press
Publication date:	03/15/2024
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	783,228
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	600L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 7 Years

About the Author

Lorna Schultz Nicholson has published picture books, middle-grade fiction and nonfiction, YA fiction, and adult hockey nonfiction. Her books have been nominated for many Canadian awards. She loves visiting schools to talk to students about reading and writing. Joey Moss was an inspiration to her. She is so happy she got to dance with him to “La Bamba” onstage for the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society fashion show! Learn more about Lorna at lornaschultznicholson.com.

Editorial Reviews

...a timeless story of family love.

Families First

...explores a Canadian dish many Americans (including adults) might not be familiar with...Rachel Qiuqi's illustrations add fun embellishments to the experience.

Midwest Book Reviews

With colourful illustrations of food and family, this book also contains fun facts and a recipe at the back.

Windsor Star

2023-12-16
A celebration of one of Canada’s best-known dishes.

Zoey and Dad anticipate their shared birthday tomorrow, July 1—also Canada Day, marked by fireworks. Best of all, Zoey, who’s turning 5, will get to eat poutine, Dad’s specialty. Plus, several of her favorite relatives are coming. Next day, Zoey helps Dad cook, while Mom greets everyone. Zoey wonders why the dining room table’s loaded with poutine brought by the other family members. Her Italian Nona tells her they decided to hold a poutine contest, and Zoey will be the judge. The relatives remind Zoey where their versions came from and what special ingredients they added to the traditional ones—fries, gravy, and cheese curds. Zoey likes all the varieties, especially Nona’s. Afterward, Zoey declares everyone the winner. That night, though, as she and Dad enjoy the fireworks, she says she’ll always love his version best. Though well told, this tale centered on poutine and its many culinary twists may have limited appeal outside Canada. Still, it’s a warm family tale that shines a respectful spotlight on Canada’s culture and people. The colorful, lively illustrations feature a racially and ethnically diverse blend of family members; red-haired Zoey and her parents present white.

Young foodies will enjoy learning about a beloved dish from America’s northern neighbor. (fun facts about poutine, poutine recipe) (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews