{"id":8291252601069,"title":"Pickle Words","handle":"pickle-words","description":"\u003ch1\u003ePickle Words\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrunchy, Punchy Pickles and Poetry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/april-pulley-sayre\"\u003eApril Pulley Sayre\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jialei-sun\"\u003eJialei Sun\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis sweet and spicy celebration of all things pickled is the perfect poetry picture book for foodies of all ages!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen this book to savor a riotous rainbow of pickles. Not just green cucumbers, but yellow peppers, pink cabbages, and purple plums! Pickles come in all shapes and sizes—and so do the words that describe them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePunchy poetry and zesty art tell the story of a diverse community drawn together by their love of pickles. From kosher dills to sweet chutney to tangy kimchi, Pickle Words describes them all in this global tour of pickled foods. Back matter includes the science of pickling, an easy recipe for refrigerator pickles, and a visual glossary of pickles from around the world.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hot-pot-night\"\u003eHot Pot Night\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/brand-new-bubbe\"\u003eBrand-New Bubbe\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/pickle-words-spread.jpg?v=1700081763\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/pickle-words-cover.jpg?v=1700081741\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/pickle-words-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1700081767\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApril Pulley Sayre, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApril Pulley Sayre was the beloved author of more than 65 nonfiction books for children and adults. Her award-winning picture books included\u003cem\u003e Trout Are Made of Trees; Rah, Rah, Radishes!; Raindrops Roll; Best in Snow;\u003c\/em\u003e and the Geisel Honor book \u003cem\u003eVulture View.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/april-pulley-sayre\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJialei Sun, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJialei Sun is an illustrator and children’s product developer who received her MFA in illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art. She now lives in Beijing, where she tells stories through colorful, characterful, and humorous illustrations. She is the illustrator of \u003cem\u003ePickle Words, Humpback Whale,\u003c\/em\u003e and other picture books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jialei-sun\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Jialei.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Junior Library Guild selection!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho doesn’t love a pickle? Sayre and Sun introduce children to the world of fermented food in this blending of poetry and fact. An author’s note explains that this book arose out of a fun author visit activity creating poetry out of words used to describe pickles. Sayre’s crisp poetry accompanies informative text blocks like a good pickle partners with a sandwich. Not only does she cover fermented foods from a variety of cultures and countries, she also explores the history and science of pickled foods. Sun’s digital media illustrations are as vibrant as pickles are flavorful. Wide-eyed children in every range of skin tones try fermented foods from kosher dills to kimchi, and from chowchow to chutney, which are all labeled with the kinds of punchy words Sayre and her students discovered in her workshops: “zesty,” “puckery,” “fresh,” “sharp,” or just down right “tasty,” to name a few. Back matter includes notes on the different pickling processes—fermenting, canning, and quick pickling—as well as a variety of sources to explore and even a recipe for quick dill pickles. Readers of all ages will be inspired to try new pickles and write some pickle poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough simple, crisp rhymes, Sayre’s collection of pickle poems introduces children to the joys of traditional types of fermented vegetables across cultures. While the poems are not particularly varied in style (four lines, all in an A\/B\/A\/B rhyme scheme), the vocabulary is perfect for early readers to practice on their own, and the rhythms are a pleasure to digest. Adjectives integrated into Sun’s bright, vibrant illustrations also encourage readers to start considering how they, too, can describe the world around them with zest. Poem after poem in the same style on roughly the same subject matter can stretch a little thin if powering through in a single reading; however, the pages are sprinkled with additions that add some spice. Readers will find definitions; descriptions of many types of pickles, chutneys, and relishes from around the world; and, appropriately, a few recipes for making pickles. A small bibliography of pickle books leaves plenty more to discover. Sayre’s note about what inspired her to write the book is intensely sweet and is a posthumous reminder of how much she contributed to the children’s literature community. She fed her readers well on flavorful words, and she will be missed. VERDICT Those keen on finding poetry for emerging readers will find this book a satisfying dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-362-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges:4-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: July 16, 2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-12-08T15:18:54-05:00","created_at":"2023-11-17T13:56:17-05:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Nonfiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Diversity","Browse by Subject_Food \u0026 Nutrition","Browse by Subject_Poetry \u0026 Language","Browse by Subject_Social Studies\/Cultures","Browse by Subject_Story Time \u0026 Play"],"price":1799,"price_min":1799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":44444608921837,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"43624","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":39221829304557,"product_id":8291252601069,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-11-17T13:58:44-05:00","updated_at":"2023-11-17T13:58:45-05:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pickle-words-cover_5fcc49bb-db28-43cb-9d1c-27d8994bae9d.jpg?v=1700247525","variant_ids":[44444608921837]},"available":true,"name":"Pickle Words - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":567,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":10,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623543624","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":31835222245613,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pickle-words-cover_5fcc49bb-db28-43cb-9d1c-27d8994bae9d.jpg?v=1700247525"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pickle-words-cover_5fcc49bb-db28-43cb-9d1c-27d8994bae9d.jpg?v=1700247525"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pickle-words-cover_5fcc49bb-db28-43cb-9d1c-27d8994bae9d.jpg?v=1700247525","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":31835222245613,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pickle-words-cover_5fcc49bb-db28-43cb-9d1c-27d8994bae9d.jpg?v=1700247525"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/pickle-words-cover_5fcc49bb-db28-43cb-9d1c-27d8994bae9d.jpg?v=1700247525","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch1\u003ePickle Words\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrunchy, Punchy Pickles and Poetry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/april-pulley-sayre\"\u003eApril Pulley Sayre\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jialei-sun\"\u003eJialei Sun\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis sweet and spicy celebration of all things pickled is the perfect poetry picture book for foodies of all ages!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen this book to savor a riotous rainbow of pickles. Not just green cucumbers, but yellow peppers, pink cabbages, and purple plums! Pickles come in all shapes and sizes—and so do the words that describe them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePunchy poetry and zesty art tell the story of a diverse community drawn together by their love of pickles. From kosher dills to sweet chutney to tangy kimchi, Pickle Words describes them all in this global tour of pickled foods. Back matter includes the science of pickling, an easy recipe for refrigerator pickles, and a visual glossary of pickles from around the world.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hot-pot-night\"\u003eHot Pot Night\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/brand-new-bubbe\"\u003eBrand-New Bubbe\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/pickle-words-spread.jpg?v=1700081763\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/pickle-words-cover.jpg?v=1700081741\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/pickle-words-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1700081767\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApril Pulley Sayre, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApril Pulley Sayre was the beloved author of more than 65 nonfiction books for children and adults. Her award-winning picture books included\u003cem\u003e Trout Are Made of Trees; Rah, Rah, Radishes!; Raindrops Roll; Best in Snow;\u003c\/em\u003e and the Geisel Honor book \u003cem\u003eVulture View.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/april-pulley-sayre\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJialei Sun, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJialei Sun is an illustrator and children’s product developer who received her MFA in illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art. She now lives in Beijing, where she tells stories through colorful, characterful, and humorous illustrations. She is the illustrator of \u003cem\u003ePickle Words, Humpback Whale,\u003c\/em\u003e and other picture books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jialei-sun\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Jialei.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Junior Library Guild selection!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho doesn’t love a pickle? Sayre and Sun introduce children to the world of fermented food in this blending of poetry and fact. An author’s note explains that this book arose out of a fun author visit activity creating poetry out of words used to describe pickles. Sayre’s crisp poetry accompanies informative text blocks like a good pickle partners with a sandwich. Not only does she cover fermented foods from a variety of cultures and countries, she also explores the history and science of pickled foods. Sun’s digital media illustrations are as vibrant as pickles are flavorful. Wide-eyed children in every range of skin tones try fermented foods from kosher dills to kimchi, and from chowchow to chutney, which are all labeled with the kinds of punchy words Sayre and her students discovered in her workshops: “zesty,” “puckery,” “fresh,” “sharp,” or just down right “tasty,” to name a few. Back matter includes notes on the different pickling processes—fermenting, canning, and quick pickling—as well as a variety of sources to explore and even a recipe for quick dill pickles. Readers of all ages will be inspired to try new pickles and write some pickle poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough simple, crisp rhymes, Sayre’s collection of pickle poems introduces children to the joys of traditional types of fermented vegetables across cultures. While the poems are not particularly varied in style (four lines, all in an A\/B\/A\/B rhyme scheme), the vocabulary is perfect for early readers to practice on their own, and the rhythms are a pleasure to digest. Adjectives integrated into Sun’s bright, vibrant illustrations also encourage readers to start considering how they, too, can describe the world around them with zest. Poem after poem in the same style on roughly the same subject matter can stretch a little thin if powering through in a single reading; however, the pages are sprinkled with additions that add some spice. Readers will find definitions; descriptions of many types of pickles, chutneys, and relishes from around the world; and, appropriately, a few recipes for making pickles. A small bibliography of pickle books leaves plenty more to discover. Sayre’s note about what inspired her to write the book is intensely sweet and is a posthumous reminder of how much she contributed to the children’s literature community. She fed her readers well on flavorful words, and she will be missed. VERDICT Those keen on finding poetry for emerging readers will find this book a satisfying dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-362-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges:4-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: July 16, 2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Pickle Words

Pickle Words

Crunchy, Punchy Pickles and Poetry

By: April Pulley Sayre / Illustrated by: Jialei Sun

This sweet and spicy celebration of all things pickled is the perfect poetry picture book for foodies of all ages!

Open this book to savor a riotous rainbow of pickles. Not just green cucumbers, but yellow peppers, pink cabbages, and purple plums! Pickles come in all shapes and sizes—and so do the words that describe them.

Punchy poetry and zesty art tell the story of a diverse community drawn together by their love of pickles. From kosher dills to sweet chutney to tangy kimchi, Pickle Words describes them all in this global tour of pickled foods. Back matter includes the science of pickling, an easy recipe for refrigerator pickles, and a visual glossary of pickles from around the world."

Maximum quantity available reached.

April Pulley Sayre, author

April Pulley Sayre was the beloved author of more than 65 nonfiction books for children and adults. Her award-winning picture books included Trout Are Made of Trees; Rah, Rah, Radishes!; Raindrops Roll; Best in Snow; and the Geisel Honor book Vulture View.

Read more about April.


Jialei Sun, illustrator

Jialei Sun is an illustrator and children’s product developer who received her MFA in illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art. She now lives in Beijing, where she tells stories through colorful, characterful, and humorous illustrations. She is the illustrator of Pickle Words, Humpback Whale, and other picture books.

Read more about Jialei.

  • A Junior Library Guild selection!

Children's Literature

Who doesn’t love a pickle? Sayre and Sun introduce children to the world of fermented food in this blending of poetry and fact. An author’s note explains that this book arose out of a fun author visit activity creating poetry out of words used to describe pickles. Sayre’s crisp poetry accompanies informative text blocks like a good pickle partners with a sandwich. Not only does she cover fermented foods from a variety of cultures and countries, she also explores the history and science of pickled foods. Sun’s digital media illustrations are as vibrant as pickles are flavorful. Wide-eyed children in every range of skin tones try fermented foods from kosher dills to kimchi, and from chowchow to chutney, which are all labeled with the kinds of punchy words Sayre and her students discovered in her workshops: “zesty,” “puckery,” “fresh,” “sharp,” or just down right “tasty,” to name a few. Back matter includes notes on the different pickling processes—fermenting, canning, and quick pickling—as well as a variety of sources to explore and even a recipe for quick dill pickles. Readers of all ages will be inspired to try new pickles and write some pickle poetry.

School Library Journal

Through simple, crisp rhymes, Sayre’s collection of pickle poems introduces children to the joys of traditional types of fermented vegetables across cultures. While the poems are not particularly varied in style (four lines, all in an A/B/A/B rhyme scheme), the vocabulary is perfect for early readers to practice on their own, and the rhythms are a pleasure to digest. Adjectives integrated into Sun’s bright, vibrant illustrations also encourage readers to start considering how they, too, can describe the world around them with zest. Poem after poem in the same style on roughly the same subject matter can stretch a little thin if powering through in a single reading; however, the pages are sprinkled with additions that add some spice. Readers will find definitions; descriptions of many types of pickles, chutneys, and relishes from around the world; and, appropriately, a few recipes for making pickles. A small bibliography of pickle books leaves plenty more to discover. Sayre’s note about what inspired her to write the book is intensely sweet and is a posthumous reminder of how much she contributed to the children’s literature community. She fed her readers well on flavorful words, and she will be missed. VERDICT Those keen on finding poetry for emerging readers will find this book a satisfying dish.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-362-4

Ages:4-8
Page count: 32
91/2 x 91/2

Publication date: July 16, 2024