I came across Fannie in the Kitchen by Deborah Hopkins and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter at a library book sale, and it immediately caught my attention—partly for its creators and partly because it offered that enticing blend of story and history I always find appealing in a picture book biography.
Our past experiences with Hopkinson’s work have been mixed. Her picture books—like Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, Apples to Oregon, and Maria’s Comet—are full of charm and solid non-fiction storytelling. Her chapter books, on the other hand, tend to bear that flat, Scholastic style rather than the depth and elegance we seek. But with Fannie in the Kitchen in picture book form, we were optimistic—and rightly so.
We have loved many books which Nancy Carpenter has illustrated like Queen Victoria's Bathing Machine, Balderdash, and Apples to Oregon. There are many more which I have not read that look inviting.
The book tells the story of Fannie Farmer through the eyes of young Marcia, whose household has just hired Fannie as a cook. Marcia begins her journey in the kitchen with more curiosity and good intentions than skill. But under Fannie’s guidance, she not only learns the how of cooking, but delights in the why. Fannie’s scientific and precise approach to cooking was revolutionary in the world of cooking. This story highlights the real historical impact of Fannie Farmer’s contributions to American cooking and recipe writing.
Told in the format of a meal, with each “course” advancing the story, the book is clever and charming. Nancy Carpenter’s illustrations strike that perfect balance of playful and period-specific, helping young readers step right into a 19th-century Boston kitchen.
I would happily recommend Fannie in the Kitchen as a read-aloud for families, especially those who love stories tied to food or history. It would make a lovely addition to a kitchen-themed wonder box or serve as inspiration for an afternoon spent baking with children. A delightful introduction to Fannie Farmer’s legacy, this book is lovely.