Irresistibly sweet, wonderfully witty, and bursting with heart.
Fisher’s charming picture book follows Bagel, the nervous newcomer at the Corner Cafe, where an assortment of colorful treats has him questioning what makes him special. Birthday Cake has sprinkles, Cinnamon Bun boasts a swirl, and other pastries come adorned with chips, jelly, and eye-catching colors.Bagel, meanwhile, sees himself as plain and, more troublingly, empty in the middle. Convinced that finding his center will finally make him complete, he sets off on an exuberant search with his new friends.
Fisher turns Bagel’s literal hole into an accessible metaphor for the insecurities sparked by comparison. Buoyant rhymes, food-themed wordplay, and an energetic quest keep the message light, while Jan Schmidt’s expressive, candy-colored illustrations fill the spreads with warmth, humor, and personality. The supportive community of treats reinforces the story’s themes of friendship and belonging. Deluxe production touches, including gold foil and spot UV finishes on the cover and a double-sided dust jacket that unfolds into a pun-filled poster, add considerable gift appeal.
Libraries and classrooms seeking lively read-alouds about self-worth, individuality, and embracing differences will find this a tasty addition to their shelves.
Bryant House Books, 2026
Pub date July 31, 2026
ISBN 9798993334400
