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Cover of Gingerbread Baby

Gingerbread Baby

by Jan Brett

Book Details

Publisher:Penguin
Published:1999-10-04
Pages:42
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

Age Range:0-3

About This Book

Jan Brett's Gingerbread Baby is not about to get eaten in this delicious twist on a favorite Christmastime tale! It all begins when Matti opens the oven too soon and out jumps a cheeky little Gingerbread Bay. He leads Matti's mother and father, the dog and the cat, and a whole colorful cast of characters on a rollicking chase through the village and into the forest, staying just out of reach, daring them to catch him along the way. But Matti's not with them. He's at home in the borders making wh

Our Review

This charming Christmas story offers a fresh take on the classic gingerbread man tale, featuring a clever gingerbread baby who escapes from the oven and leads villagers on a merry chase through a snowy landscape. Jan Brett's signature intricate illustrations fill every page with rich visual storytelling, while the predictable chase pattern provides satisfying repetition for young listeners. The detailed borders surrounding each main illustration cleverly foreshadow upcoming story developments, creating an engaging seek-and-find experience that builds anticipation.

What sets this holiday book apart is the quiet parallel story unfolding in the artwork, where young Matti works diligently at home while the chaotic chase continues. This subtle narrative layer teaches children about patience and problem-solving, as Matti's thoughtful approach ultimately succeeds where the frantic pursuit fails. The combination of vibrant winter scenes, playful animal characters, and the satisfying conclusion where the gingerbread baby finds a safe home makes this seasonal story particularly appealing for families establishing Christmas reading traditions.

Themes

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Juvenile Fiction