The Possum Magic Cookbook compiled by Gina Inverarity and Celia Jellett
Ill. by Julie Vivas. Omnibus/Scholastic, 2015. ISBN: 9781742991214
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Grandma Poss is back with a collection
of fabulous Australian recipes for well known and loved food. All
the favourites are gathered here: Under the section Savouries
can be found Double decker sandwiches, tasty sausage rolls and
cheese straws as well as many other yummy things that kids (and
adults) will love to make. In the Sweets section, are 3 of
my personal all-time favourites: Pavlova, Anzac biscuits and
Lamingtons. And then there are recipes that are sure to tickle the
fancy of children: funny dip echidna, frog jelly and sparkle
biscuits. Each of the recipes is set out in a simple, easy to follow
way, with a note at the top to tell the user whether it is easy for
kids or if it needs an adult to help out. The ingredients are set
out in large type and the instructions can be read by an independent
reader.
To top off this great recipe book are the gorgeous illustrations by
Julie Vivas. One of my favourites is for the Easy Peasy Pizza where
Grandma Poss can be seen swinging around with stars surrounding her
while four little echidnas dressed as lifesavers carry a yummy pizza
on their heads. And there is the funny and charming way that the
possums have of separating eggs for the Pavlova.
This is a beautiful book that would be fabulous for both children
and adults alike. Not only does it have really wonderful recipes
gathered together in one volume, its illustrations set it apart.
Pat Pledger