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From School Library Journal

July 1, 2024

K-Gr 2-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.-Kate Stadt

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Booklist

June 1, 2024
Grades K-3 "Gherkins workin' / Mustard--wow! / Piccalilli. / Chowchow now!" In a briny mix of playful verse and commentary, the late Sayre salutes pickled delights of all sorts, from cornichons to beet-dyed purple eggs, kimchi to sauerkraut, relishes to chutneys. Along with tallying at least a sampling of the immense array of edibles that are or have been pickled, she points to how pickles are served in cuisines worldwide, then describes the three types of pickling processes, and goes on to close with recipes and reference sources. Meanwhile, in vibrantly hued illustrations, Sun depicts a multicultural group of families hard at work slicing, chopping, or otherwise preparing abundant displays of fruits and veggies, all to be jarred for a climactic outdoor "Pickle Party!" festooned with suggestive floating labels: "drippy," "zippy," "zesty," "puckery." As incontrovertible evidence of what the author dubs "the power of sour," young audiences will salivate as much over the invitation to wordplay as the tasty subject matter. Yum.

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