McTavish Takes the Cake by Grace Easton, Meg Rosoff
Published by Candlewick Press on June 8, 2021
ISBN: 1536213756
Pages: 96
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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McTavish Takes the Cake

 

Meg Rosoff has written the third book in her series of McTavish, a rescue dog who has very bright ideas to improve his family’s life.  Food is the most important ingredient now since Ma Peachey has relinquished the cooking chores to her children, who have ability, and to her husband, who doesn’t.  When Pa Peachey tries to cook, only McTavish and the youngest child, Betty, will eat it, and it is a challenge for them as they start to put on weight.

A cooking contest is announced and Pa believes that he can be the winner.  The rest of the family have major doubts as Pa tries to make a gingerbread replica of the palace of Versailles with thousands of pieces.  It doesn’t go well, through the intervention of McTavish, but all is not lost as Pa receives $500 worth of flour as a consolation prize.  An interesting premise but not Cream of the Crop worthy.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland