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Jan Brett's Gingerbread
Gingerbread Friends
That popular little character is back looking for friends, in an adventure he'll never forget.Confident and cocky, the Gingerbread Baby happens upon a bakery, where he dances and prances in front of a sugar cookie girl, trying to make friends. But she just stares and doesn?t say a word, like all the other sweet treats he tries to meet.
Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home, chased by a long line of hungry creatures, where Mattie has a fantastic surprise for him?gingerbread friends that fill a giant fold-out page.
Irresistible images inside the confectionery and outside in the snowy Swiss countryside will delight Jan Brett fans.
Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home, chased by a long line of hungry creatures, where Mattie has a fantastic surprise for him?gingerbread friends that fill a giant fold-out page.
Irresistible images inside the confectionery and outside in the snowy Swiss countryside will delight Jan Brett fans.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2008
About the author
Jan Brett
105 books933 followersWith over thirty three million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation's foremost author illustrators of children's books. Jan lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. During the summer her family moves to a home in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
February 23, 2018
Did I get this because my nephew still obsesses over Gingerbread Men or did I get this because I am obsessed with Jan Brett? Some of both.
This is a continuation of Gingerbread Baby. The baby has everything he wants and is happy as long as Matti is around. So when he goes off to school, the baby goes looking for friends. I love the sleigh he makes of a rocking chair and the rooster that pulls it with it poofy white mop top. Her visuals are so sweet. Baby has an adventure and comes home to find a surprise from Matti.
There is an amazing pullout at the end that doubles the size of the book. It's amazing. It's also difficult to fold back up, at least in a library copy. Everything about this book, my nephew simply loves. I think this one is more simple than the other stories and it still does it's job. I have been entertained.
This is a continuation of Gingerbread Baby. The baby has everything he wants and is happy as long as Matti is around. So when he goes off to school, the baby goes looking for friends. I love the sleigh he makes of a rocking chair and the rooster that pulls it with it poofy white mop top. Her visuals are so sweet. Baby has an adventure and comes home to find a surprise from Matti.
There is an amazing pullout at the end that doubles the size of the book. It's amazing. It's also difficult to fold back up, at least in a library copy. Everything about this book, my nephew simply loves. I think this one is more simple than the other stories and it still does it's job. I have been entertained.
May 11, 2022
Review originally published October 2008
Spoilers warning for the preceding book, Gingerbread Baby!
"Run, run, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man!" Remember the story of the quick Gingerbread Man, who, after popping out of the oven, escaped being caught by people and animals alike, until he met his match in the sly fox?
While the original story, dating from the 19th century, is still popular, if you are looking for newer picture books to introduce this cute character to children, I highly recommend Jan Brett’s Gingerbread Baby and Gingerbread Friends.
Jan Brett’s first picture book about the Gingerbread Man is Gingerbread Baby. It is a delightful story of a gingerbread boy, made by a boy named Matti, who pops out of the oven prematurely. He was to have "baked for a full eight minutes, no more, no less," but escapes from the oven after only five minutes.
He proceeds to lead a chase throughout a tiny Swiss village singing "I am the Gingerbread Baby, fresh from the pan. If you want me, catch me if you can!" After causing chaos in the town, he finds in the woods a freshly made gingerbread house to hide in, and is safe from harm.
Gingerbread Baby is wonderful, but the most interesting part of the book is the beautiful illustrations that Brett uses to develop the story. The detailed drawings on the pages are bordered by more intricate drawings that tell a story within a story. It is through these side drawings that the reader understands how the gingerbread house came to be, how it was placed in the forest, and where the Gingerbread Baby was taken once he entered the house.
Gingerbread Friends, Jan Brett’s newest picture book, continues the story of Mattie and the Gingerbread Baby. The Gingerbread Baby, safe in the gingerbread house that Matti made for him, is lonely whenever Matti goes off with his friends or is too busy to play.
Deciding that he needs a friend of his own, the Gingerbread Baby slips out of the house one day and heads to the village. After coming upon a bakery, and spying several different cut-out cookies, he finds that no one responds to his new jingle, “I’m the Gingerbread Baby, peppy as can be; I’ll be friends with you, if you’ll be friends with me.”
Discouraged, and chased home by a line of animals, the Gingerbread Baby arrives home to find a wonderful surprise that Matti has made for him.
Not only is Gingerbread Friends clever and funny, but the illustrations are very detailed and the artwork on the borders of the pages tell the behind-the-scenes tale of what else happened the day the Gingerbread Baby went into town.
Gingerbread Baby and Gingerbread Friends are delightful, the artwork is adorable, and the tales are perfect for those snowy days up ahead. Not only are they fun reads for children, but they may just spur you to create your own gingerbread baby, house, and friends!
Find these books and other titles within our catalog.
Spoilers warning for the preceding book, Gingerbread Baby!
"Run, run, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man!" Remember the story of the quick Gingerbread Man, who, after popping out of the oven, escaped being caught by people and animals alike, until he met his match in the sly fox?
While the original story, dating from the 19th century, is still popular, if you are looking for newer picture books to introduce this cute character to children, I highly recommend Jan Brett’s Gingerbread Baby and Gingerbread Friends.
Jan Brett’s first picture book about the Gingerbread Man is Gingerbread Baby. It is a delightful story of a gingerbread boy, made by a boy named Matti, who pops out of the oven prematurely. He was to have "baked for a full eight minutes, no more, no less," but escapes from the oven after only five minutes.
He proceeds to lead a chase throughout a tiny Swiss village singing "I am the Gingerbread Baby, fresh from the pan. If you want me, catch me if you can!" After causing chaos in the town, he finds in the woods a freshly made gingerbread house to hide in, and is safe from harm.
Gingerbread Baby is wonderful, but the most interesting part of the book is the beautiful illustrations that Brett uses to develop the story. The detailed drawings on the pages are bordered by more intricate drawings that tell a story within a story. It is through these side drawings that the reader understands how the gingerbread house came to be, how it was placed in the forest, and where the Gingerbread Baby was taken once he entered the house.
Gingerbread Friends, Jan Brett’s newest picture book, continues the story of Mattie and the Gingerbread Baby. The Gingerbread Baby, safe in the gingerbread house that Matti made for him, is lonely whenever Matti goes off with his friends or is too busy to play.
Deciding that he needs a friend of his own, the Gingerbread Baby slips out of the house one day and heads to the village. After coming upon a bakery, and spying several different cut-out cookies, he finds that no one responds to his new jingle, “I’m the Gingerbread Baby, peppy as can be; I’ll be friends with you, if you’ll be friends with me.”
Discouraged, and chased home by a line of animals, the Gingerbread Baby arrives home to find a wonderful surprise that Matti has made for him.
Not only is Gingerbread Friends clever and funny, but the illustrations are very detailed and the artwork on the borders of the pages tell the behind-the-scenes tale of what else happened the day the Gingerbread Baby went into town.
Gingerbread Baby and Gingerbread Friends are delightful, the artwork is adorable, and the tales are perfect for those snowy days up ahead. Not only are they fun reads for children, but they may just spur you to create your own gingerbread baby, house, and friends!
Find these books and other titles within our catalog.
October 26, 2016
How could anyone not love Jan Brett? "Sweet"story with her delightful illustrations on the sides....which include a recipe for gingerbread. Lovely!
November 20, 2018
That mischievous cookie, Gingerbread Baby, whose adventures began in the eponymous picture-book,
Gingerbread Baby
, returns in this second story devoted to his adventures. Although happy to live in the gingerbread house his creator Matti had made for him in the previous book, our hero finds himself lonely from time to time, and sets out to find others like him. His quest leads him nowhere, and he returns home dispirited, only to find that in his absence Matti has provided him with just what he needs.
A sweet sequel to Gingerbread Baby's earlier adventure, Gingerbread Friends features a rhyming refrain, in which our cookie-hero continually asks the inanimate delectables he meets if they will be his friend, that put me in mind of the text of the more traditional tale, The Gingerbread Man, upon which these books are based. The artwork, as is always the case with Brett, is colorful and ornate, with beautiful details throughout. I appreciated the parallel narrative involving Matti and his baking, that is depicted solely in the side-panels of the illustrations. I also enjoyed the huge fold-out page at the end, in which Gingerbread Baby discovers what Matti has made for him. Recommended to all Jan Brett fans, and to anyone who has read and enjoyed Gingerbread Baby's first book.
A sweet sequel to Gingerbread Baby's earlier adventure, Gingerbread Friends features a rhyming refrain, in which our cookie-hero continually asks the inanimate delectables he meets if they will be his friend, that put me in mind of the text of the more traditional tale, The Gingerbread Man, upon which these books are based. The artwork, as is always the case with Brett, is colorful and ornate, with beautiful details throughout. I appreciated the parallel narrative involving Matti and his baking, that is depicted solely in the side-panels of the illustrations. I also enjoyed the huge fold-out page at the end, in which Gingerbread Baby discovers what Matti has made for him. Recommended to all Jan Brett fans, and to anyone who has read and enjoyed Gingerbread Baby's first book.
December 17, 2011
This was sort of the sequel to Gingerbread Baby. I read it today just for fun.
In the book, our buddy Gingerbread Baby has no friends and tries to find some. He has a difficult time until his bff Mattie comes to the rescue and bakes him some buddies. That part was featured on a huge pop-up page that the kids LOVED!!
One thing that annoyed me about this book was that in Gingerbread Baby, the boy's name was spelled Matti. In this one, it was Mattie with an E. Hello, editor?
In the book, our buddy Gingerbread Baby has no friends and tries to find some. He has a difficult time until his bff Mattie comes to the rescue and bakes him some buddies. That part was featured on a huge pop-up page that the kids LOVED!!
One thing that annoyed me about this book was that in Gingerbread Baby, the boy's name was spelled Matti. In this one, it was Mattie with an E. Hello, editor?
Read
July 29, 2011Loved this book. I read it to several classes and they still want to read again and again on their own. The Gingerbread Baby is back in this second about him. He is lonely as the boy is busy doing something in the kitchen. So, Gingerbread Baby decides to explore the town, looking for someone to play with. The Gingerbread Baby leads a chase through the village and makes it back home after his adventures. At home, there is a big surprise waiting for him.
I love Jan Brett's books. The illustrations are wonderful and so colorful. This book had the main story going on but the sidebars had pictures describing another story going on as the main story did. This book gets checked out a lot.
I love Jan Brett's books. The illustrations are wonderful and so colorful. This book had the main story going on but the sidebars had pictures describing another story going on as the main story did. This book gets checked out a lot.
January 6, 2017
Jan Brett weaves elements of classic tales and a delicious recipe for Gingerbread into this tale of the Gingerbread Baby and his quest to find friends. Suitable for ages 3 and up.
December 23, 2021
The Gingerbread Baby realizes he's lonely when Mattie goes off to play with friends, so they do the same! But where is a gingerbread person supposed to find friends?
This is such a silly but fun and festive sequel to Jan Brett's 'Gingerbread Baby'.
This is such a silly but fun and festive sequel to Jan Brett's 'Gingerbread Baby'.
December 26, 2019
Cute the book even has a recipe for ginger bread cookies.
February 18, 2018
Story is okay but pictures are adorable!
February 4, 2014
Horn Book (Spring 2009)
Brett brings new meaning to "making friends" in this sequel to Gingerbread Baby. The main character, a gingerbread cookie, embarks on a quest for companions. Meanwhile, a parallel story emerges from the decorative illustrations' borders: Mattie bakes a whole batch of gingerbread friends who surprise Gingerbread Baby in a concluding foldout illustration. A spicy extension of a classic tale.
Library Media Connection (January/February 2009)
Gingerbread Baby lives with a little boy but one day goes looking for more friends. He leaves the house and heads to the village. Through a bakery window, he sees a man and woman on top of a cake. He gains no response from them or the other cookie figures. Eventually he falls asleep in the bakery in a mouse hole and is awoken by a mouse nibbling on his marshmallow pom-pom. Narrowly escaping and making his way back home tired and sad, he goes up the stairs to see the many gingerbread friends that the little boy made for Gingerbread Baby. As with all Jan Brett?s books, the illustrations are colorful. Each page has a side panel illustrating how to make gingerbread cookies. There is a foldout at the end of the book, which is a nice surprise for young readers. Librarians will enjoy adding this to the library?s picture books collection. Recommended. Jo Monahan, Librarian, University of North Texas Libraries, Denton
School Library Journal (October 1, 2008)
PreS-Gr 2-Brett's highly detailed, luscious illustrations do a fine job telling this story for nonreaders, while readers and listeners will enjoy Gingerbread Baby's energy and enthusiasm. The roly-poly youngster lives in a gingerbread house in the bedroom of a boy named Mattie, but longs for fun and adventure. While Mattie is too busy in the kitchen to play with him, the Gingerbread Baby heads to the village to look for a friend of his own. He finds some good prospects at the bakery but ends up being chased by a mouse, followed by the baker and his wife, and eventually a red fox. The riotous run brings him back to Mattie's house where he finds an elaborately decorated cookie and candy village with a lot of gingerbread friends for him. Sidebars offer instructions for making gingerbread friends to eat and enjoy. The special foldout adds an element of surprise and delight for storytimes or one-on-one sharing.-Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
Brett brings new meaning to "making friends" in this sequel to Gingerbread Baby. The main character, a gingerbread cookie, embarks on a quest for companions. Meanwhile, a parallel story emerges from the decorative illustrations' borders: Mattie bakes a whole batch of gingerbread friends who surprise Gingerbread Baby in a concluding foldout illustration. A spicy extension of a classic tale.
Library Media Connection (January/February 2009)
Gingerbread Baby lives with a little boy but one day goes looking for more friends. He leaves the house and heads to the village. Through a bakery window, he sees a man and woman on top of a cake. He gains no response from them or the other cookie figures. Eventually he falls asleep in the bakery in a mouse hole and is awoken by a mouse nibbling on his marshmallow pom-pom. Narrowly escaping and making his way back home tired and sad, he goes up the stairs to see the many gingerbread friends that the little boy made for Gingerbread Baby. As with all Jan Brett?s books, the illustrations are colorful. Each page has a side panel illustrating how to make gingerbread cookies. There is a foldout at the end of the book, which is a nice surprise for young readers. Librarians will enjoy adding this to the library?s picture books collection. Recommended. Jo Monahan, Librarian, University of North Texas Libraries, Denton
School Library Journal (October 1, 2008)
PreS-Gr 2-Brett's highly detailed, luscious illustrations do a fine job telling this story for nonreaders, while readers and listeners will enjoy Gingerbread Baby's energy and enthusiasm. The roly-poly youngster lives in a gingerbread house in the bedroom of a boy named Mattie, but longs for fun and adventure. While Mattie is too busy in the kitchen to play with him, the Gingerbread Baby heads to the village to look for a friend of his own. He finds some good prospects at the bakery but ends up being chased by a mouse, followed by the baker and his wife, and eventually a red fox. The riotous run brings him back to Mattie's house where he finds an elaborately decorated cookie and candy village with a lot of gingerbread friends for him. Sidebars offer instructions for making gingerbread friends to eat and enjoy. The special foldout adds an element of surprise and delight for storytimes or one-on-one sharing.-Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2018
includes recipe for gingerbread in sidebars of the pages
October 30, 2014
If you pick up any of Ms Brett's storybooks you won't be disappointed! Between her actual story , the illustrations and on each page in the corner or somewhere on each page is another 'story within the story' being told within those illustrations! Fabulous!
In this story Gingerbaby lives in a little boys room in the house by himself. He is lonely so he ventures out to find his own friends one day when the little boy has gone away. He sees a couple that looks like him but bigger in a window so he goes in to visit.. he greets them but closer look they just stand and star out ahead of them. He tries this several time with several things he encounters... discouraged and unhappy he returns home. And when he gets there the little boy had been making him the biggest of all the surprises... not one friend but LOTS!
The story within the story in this book is actually a recipe for gingerbread cookies! How well they are I don't know as I haven't made them but it was a wonderful idea to include it.
Fun Holiday story for you and your little ones, or if your a kids at heart just a fun book to read at the holidays (or anytime for that matter).
In this story Gingerbaby lives in a little boys room in the house by himself. He is lonely so he ventures out to find his own friends one day when the little boy has gone away. He sees a couple that looks like him but bigger in a window so he goes in to visit.. he greets them but closer look they just stand and star out ahead of them. He tries this several time with several things he encounters... discouraged and unhappy he returns home. And when he gets there the little boy had been making him the biggest of all the surprises... not one friend but LOTS!
The story within the story in this book is actually a recipe for gingerbread cookies! How well they are I don't know as I haven't made them but it was a wonderful idea to include it.
Fun Holiday story for you and your little ones, or if your a kids at heart just a fun book to read at the holidays (or anytime for that matter).
April 30, 2017
I'm giving this 3 stars for the story, which was ok, but I'd like to give it 5 stars for the illustrations, which were, as always, GORGEOUS! Gingerbread Baby is lonely when his boy goes off to play with his friends, so he sets out in search of friends of his own at the village bakery. I was fascinated with the details of the drawings of cakes and breads and candies and all their intricate icings. Made me hungry!! I liked the addition of the cat who is in the background watching Gingerbread Baby's quest. As with every Jan Brett book, little pictures in the side panels tell another story, which later becomes part of the main story. In this case, the side panels give a recipe for gingerbread, and show how to bake gingerbread boys. The penultimate picture in the book is a big 2-page spread that opens out to twice the size, filled with details to feast the eyes. A scrumptious book!!
November 23, 2014
I would consider Gingerbread Friends to be a sequel to Jan Brett's book, Gingerbread Baby. In this adorable story, the gingerbread baby is lonely and decides to go on a hunt for some friends. All the while, Mattie is at home baking up something extra special! What does Gingerbread Baby find when he gets home? I knew what was coming, but I still didn't expect it to be quite so extravagant!
Jan Brett definitely does not disappoint with this book. Her paintings are exquisite and impress me every time I read one of her books. I love how little clues are shown in the hearts on the sides of every page. Her use of repetitive and catchy phrases are super easy for kids to remember and make them (and me!) want to read this picture book again and again!
Jan Brett definitely does not disappoint with this book. Her paintings are exquisite and impress me every time I read one of her books. I love how little clues are shown in the hearts on the sides of every page. Her use of repetitive and catchy phrases are super easy for kids to remember and make them (and me!) want to read this picture book again and again!
December 9, 2015
This story basically continues from the story “Gingerbread Baby”. It begins with the gingerbread baby happy as could be in his gingerbread house (inside Matti’s house). After a little while, gingerbread baby becomes lonely. Matti leaves to ski with his friends. Gingerbread baby runs off into town, trying to find a friend. Everyone he tries to meet is a statue or an animal trying to eat him. In the end, gingerbread baby realizes the best place for him is home, and he runs back to his gingerbread house at Matti’s house. Moments later, after returning home, he is surprised with a whole bunch of gingerbread friends.
Teaching idea: This could also be used at a winter party in which the kids get to decorate a cookie or a gingerbread house, just like from the story.
Teaching idea: This could also be used at a winter party in which the kids get to decorate a cookie or a gingerbread house, just like from the story.
December 16, 2009
Jan Brett does not disappoint. This is a charming little story with illustrations that will real you into the story and having you pouring over this book.
The Gingerbread Baby wants some friends and starts his search in the bakery. Despite his cute sing-song rhyme no one can be his friend. But when the adventure heightens and he finally gets home he finds something sweet just for him!
This book if finished by an fold out poster of the last seen that is colorful and bright as every other page. And you will enjoy the wonderful gingerbread recipe that unfolds on the sidebars with each turn of the page.
If you like gingerbread and lollipops, you will enjoy this book!
The Gingerbread Baby wants some friends and starts his search in the bakery. Despite his cute sing-song rhyme no one can be his friend. But when the adventure heightens and he finally gets home he finds something sweet just for him!
This book if finished by an fold out poster of the last seen that is colorful and bright as every other page. And you will enjoy the wonderful gingerbread recipe that unfolds on the sidebars with each turn of the page.
If you like gingerbread and lollipops, you will enjoy this book!
December 3, 2013
A sweet book about a gingerbread "baby" looking for friends. A twist on the old Gingerbread tale with a surprise pop-up at the end of the book. What child doesn't want to have a friend or ride a chicken?? Awesome illustrations by Jan Brett. Used this at a Christmas PreSchool storytime. This book was prefaced by showing the children a gingerbread man cookie cutter and playdough to resemble the idea of cookies made from cookie cutters. Afterwards I found some gingerbread cookie mix (3 bags) and placed in a sensory tub along with measuring cups/sifters/spoons/cups/bowl - it was messy great fun.
February 24, 2018
A wonderful story by the incomparable Jan Brett!
This time, the Gingerbread Baby is looking for friends since he is lonely.
He meets various unusual characters along the way.
.... a cookie couple on top of a chocolate tiered cake....
.... a sugar cookie girl....
.... seven white swans swimming on a sugar frosting sea....
.... a man and a woman dancing on top of a wedding cake....
All of these are so deliciously drawn, I get hungry, every time I read this book!
I love how Mattie makes the Gingerbread Baby's dreams come true!
The details in the drawings are so riveting, you might find yourself, getting lost in the illustrations, as I often do!
This time, the Gingerbread Baby is looking for friends since he is lonely.
He meets various unusual characters along the way.
.... a cookie couple on top of a chocolate tiered cake....
.... a sugar cookie girl....
.... seven white swans swimming on a sugar frosting sea....
.... a man and a woman dancing on top of a wedding cake....
All of these are so deliciously drawn, I get hungry, every time I read this book!
I love how Mattie makes the Gingerbread Baby's dreams come true!
The details in the drawings are so riveting, you might find yourself, getting lost in the illustrations, as I often do!
December 10, 2015
This story basically continues from the story “Gingerbread Baby”. It begins with the gingerbread baby happy as could be in his gingerbread house (inside Matti’s house). After a little while, gingerbread baby becomes lonely. Matti leaves to ski with his friends. Gingerbread baby runs off into town, trying to find a friend. Everyone he tries to meet is a statue or an animal trying to eat him. In the end, gingerbread baby realizes the best place for him is home, and he runs back to his gingerbread house at Matti’s house. Moments later, after returning home, he is surprised with a whole bunch of gingerbread friends.
Read
November 20, 2008It is hard to find books to read to children in december because you have to be careful they dont include certain religious issues. I think this is a good book because it gets children in the holiday mood with a gingerbread man who is looking for friends. I think children would love this book and a good activity for them to do with it could be to make their own gingerbread man and let him make friends with the other childrens. This gives the children a chance to work together and lets them understand friendship better.
October 15, 2023
This is a cute continuation of the story of the Gingerbread Baby. The Gingerbread Baby wants friends, and goes in search of them, though he finds none and is chased back home. In the side panels, we see Matti making friends for the gingerbread babies. In a very cute move, Jan Brett illustrates part of the recipe in each side panel, so the reader could make their own gingerbread cookies while reading the book. At the end of the book there is a fold out page showing the Gingerbread Baby's friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 1, 2016The gingerbread baby lived with a boy in his room but the boy began going out with friends more and more and the gingerbread baby began to feel sad and took off to find some new friends. He tried many different shops and gingerbread people but none of them answered him. at the end of the day when gingerbread baby returns home he is surprised by all the gingerbread people he had seen that day and how happy he was. It is a good book about making friends and how they will always be there for you and surprise you when you are feeling down.
June 7, 2018
I love Jan Brett's books and often used them in my classes. This one I used during the celebration of Xmas at school. My schoolkids got a gingerbread baby on cardboard and could decorate it with beads and colored tape. When finished they could use it to hang it on the Christmas trea.
I also read the book and the kids to use the color plates.
Absolute a lovely book, also for adult, if you like Jan Brett's illustrations.
I also read the book and the kids to use the color plates.
Absolute a lovely book, also for adult, if you like Jan Brett's illustrations.
March 8, 2012
My son picked this one out at the book fair (he's 5). He can almost read it by himself, but we like to read it together. I think the main draw is the illustrations, which are really great. Also, there is a separate arc if you read the side panels in the book as you go along, that provides the little boy's gingerbread recipe and shows him making the gingerbread friends. That is maybe the best part, and exciting for my son because he also likes to bake.
December 3, 2012
The Gingerbread Baby misses Mattie when the boy goes out to play with friends, so he decides to sneak into the village and finds friends of his own. He tries all the baked people (and swans) in the bakery, but none will speak to him, let alone be his friend. Baby is feeling lonelier than ever when he returns home. But Mattie has a surprise for him, and if you pay close attention to the small illustrations on each page (a Jan Brett signature) you can figure out what it will be.
March 26, 2016
Picture Book #7
This book is about a Gingerbread Baby who is sad because he lives in Mattie's room, but he never has time to play with the Gingerbread Baby. The Gingerbread Baby decides to sneak into town to find his own friends. He visits many places, but he has no luck. He encounters a mouse and gets scared and runs home. A fox ends up chasing him, but when he goes up his ladder, he realizes that there a bunch of other gingerbread men, women, and babies waiting to be his friends.
This book is about a Gingerbread Baby who is sad because he lives in Mattie's room, but he never has time to play with the Gingerbread Baby. The Gingerbread Baby decides to sneak into town to find his own friends. He visits many places, but he has no luck. He encounters a mouse and gets scared and runs home. A fox ends up chasing him, but when he goes up his ladder, he realizes that there a bunch of other gingerbread men, women, and babies waiting to be his friends.
November 22, 2008
A pleasant romp. Not as tight as Gingerbread Baby, but the same characters return. Gingerbread baby is lonely, and goes in search of cookie friends at a bakery. Mattie again saves the day.
Brett's illustrations have a nice parallel story running in the borders. Her forte is really the art- not the writing....
Brett's illustrations have a nice parallel story running in the borders. Her forte is really the art- not the writing....
December 29, 2008
Jan Brett is always a good choice. I read this to the students the week before Christmas. I love her illustrations, especially the story happening in the sidebar. The kids love to predict what is going to happen. The foldout page at the end was a huge hit, with everyone ooohing and ahhhing at Mattie's gingerbread creations.
February 19, 2009
Although some of Jan Brett's books seem a bit too much for kids, this one was really fun and enjoyable. The illustrations are classic Jan Brett (one story on the inside while another illustrated on the outside). My kids like things a bit silly and having a Gingerbread Baby try to make friends with non-talking edibles was right up their alley.
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