Angel Cake, by Cathy Cassidy

July 2009, Puffin Books
208 pages
Childrens, girls
Review copy

Clouds: 3/5
Cushions: 1/5
Smiles: 4/5
Tissues: 2/5
Overall rating, 4.5/5

I think its pretty much given away by the title, and the cute cupcakes with wings on the front cover (I had one like the pink one the other day, only without silver sparkles) but this book is about cake.

No, the main character isn't a cake - that would be a strange book. But cake plays a huge role in the life of Anya and her family who emigrate from Poland to England. Life isn't paved with cake for their first few weeks in a country where people speak a different language and customs are different. At least Anya and her family can still go to church, even if it isn't as stunning architecturely as the one back home. Learning the little I did about her family in the first chapter, I mistakenly thought Anya was a good girl. She basically is, only somehow she ends up receiving the wrong kind of attention from teachers at school. Perhaps not the best start to her stay, but it improved when she sees a boy from school wearing angel wings.

Warned to steer clear of Dan, Anya's heart leads her to understanding that all families have problems. Although life is tough, she's lucky to have her parents and younger sister. She has a whole family, even if money's tight the love is there. Slowly, bit by bit she overcomes her shyness and picks friends with children of rather different backgrounds than her own. I believe this book highlights how some of our customs can seem strange to newcomers to the country, and that should keep an extra eye out to help others so they don't become victims.

Cathy captures the spirit of Anya, how she feels overwhelmed by it all. As a strong promoter, of friendship, Cathy reinforces the message that just by saying hello to someone who is new can spark a friendship which is sure to create fond memories for the future, and a comfort in the present. Just because someone is quiet doesn't mean they don't have anything to say. Equally true is that just because someone might appear rough, doesn't mean that actually are. There's a reason for everything. I would add the usual 'Don't judge a book by its cover' but clearly in this case I did. Who can refuse a cover full of flying cakes?

I haven't attempted the cake recipe at the back of the book - yet! I'll post a picture when I do. I dare anyone to read this and not want to eat cake by the end of it. The ending had me in tears at peoples' sincerity and generosity.

Cathy's fun packed website can be found here.

If you like this, try Cathy's other book aimed at slightly younger readers Shine on, Daisy Star