On Mavin Road, there’s no time for hellos or chats—until a lonely and mysterious cookie maker’s gifts bring everyone together.
Benedict Stanley lives alone with his cat on a road where families hustle, joggers puff, workers scurry to the train, and no one has time for anyone else. So Benedict begins making cookies to mark moments in his neighbors’ lives—a new baby, a kitten rescue, a soccer event—and quietly leaves the treats at their doors. People wonder who this secret cookie maker could be, but only young Rory knows his identity. When Benedict falls ill one day, Rory gathers the residents of Mavin Road, the recipients of Benedict’s kindness, and brings them to the cookie maker’s door. A beautiful, heartwarming book that celebrates community and human connection—and features a simple cookie recipe at the end that’s ready to be customized for someone’s special occasion.
This picture book uses very few words, only a sentence or two on each page, but it presents a profound message. Young readers will easily grasp the accessible language, while older readers will recognize the depth of the nuanced tale. . . . Color shifts throughout the story as positive energy flows into and out of Benedict’s home, and readers will appreciate the dynamic nature of this approach over multiple readings. —School Library Journal
Loopy, curlicue mixed-media illustrations by Anelli reveal a neighborhood with a glorious variety of architectural styles, blooming flowers, and leafy trees in this winning celebration of community building and quiet generosity. —Publishers Weekly
Sue Lawson writes for children and young adults. Her books have received numerous honors, including being short-listed for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award (Australia) and the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year. This is her Candlewick Press debut. She lives in Australia.
Liz Anelli is an illustrator of picture books as well as a graphic artist, a muralist, and a mapmaker. She is the illustrator of Dad's Camera by Ross Watkins. She lives in Australia.
On Mavin Road, there’s no time for hellos or chats—until a lonely and mysterious cookie maker’s gifts bring everyone together.
Benedict Stanley lives alone with his cat on a road where families hustle, joggers puff, workers scurry to the train, and no one has time for anyone else. So Benedict begins making cookies to mark moments in his neighbors’ lives—a new baby, a kitten rescue, a soccer event—and quietly leaves the treats at their doors. People wonder who this secret cookie maker could be, but only young Rory knows his identity. When Benedict falls ill one day, Rory gathers the residents of Mavin Road, the recipients of Benedict’s kindness, and brings them to the cookie maker’s door. A beautiful, heartwarming book that celebrates community and human connection—and features a simple cookie recipe at the end that’s ready to be customized for someone’s special occasion.
Praise
This picture book uses very few words, only a sentence or two on each page, but it presents a profound message. Young readers will easily grasp the accessible language, while older readers will recognize the depth of the nuanced tale. . . . Color shifts throughout the story as positive energy flows into and out of Benedict’s home, and readers will appreciate the dynamic nature of this approach over multiple readings. —School Library Journal
Loopy, curlicue mixed-media illustrations by Anelli reveal a neighborhood with a glorious variety of architectural styles, blooming flowers, and leafy trees in this winning celebration of community building and quiet generosity. —Publishers Weekly
Author
Sue Lawson writes for children and young adults. Her books have received numerous honors, including being short-listed for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award (Australia) and the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year. This is her Candlewick Press debut. She lives in Australia.
Liz Anelli is an illustrator of picture books as well as a graphic artist, a muralist, and a mapmaker. She is the illustrator of Dad's Camera by Ross Watkins. She lives in Australia.
