A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2015

Review

A Fine Dessert spans four centuries and two countries as four families make blackberry fool using fresh ingredients. The dessert is a labor of love that involves smashing and straining berries and whipping cream by hand. Blackall uses ink, watercolor and blackberry juice to create the delicate, detailed illustrations. Although the story depicts a mother and daughter who are slaves in South Carolina, the author does not delve into the harsh and complicated topic of slavery. Instead, Jenkins ends with a multicultural group of family and friends in the present day and the message of how food connects us. A recipe for blackberry fool is included in the back matter for readers who wish to try to dessert at home.

Overall Book Score: excellent