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“Everything on a Waffle” by Polly Horvath

--Staff Picks Kids

Everything on a Waffle

Polly Horvath
Published: 2001
Age Range: 8-12
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Quirky
Awards: Newbery Honor

Chance read Everything on a Waffle and this is what he thought…

Eleven-year-old Primrose Squarp lives in Coal Harbour, British Columbia, Canada. After her parents her swept away at sea, Primrose is placed in the care of her uncle Jack. The book follows Primrose as she continues her daily routine, not in mourning for her parents, but believing with her whole heart that they will return.

Coal Harbor is populated with a variety of zany characters, including Miss Bowzer. Miss Bowzer owns the restaurant The Girl in the Swing, where everything is served on a waffle. Even waffles are served on waffles. However, despite these quirks, the residents of Coal Harbour feel real due to Horvath’s smart, observant writing style. The book is tender and funny, and each chapter includes a recipe.

Over the course of the story, the residents of Coal Harbour gradually tire of what they see as Primrose’s delusion that her parents will one day return. Primrose shows us the power of positive thinking.