Margot Greenbaum Mustich ’78 Recommends Children’s Books for Families to Read Together
Mustich is the author of When Grandmas Cook, published this fall
Margot Greenbaum Mustich ’78 majored in Romance Languages with minors in European Cultural Studies and Theatre and Dance. When not in the library, she could be found singing and tap dancing at McCarter Theatre with the Triangle Club. After working for many years in film production and publishing, she traded her Ann Taylor suits for an apron and chef’s whites and threw herself into cooking full time. She has raised a family; taught cooking classes; collaborated with her husband, James Mustich Jr. ’77, on 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die; and written and self-published a cookbook, Simple Pleasures: Cooking from the Heart. Her first children’s book, When Grandmas Cook, was published this fall.
Mustich says that as a grandmother herself, she’s reflected on the wisdom, generosity, and love that our grandmothers express — not in words, but in so many gestures. Her message for young children is this: Wherever they live, and whatever language they speak, when grandmas cook, they’re all really doing the same thing. They’re saying, “I love you” in their own special way.
As the holidays approach, PAW asked Mustich to recommend three children’s books for families to read together. She recommended these “keepers” without reservation.
By Bruce Degen
This is a joyous romp through berry patches of all sorts. Bruce Degen’s writing is lively and light; his vivid color illustrations jump off the page, conveying the sweetness and pleasure that berries of all types can bring. If there’s one thing most young children love, it’s berries! Fun for children of all ages.
By Tomie dePaola
Tomie dePaola is justly known mainly for his Strega Nona books, but this one is a treasure. DePaola tells his story entirely with illustrations; the words are up to us. What happens when one lady’s dream of pancakes for breakfast gets derailed by her naughty dog and cat? Not to worry. There’s still a stack of pancakes and lots of maple syrup to be had, just not at her house.
By William Joyce
In this richly imagined and lavishly illustrated story, young Art Atchinson Aimesworth, his little sister Esther, and his buddy Spaulding are unexpectedly summoned to the North Pole to help Santa fight the forces of evil which threaten to ruin Christmas. When Esther is taken prisoner by the Queen of the Dark Elves, Art finds the strength and the courage to rescue her — and Christmas! A great read aloud that will make believers of even the most curmudgeonly among us. William Joyce, who is the creator of the beloved Rolie Polie Olie books and many others, is at his absolute best here. For maximum holiday cheer, year after year, get the full-length hardcover.
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