We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming, just a bit, to bring you “Maddi’s Fridge,” a thoroughly delightful picture book by Lois Brandt.
I’ll admit my opinion is unabashedly biased. Lois is not only a friend, she’s the wife of my very first boyfriend ever. I’ll always adore both of them and everything they do.
That said, you’d have to be made of stone to resist the charms of this book.
“Maddi’s Fridge” (Flashlight Press, 2014) is about best buddies Sophia and Maddi. One day, after an afternoon in the park, they scurry to Maddi’s house for a snack. There, Sophia discovers Maddi’s fridge is empty.
White empty, Lois writes.
So while “Maddi’s Fridge” is fun and funny and whimsically illustrated by Vin Vogel, it’s also about empathy and trust and, yes, hunger. With silliness and sensitivity, Lois addresses the fact that sometimes kids don’t have enough to eat.
And those kids might be right next door.
(“Maddi’s Fridge” also features a little brother who only wants Cheesy Pizza Bombs for dinner. After making and enjoying them myself, I can hardly blame him.)
But don’t take my word for the sweetness of this tale—take Foreward Reviews’. They named “Maddie’s Fridge” one of the 10 Best Indie Picture Books of 2014.
If you have kids on your gift list, treat them to “Maddi’s Fridge.” If you don’t, buy a copy and donate it to Toys for Tots.
You’ll be doing well and doing good. As the girls realize, kids can make a difference. And the more we talk about empty refrigerators, the fewer there will be.
