The tree lined streets of, Brooklyn are the backdrop for this imaginative picture book about a young boy who loves the smell of Sunday.
Massimo’s Meatballs is a fun story about a young boy and his Sunday ritual of eating meatballs. The lighthearted events unfold as Massimo takes the task on himself! He recalls the recipe from memory- improvises when necessary and uses the help of his beloved dog and next-door neighbor Carmine.
Just like any home cook or professional chef - Massimo made do when he didn’t have some of the ingredients or tools to create his masterpiece. His innovation and improvisation was exceptional. The story ends the way any Italian/American meal does- with too much food for one person to eat and the chance to share with your friends.
The story is a great metaphor for young people to learn about the comfort of traditional home cooked meals, how important it is to have friends and neighbors to rely on and that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.
Massimo’s Meatballs will delight children, as well as some adults, especially those who love to cook! The story’s repetitive format, vibrant illustrations and humor will appeal to young audiences and the bonus recipe for meatballs will appeal to their parents!
Professional Reviews
This story incorporates many great skills!
As with The Caterpillar that Wouldn’t Change, Ms. Mure´ is consistent in her theme of never giving up. Massimo Meatballs teaches us that a recipe is a plan and its outcome, a goal. Like any good project leader, Massimo takes on the task, exercises good judgment, ingenuity and humor and fashions a support system to help him get the job done. By providing a recipe for Meatballs, Mure’s book invites children to exercise their own problem solving skills. It would serve parents well to have their children experience Massimo’s Meatballs!
- Patrick Wanis, Author, Life Coach, Human Behavior and Relationship Expert www.patrickwanis.com
Food Brings People Together!
This book is a great way to bring cooking, sharing, and tradition into your child’s life. I am sure that after one reads this book, there will be many aspiring “chef’s” waiting for their chance to make Massimo’s Meatballs!
- Shani Castri, - Restaurateur, Private Chef, Specialty Food Instructor and International Food Connoisseur.
It was Nostalgic for Me!
It was a sentimental journey reading Massimo's Meatballs. Nancy Mure’s lighthearted story brought back the nostalgia of my Sicilian Mother's kitchen in Brooklyn. She was famous for her Sunday dinners, and I especially miss her delicious meatballs. I have tried to continue this tradition with my family and Mure’s clever book will help to do the same for many others.
- Carol Franzetta – Executive Chef/Owner of Carol’s Café, Staten Island, NY/Owner, Director and Teacher at Carol’s Cuisine School of Creative Cooking
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