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The Book Cook

DC Swanson author Clint Hansen illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cameron & Company Inc

Published:1st Dec '23

Should be back in stock very soon

The Book Cook cover

The Book Cook is the delightful children’s picture book debut from author D.C Swanson and illustrator Clint Hansen.

On Christmas Eve, the spirit of the holiday comes alive when twins Maria and Matty need a miracle if they are going to find the perfect gift for their mother before the big day arrives. With their father’s permission, the twins set out, traversing the city through a blistering storm searching for an open shop where they might find a gift at such a late hour. With time and their hopes dwindling, the twins catch a wonderful scent on the wind. Following their noses, they find an alley marked by a large sign . . . that just winked at them?!

As this sister and brother are about to find out, this fantastical sign is only the tip of the magical iceberg that awaits them in the shop of the Book Cook, where ingredients, stewed together in a massive cauldron, come not only from gardens, but also from tales, legends, and literary classics. This Holiday Season, join the adventure as the elvish Book Cook teaches Maria and Matty to harness the joy, the magic, and the pleasure of story creation! Who knows, maybe you’re about to begin your own brand-new Holiday Tradition with The Book Cook.

Bookseller Recommendations for The Book Cook:


"Beautiful illustrations, great message about creativity [in a] The Night Before Christmasmas-style story." 

-Sarah, East City Bookshop

Washington, DC


"The Book Cook is right up the alley for school librarians and others who love books about books. Hansen's illustrations are a great fit for the story. We were happy to make this book part of our holiday display." 

-Kristin, Phoenix Books

Essex Junction, VT


"Such a great book!" 

-Cheri, The Bookloft 

Great Barrington, MA


"A brilliantly creative story told in verse, The Book Cook is destined to become a holiday favorite. This book begs to be read aloud, as Maria and Matty learn the magic of creating a good book from the Book Cook. The story encourages children to feed their minds with books and creative writing instead of their screens. This book holds the recipe to get children interested in creative story writing. Masterful illustrations invite the readers to explore and discover the secrets to good writing tucked away on each page." 

-Christine, The Bookworm

Omaha, NE

ISBN: 9781936097494

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

32 pages