Crumble (A Graphic Novel)

A heartfelt and magic-filled graphic novel for fans of Sheets and Real Friends about baking, friendship, and feeling every kind of emotion—no matter the flavor. 

Emily, her mom, and her aunt Gina have a very special magical power: They can bake emotions into the desserts they sell at their family bakery. Need a dash of confidence? Try their millionaire shortbread! Want relief after a stressful day? The cheesecake will lighten your spirits! There is only one rule: Never bake a bad feeling.    

Every day after school, Emily and her best friend, Dae, make tried-and-true recipes, while she and Aunt Gina brainstorm new ones. But when Aunt Gina dies in an accident, Emily’s life is turned upside down. Not knowing what to do, Emily breaks the rule and bakes  her bad feelings into. . . a crumble. It looks gross. Dae says it tastes gross. But they can’t stop eating it. Neither can Emily’s classmates. And with her grief and pain baked into the crumble, Emily gets the comfort of being at least a little numb. So even though she’s not supposed to, she makes it again, and again, and again.  

But baking (and eating) bad feelings doesn’t really make them go away . . .  

Praise for Crumble
★ "Deliciously cute, funny, and touching." —Kirkus Reviews

• * "Through Bell’s cute, expressive, contemporary artwork and McClaren’s uncomplicated yet profound writing, the story teaches a lesson about healthy grieving with subtlety and care and without platitudes.... Deliciously cute, funny, and touching."
  Kirkus Reviews, starred review
• "This thoughtful graphic novel by McClaren (the Hinges series) affirms that while life changes after loss, it can still be sweet."
  Publishers Weekly
• "McClaren builds dimensional characters and an ideally paced narrative that gives readers plenty of time to experience Emily’s feelings—good and bad—alongside her. Bell’s kawaii-informed style creates a cozy world that fans of Kristen Gudsnuk’s Making Friends, Reimena Yee’s Séance Tea Party, and Suzanne Walker’s Mooncakes will eat up.... The levity of this magical story deftly balances the gravity of its subject matter and will leave readers wanting another bite."
  School Library Journal