Sayre, April Pulley. Pickle Words: Crunchy, Punchy Pickles and Poetry. Jialei Sun, Illus. Charlesbridge, 07/2024. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-362-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In this celebration of pickled foods, the main text is a rhyming chant of how wonderful pickles are, including kimchi, sauerkraut, and piccalilli. On each spread in smaller font are definitions of types of pickled foods, and a variety of words to describe pickles including zesty, puckery, and refreshing. The book ends with examples of pickled foods from around the world, a recipe for refrigerator pickles, ideas for writing pickle poetry, and a list of related books and websites. The digital, full-color artwork resembles cut paper collage and features many racially diverse children and adults enjoying pickles. This would make a great readaloud at a farmers’ market storytime or at a picnic, when accompanied by samples of some of the international foods mentioned.
Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool