Cora Lee Merriweather operates the finest bake shop in town. However, people only pay attention to her scrumptious cakes and not to her. When she passes away, others attempt to purchase the shop, but she becomes enraged and frightens them off. When Annie Washington buys the shop, she confronts the ghost, striving to understand why it is haunting the place. Annie endeavors to bake a cake that will satisfy Cora Lee, yet none of her recipes seem satisfactory. When Annie exhausts her recipes, she devises a surprising solution to the problem. Witness how Annie's act of kindness transforms Cora Lee from an unhappy ghost with a "lemon-pucker" mouth to a ghost with a broad smile. Sometimes, it is the tiniest things that make the most significant difference.

The book integrates smells, sounds, and vivid descriptions. While reading the book aloud, I modulated my voice for the various characters who bought Ms. Merriweather's shop. Annie evolves in the story as she learns to respect the ghost's opinion. The two gradually become friends, enabling Annie to determine how to assist the ghost.

The author, Jacqueline Ogburn, stated that she conceived the story after listening to Charlie Daniels' song, The Devil Went Down to Georgia, and that she utilized a common folktale motif of a ghost or spirit dueling with a mortal.

Marjorie Priceman's illustrations in watercolor are intricate and reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmens' pictures in his Madeline series. The setting is in Europe somewhere, and the buildings reminded me of France. She captures the energy of the grumpy ghost driving people out of her shop.

Other books similar to this are: Fergus and the Night-Demon : an Irish Ghost Story, by Jim Murphy ; illustrated by John Manders and The Perfect Pumpkin Pie, by Denys Cazet.

The story is not overly terrifying, yet it does incorporate a ghost that haunts the bakery and requires resolution. The bakery, which is usually a place of warmth and delicious treats, now has an otherworldly presence. The employees have noticed strange occurrences such as objects moving on their own and an unexplained cold draft. Customers have also reported feeling a sense of unease when they enter the store. The owner, determined to solve the mystery, decides to take matters into his own hands. He conducts research on the history of the building and discovers that it was once the site of a tragic event. Armed with this knowledge, he enlists the help of a paranormal investigator to驱鬼. Will they be successful in ridding the bakery of the ghost and restoring its former charm?

It was truly so cute!

The story itself had a charm that was impossible to resist.

Every detail was carefully crafted to engage the reader and bring a smile to their face.

And let's not forget about the illustrations! They were simply wonderful.

The artist had done an amazing job of bringing the characters and scenes to life.

The colors were vibrant and the styles were unique, adding an extra layer of magic to the whole experience.

Together, the cute story and the wonderful illustrations made for a truly delightful read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a bit of lighthearted entertainment.

Whether you're a child or an adult, this is one book that is sure to capture your heart and leave you feeling happy.

So don't hesitate, give it a try and discover the cuteness and wonder for yourself!

On January 1, 2006,

Ummm, there were cakes. And a ghost. It was the most believable haunting and resolution that I could imagine. I truly love Ogburn.

***

On February 1, 2025,

Cake never gets old. It remains a timeless delight that can bring joy and comfort to people of all ages. Whether it's a simple vanilla cake or an elaborate chocolate creation, the taste and texture of cake have the power to transport us to a place of pure happiness. No matter how much time passes, the allure of cake continues to draw us in and make us smile.

I truly relished this story!

It was indeed an actual picture book story that had a semi-creepy element with a bake shop lady ghost. However, it had an extremely sweet ending.

This story imparts valuable lessons to kids about persistence, bravery, and kindness.

What I really love is that it also included a recipe for a "Ghost-Pleasing Chocolate Cake".

It makes for a fun read during Halloween.

The combination of the spooky and the sweet in this story creates a unique and engaging experience.

Kids will not only be entertained but also learn important values along the way.

The inclusion of the recipe adds an extra touch of fun and interactivity.

Overall, it's a wonderful story that is sure to be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike during the Halloween season.

Have you ever experienced a situation where you had an intense longing for a story?

Not something that is filled with a specific message or a so-called "lesson," but rather a story that is exquisitely crafted and written with great finesse.

If this sounds familiar to you, then this book is precisely what you need.

This is a book that your children, when they grow up, will randomly give you a call and inquire, "What was that ghost baking book we read when I was little called?"

It is simply a delightful and high-quality story that has just the right amount of obscurity, ensuring that it will remain etched in your memory for all eternity.

You will find yourself constantly drawn back to its pages, eager to relive the magic and charm that it holds.

So, don't miss out on this wonderful literary gem.

I truly adored the story!

The concept of a ghost lingering around the Bake Shop is not only enjoyable but also highly entertaining. It's fascinating to see how Annie managed to find that one particular cake that had the power to both satisfy Cora Lee, the Bake Shop Ghost, and bring tears streaming down her cheeks. It shows the author's creativity in developing such an engaging plot.

However, the only drawback for me was the illustrations. I simply didn't have any affinity for them. But I firmly believe that everyone has different tastes, and there are bound to be many others who will take great pleasure in the illustrations. After all, art is subjective, and what might not appeal to one person could be a delight for another.

A long time ago, there was a well-loved baker. She was known far and wide for her delicious treats. However, one day, she passed away. But she wasn't happy with anyone who took her place in the bakery.

She began to haunt them all, scaring them away one by one. This went on for a while until one very special baker came along.

This baker was different. She was determined to figure out what it would take to make the spirit of the old baker happy. After much research and experimentation, she finally discovered the secret.

It was something made especially just for the old baker. But what could it be? Maybe it was a special recipe that only the old baker knew. Or perhaps it was a particular type of ingredient that was hard to find.

Whatever it was, the special baker was excited to try it. She worked hard to create this special something, and when she was done, she presented it to the spirit of the old baker.

To her delight, the spirit was finally happy. She smiled and thanked the special baker, and then she peacefully moved on. And the special baker continued to run the bakery, carrying on the legacy of the old baker with love and care.

From that day on, the bakery was filled with joy and delicious treats once again. And everyone who came to visit knew that it was a very special place, thanks to the hard work and determination of the special baker.

Cute story! I liked it a lot.

It was such an endearing tale that truly captured my heart. The characters were charming and their adventures were filled with excitement and wonder.

The story had a unique charm that made it impossible to put down. I found myself completely immersed in the world that the author had created.

Every detail was carefully crafted, adding to the overall appeal of the story. It was a delight to read and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cute and entertaining read.

I can't wait to see what other wonderful stories the author has in store for us.

Quick and Cute Read

This is a short and charming piece that offers a delightful reading experience.

It's perfect for those moments when you want to unwind and enjoy something light-hearted.

The story is filled with interesting characters and a simple yet engaging plot.

You'll find yourself quickly drawn into the narrative, eager to see what happens next.

Despite its brevity, it manages to convey a sense of warmth and humor that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Whether you're looking for a quick escape during your lunch break or a bedtime story to relax with, this cute read is sure to satisfy.

So, pick it up, sit back, and let the words transport you to a world of fun and entertainment.

You won't be disappointed!

When the town's best baker passes away, everyone deeply mourns the loss of the delicious cakes she used to create.

Since she had no family, her bakery is put up for sale. Each baker who attempts to bake there is chased out by her ghost because none of them can match her skills.

Until one day, a young pastry chef moves in and begins cleaning up. She initially ignores the ghost, but when the haunting becomes destructive, she decides to take action.

She asks the deceased baker what it will take for her to leave. The baker's ghost replies that if the pastry chef can bake a cake that makes her cry, she will leave.

Months pass, but the pastry chef struggles to produce a cake good enough. Then, one day, while reading about the deceased baker, she gets an idea.

When the baker's ghost sees the cake, she starts crying. It is a Happy birthday cake, something the baker never received in her lifetime as she was an orphan and no one thought to bake a birthday cake for her.

The pastry chef then asks the baker's ghost to stay on and help her continue baking cakes.

This is a very sweet story, well-written and accompanied by unique illustrations. It shows the power of kindness and understanding, even in the face of the supernatural.

Nice little story--but I didn't particularly care for the illustrations.

The story itself was quite charming. It had a simple yet engaging plot that managed to capture my attention. The characters were well-developed and their interactions added depth to the narrative. However, when it came to the illustrations, I felt they didn't quite do justice to the story.

The illustrations seemed a bit too simplistic and lacked the detail and nuance that could have enhanced the overall experience. They didn't really bring the story to life in the way I had hoped. Perhaps if the illustrator had used more vibrant colors or a different style, it would have made a significant difference.

Despite my disappointment with the illustrations, I still enjoyed the story. It had a certain charm and appeal that made it worth reading. I just wish the illustrations had been better so that they could have complemented the story more effectively.

Overall, it was a nice little story with some room for improvement in the illustration department.