The Book Cook

Written by D.C. Swanson

Illustrated by Clint Hansen

I loved the book, it reminded me of the Night Before Christmas, but for older readers. As a former fifth grade teacher, I would have loved to have this book to use in my creative writing program. As a book seller, I hope to be able to sell this wonderful book for many years. 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

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.

About the Author

Author D.C. Swanson lives outside Washington D.C. with his wife, two daughters, and a couple of crowded bookshelves.

About the Illustrator

Illustrator Clint Hansen is an Iowa native and fifth generation artist designing and hand-crafting one-of-a-kind scratchboard renderings for gallery, commercial, and home settings.

Book Details

Title: The Book Cook

Author: D.C. Swanson

Illustrator: Clint Hansen

Publication Date: October 17, 2023

Hardback

10.5 x 9.5

32 pages

ISBN: 978-1-936097-49-4

$18.95

Dist. by Publishers Group West
www.pgw.com, 800-788-2123

Available at your favorite local bookstore, on indiebound.org, bookshop.org, or from Baobab Press affiliate Sundance Books and Music .