Synopsis
Juniper and Hadley have a good thing going in Larkspur, spending their respective days apprenticing at a little bakery and performing at the local inn. But when a stranger makes an unusual order at the bakery, the two friends (and Hadley’s pet snake, Fern) set out on a journey to forage the magical mushrooms needed to make the requested galette pastries.
Along the way, Juniper and Hadley stumble across a mystery too compelling to ignore: Something has been coming out of the woods at night and eating the local farmers’ crops, leaving only a trail of glowy goo behind. Intent on finally going on an adventure that could fuel their bardic craft, Hadley tows Juniper into the woods to investigate.
What started as a simple errand to pick mushrooms soon turns into a thrilling quest to save some furry new friends—and their caretaker, a softspoken little fey named Thistle—who are in danger of losing their home.
From: Macmillan Publishers
Notes on This Title
One of the main characters of this title is nonbinary. A supporting character is one of the fey, who – in this fantasy setting – lack the concept of a gender binary.
Awards
None.
Reviews
“Sweet and satisfying.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
“Soft, loosely lined illustrations and muted tones add warmth and gentility to this quintessential, cozy queer fantasy tale that will appeal to fans of The Tea Dragon Society and The Sprite and the Gardener.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
Interviews
The Nerd Daily: “Q&A: Fern Haught, Author and Illustrator of ‘The Baker and the Bard’“