Pei’s Pineapple Cakes by Crystal Z. Lee, with illustrations by Allie Su, is a heartwarming picture book that beautifully blends mystery, culture, and family traditions.
When young Pei visits her grandmother in central Taiwan, she discovers that the pineapple cakes from her grandmother’s bakery have mysteriously disappeared. Together, Pei and her grandmother set out to solve the mystery, following clues through picturesque villages and uncovering the beauty of local traditions along the way.
BookHookup book review: Pei's Pineapple Cakes
The story shines not only as a delightful adventure but also as an introduction to Taiwan’s rich culture. Real locations provide a backdrop that makes the book both educational and immersive. The bilingual English and Mandarin text encourages language learning, while the themes of kindness, empathy, and resilience spark meaningful conversations between children and adults.
The illustrations by Allie Su are stunning—rich in detail, vibrant in color, and full of life. Young readers will be captivated by the artwork, often “reading” the story themselves through the pictures.
At its heart, Pei’s Pineapple Cakes celebrates the special bond between grandparent and grandchild, while inspiring appreciation for heritage and tradition. It’s both an engaging mystery and a cultural treasure.
A charming, beautifully illustrated, and educational story that deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf.
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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Blackberry Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links.
About the Author: Crystal Z. Lee
Crystal Z. Lee is a Taiwanese American bilingual writer. She has called many places home, including Taipei, New York, Shanghai, and the San Francisco Bay Area. She was formerly a public relations executive who had worked in the fashion, beauty and technology industries. She is the author of a novel, LOVE AND OTHER MOODS, and children's books: PEI'S PINEAPPLE CAKES, MEI'S MERMAID MISSION, A UNICORN NAMED RIN and KAI THE DANCING BUTTERFLY. Her poetry was recently included in the UK anthology, TABULA RASA.