Like Pickle Juice On a Cookie

Like Pickle Juice On a Cookie is a novel written in verse that follows the story of Eleanor, eight-year old. Eleanor finds out that her beloved babysitter, Bibi, will be moving away to care for her sick father. Upset and distraught, she has to bear the summer without Bibi and with a new babysitter. Natalie is her newest babysitter, who tries hard to establish a relationship with Eleanor.

Although Eleanor is resistant to Natalie at first, she realizes that she means well and they have fun together. Eleanor decides to write a letter to Bibi to tell her how much she misses her and Natalie waits with Eleanor every day for the mail to check if Bibi has written back. Although it takes her a long time—Eleanor finishes the summer and starts 3rd grade before the letter comes—Bibi finally responds and Eleanor knows that she will be with her forever.

Admittedly, I had never read a novel written in verse before. It had a very lyrical style and was repetitive in nature throughout the book. I thought that the sing-song style of the book was interesting and it captured my attention, but I thought it was rather boring at times. The writing was simple and not necessarily interesting.

I did, however, enjoy the topic that the author chose. It was inspired by an event in the author's life, but it is a situation that almost all children deal with or can relate to. Whether it is a babysitter or a member of the family or a friend, children lose people in their lives and it is important to talk through those feelings of loss and loneliness. This book did that in a way that was approachable and relatable, while being positive about the unwanted outcome.

This book would be a great choice for a child that is going through a big change at home or experiencing some sort of shift in their life. I think that it would help them sort through some of the issues that they face, and would be a great way to discuss feelings when children do not have the words for them.

Like Pickle Juice On a Cookie
By: Julie Sternberg
Illustrated by: Matthew Cordell
Published in 2011