One Pizza, One Penny is one of the first books that hooked me on picture books and sparked my interest in them. It is a collaborative work by Taiwanese writer K.T. Hao and Italian illustrator Giuliano Ferri. It unfolds a charming narrative set in the culinary world of Ben Bear and Chris Croc. Originally published in traditional Chinese by Grimm Press in Taiwan, this children’s book combines delightful storytelling with captivating illustrations.

The story begins with Ben Bear, who makes the most delicious pizzas, and Chris Croc, who makes the most scrumptious cakes. When a wealthy man’s purchase of Ben’s pizza sparks entrepreneurial ambition, both friends find themselves in a friendly competition. However, as they set up rival stands, business slows and hunger grows, prompting them to discover that cooperation leads to greater rewards than competition.

Hao skillfully weaves themes of friendship, entrepreneurship, and cooperation into a story that resonates with young readers. The plot’s progression from rivalry to mutual understanding is both engaging and instructive, offering valuable lessons in teamwork and resilience.

Ferri’s warm illustrations enrich the story with vibrant colours and expressive characters, enhancing the visual appeal of each page. The warmth and detail in his artwork complement Hao’s narrative, creating an immersive reading experience.

One Pizza, One Penny stands out as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of relationships in achieving shared goals. Through its endearing characters and accessible storyline, the book not only entertains but also educates, making it a valuable addition to any child’s to-read list.

Overall, K.T. Hao and Giuliano Ferri have crafted a delightful children’s book that blends cultural influences with universal themes, making One Pizza, One Penny a commendable choice for young readers seeking both entertainment and moral guidance.

One Pizza, One Penny

Written by K.T. Hao, illustrated by Giuliano Ferri, #NameTheTranslator Roxanne Hsu Feldman

2003, Cricket Books

ISBN: 9780812627022

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Grimm Press. ‘Bear Ben’. Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/login/. Accessed 28 June 2024.

‘一片披薩一塊錢’. 博客來, https://www.books.com.tw/products/0010887380. Accessed 28 June 2024.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.