“A long time ago there lived over the waters,
a Duchess, a Duke and their family of daughters.”
What’s the Story?
Written and illustrated by Virginia Kahl and originally published in 1955, The Duchess Bakes a Cake is a rhyming picture book about a duchess who one day decides to bake a lovely light luscious delectable cake.
However, six times extra helpings of yeast is a bit much and this cake quickly gets out of control!
The king and all of his men can’t solve this cake catastrophe until Gunhilde, the youngest daughter, suggests the perfect solution.
Why is it Great?
Rhyming books can be hit or miss but, nearly seventy years later, The Duchess Bakes a Cake remains a timeless classic with easy to read aloud rhymes and a fun story that everyone will enjoy.
The illustrations are nothing flashy but sometimes that’s for the best. Virginia Kahl knows that sometimes simplicity tells a better story than a riot of colors can.
This book is a lesser known classic, making it a hidden gem. If you enjoy rhyming books and want a good laugh then you’ll enjoy reading The Duchess Bakes a Cake over and over again.
This article contains affiliate links.