Everything on a Waffle facts for kids
First edition book cover
|
|
| Author | Polly Horvath |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Gina Freschet |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Farrar, Straus and Giroux |
|
Publication date
|
April 4, 2001 |
| Media type | Hardcover and Paperback Audio CD and cassette |
| Pages | 150 pp |
| ISBN | 0-374-32236-8 |
| OCLC | 43845530 |
| LC Class | PZ7.H79224 Ev 2001 |
Everything on a Waffle is a popular children's book written by Polly Horvath. It came out in 2001. The book won several awards, like the Newbery Honor in 2002. There's also a sequel called One Year in Coal Harbour, which was published in 2012.
What's the Story About?
The story of Everything on a Waffle is about an eleven-year-old girl named Primrose Squarp. She lives in a small fishing village in Canada called Coal Harbor. One stormy night, Primrose's parents disappear at sea. Her dad was fishing, and her mom went to look for him. Everyone thinks they are gone forever. But Primrose believes her parents are still alive. She even refuses to go to their memorial service.
Primrose's New Life
Primrose moves between different guardians. First, she stays with her elderly neighbor, Miss Perfidy. Then she moves in with her Uncle Jack. He is busy but cares a lot about her.
The only thing that stays the same for Primrose is a special restaurant. It's called the Girl on the Red Swing. Everything on the menu is served on a waffle! The restaurant owner, Kate Bowzer, becomes a mentor to Primrose. Kate teaches her how to cook. She also supports Primrose, even when strange things happen. For example, Primrose accidentally sets the class guinea pig on fire.
Changes and Challenges
Primrose is later taken from Uncle Jack's care. This happens after a few accidents, like her losing a toe and part of her finger. Uncle Jack tries very hard to keep her. As a foster child, Primrose goes to live with an older couple, Evie and Bert. They like each other a lot. However, Primrose finds it hard to get close to them. This is probably because her life has been so uncertain.
While Primrose is in foster care, Miss Perfidy, her former guardian, becomes very ill. Primrose visits her in the hospital. Miss Perfidy passes away, but Primrose doesn't show much emotion.
Hope and Family
Because of her unusual experiences and accidents, Primrose becomes a bit of a local mystery. Neighbors wonder about how she feels. But through everything, Primrose never stops hoping. She believes her parents will come back. She dreams of being a normal family again.
Eventually, Primrose returns to live with her uncle. She stays in touch with Bert and Evie, who see her like a granddaughter. Then, a big surprise happens: her parents come back! Everyone in town is shocked. Uncle Jack even faints when he sees them alive. Primrose hugs her parents tightly. They explain that the storm washed them ashore. They survived there until a ship found them.
Throughout her difficult life, Primrose always held onto her belief. She collected stories from people who "just knew" something was true, even without proof. This idea helps show the main message of this unique story: having hope is never a crazy thing.
