Maddi's Fridge

Overview

With humor and warmth, this children's picture book raises awareness about poverty and hungerBest friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia's fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi's house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi's family doesn't have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she'll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she's faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi's empty fridge. Filled with colorful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others. A call to action section, with six effective ways for children to help fight hunger and information on antihunger groups, is also included.

Reviews

"I really admire Lois Brandt for writing about those in need without making this an 'issue' book. It's first and foremost a story—and a good one." —Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor–winning author,Hattie Big Sky "This tasty morsel can certainly inspire your superheroes soar to new heights and help combat hunger along the way!" —Barbara Gruener, https://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com/2014/07/hungry-to-be-hero.html

"In her debut picture book, Brandt addresses an important issue: childhood hunger...Vogel’s digital illustrations portraying the smiling, wide-eyed girls in their city neighborhood are filled with warmth and a sense of community. An endnote provides suggestions for helping friends who have empty refrigerators and directs young readers to a companion website, MaddisFridge.com." —School Library Journal

"The single greatest achievement of Maddi's Fridge is [that it] delivers its message directly, through the intriguing story embellished with artful illustrations, without preaching or political commentary. Maddi's Fridge is a book that works on a child's awareness level, with no intervening adult judgements to cloud the basic reaction of human compassion. It also tells children exactly what they can do to help. Maddi's Fridge is a wonderful book for all kinds of children, whether they are hungry or not." —Midwest Book Review 

"Filled with colourful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others." —toronto4kids.com

"In her debut picture book, Brandt addresses an important issue: childhood hunger. . . . Vogel's digital illustrations portraying the smiling, wide-eyed girls in their city neighborhood are filled with warmth and a sense of community." —Linda L. Walkins, School Library Journal

"This book introduces a topic that is rarely explored in picture books, and it would be a welcome addition to larger picture book collections." —Melissa Morwood, BayViews

"Cartoon-style illustrations, depicting a vibrant and diverse city neighborhood, help soften the difficult issues raised . . . . Food insecurity, childhood hunger, and poverty are treated with tenderness and humor." —April Mazza, Booklist

"While the issue of childhood hunger is serious, the story is neither preachy nor patronizing. It is instead silly and sweet and strong. It is brilliant and appealing. That's because it is, at heart, a story about friends. It's about Maddi helping Sofia climb the wall, and Sofia helping Maddi get enough to eat." —catherinespascha.com

Author Biography

Lois Brandt is a writing teacher who served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon, West Africa. She lives in Issaquah, Washington. Vin Vogel is a Brazilian illustrator and designer who has illustrated more than 45 children's and young adult books in his native Portuguese and French. He lives in New York City.