The Great Cake Race: A Bloomsbury Reader: Lime Book Band (Bloomsbury Readers)
#1 of 23 in Bloomsbury Readers Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A funny story about a madcap race to the finish line... with cake! Seven-year-old Jamila sees a notice for a Great Cake Race in her local park and despite having never baked before she is eager to enter. But Jasper Dedicoat - the self-proclaimed best baker in town - has also entered and will do anything to win. Jamila must use her quick thinking and resourcefulness to outsmart Jasper and win the race. A hilarious tale of determination, creativity, and sweet victory, perfect for young readers aged 6 and above.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to enter the cake race, and how would you feel in their situation?
How did the characters work together to overcome challenges during the race? Can you think of a time when you worked with someone to achieve a goal?
What were some of the funny moments in the story? Why do you think those parts were included?
How did the story end, and what do you think could happen next if the book continued?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the race? How can you apply these lessons to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
When reading 'The Great Cake Race' with your child, create a lively and interactive atmosphere by using different voices for each character to make the story come to life. Encourage connections between the story and your child's experiences, such as teamwork in school projects or family activities. After reading, consider baking a cake together to deepen the connection with the book’s theme, enhancing both the learning and the enjoyment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The characters in 'The Great Cake Race' work together to participate in a cake-making competition, showcasing how teamwork is essential to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating and supporting their peers in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the competition, the characters encounter various challenges that require quick thinking and creative solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think critically and develop solutions when faced with obstacles in their personal and academic lives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The characters remain determined and persistent even when their first attempts at cake-making fail, teaching resilience in the face of setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to keep trying and not give up, whether it’s learning a new skill or improving in a subject at school.
Example Lesson: Following instructions
Explanation: Success in the cake competition comes from accurately following the recipe, illustrating the importance of attention to detail and adherence to guidelines.
Real-World Application: This skill is transferable to following classroom rules, instructions in exams, or assembling toys and crafts.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: The story includes a variety of characters, each bringing unique contributions to the cake race, highlighting the value of diversity and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of embracing differences and the strengths that diverse teams can bring to any task.