One Friday after Mabel and her mum were away and missed four Friday visits at the cafe, she was excited to be going to the Sugar Plum Cafe again. But when they arrive they find thiings have changed.

Mabel is not at all happy. There are workman drilling and painting. When she sees the workmen taking down the Sugar Plum cafe sign. Mabel is so disappointed and her reaction is quite understandable. She wants to leave the cafe. Fridays are just aren't the same anymore.

Next Friday Mabel's mum suggests that they try the new cafe but she is not that keen, she is so unhappy she doesn't even want to look out the bus window.

But then, mum and Mabel go it the new cafe and they meet Lionel who explains that he is the new owner and Mrs Plum has retired, They have a chat and Lionel makes Mabel laugh and decide to stay and that is when  they find the cakes and cookies are delicious When Lionel brings out the cookies so that Mabel can help decorate them, she has a few ideas for things she would like to change.

This heartwarming story is an ideal way to deal with disappointment and looking forward to see how sometimes change can be good. There are quite a few lovely surprises and the illustrations are perfectly matched while complimentary to the story in beautiful pastel shades, creating a calm atmosphere.

Overall, a lovely book for ages 4 - 8 years which includes the receipt for the Welcome Cookies (biscuits) that you can bake and decorate with your child.

The author

Kaye Baillie is an award-winning children’s author, with eleven fiction and non-fiction books published in Australia and internationally. With a passion for writing about remarkable people or events, Kaye’s stories are full of humour and heart.

The illustrator

Kirrili Lonergan is a children’s book illustrator, art therapist and mother of four. She has illustrated several picture books as well as creating designs for clothes, prints and pottery.