Grilled cheese? yes, please!

While a storm rages outside on their island, Margot and Grandad are busy inside with comfort-food preparations. The girl is eager for her mama to sail home so they can all enjoy a yummy meal of grilled-cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. While waiting for Mama's safe return, several seafarers seek shelter from the rocky waves and thick fog, and Grandad offers them a warm welcome, a dry place to stay, and a hearty bite to eat. The lively text offers plenty of pleasing sounds and repetition: "Grilled cheese? Yes, please!" "Stir, stir, stir. Bread, cheese, mayo, tsss." When Margot frets that the food will run out, Grandad reassures her that generosity nourishes everyone. In community-building spirit, all the guests offer a helping hand. Kleyn's atmospheric illustrations capture a water rescue and a potluck party. A recipe for "The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich in the History of Grilled Cheese Sandwiches" is included. This Stone Soup--flavored companion story to Set Sail for Pancakes (2022) offers a satisfying blend of cooperation, teamwork, and warmth.

The protagonists of Set Sail for Pancakes! (2022) nourish themselves while awaiting a family member. In a small house on a little island, Grandpa makes sandwiches as he and Margot wait for Mama to return by boat. Margot's anxious while stirring tomato soup: It's foggy, windy, and cold, and the waves are strong. The toot of a horn signals the arrival of a boat. It's not Mama, but Grandpa and Margot invite the vessel's captain in. Grilled cheese? "Arr, yes, please!" Margot remains anxious as a merchant arrives next, followed by a sailor. Each is given something to eat. Margot's hungry, the food supply's dwindling, and she's worried there'll be nothing left for them. Compassionate Grandpa explains that sometimes it's hard to be generous. Suddenly, the wind blows the door open; everyone sees a boat struggling far off. It's Mama! All the seafarers collaborate to rescue her. Margot hands her the last sandwich. But Mama brought more bread and surmises they can make the cheese stretch further. Turns out their guests have brought some ingredients of their own, too. Will the new sandwiches be the best ever? Yes, indeed! It's a simple story, but readers will appreciate the food theme and tender message about sharing with those in need. The colorful, flat digital illustrations are warm and cozy, too. Grandpa, Margot, and Mama are brown-skinned; other characters are diverse. What's warmer than grilled-cheese sandwiches? Feeling welcomed and being among good friends. (recipe for grilled-cheese sandwiches) (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.