By: Akilah Green
Candace Waller’s “The Adventures of Frankie: Frankie and the Peanut Butter and Jelly Fiasco” is an entertaining and engaging read that celebrates Black Boy Joy while capturing the everyday adventures of childhood.
The book provides a realistic and heartwarming portrayal of an after-school learning experience, where a simple task turns into a fun and memorable lesson. Through lively storytelling and expressive illustrations, Waller takes readers on an amusing adventure that feels familiar and fresh.
Frankie’s determination to make himself peanut butter and jelly sandwich is relatable to any child who has ever tried to take on a task that seemed simple when done by an adult. The book’s illustrations add humor and depth, showing moments like Frankie sweating with concentration or getting momentarily sidetracked by playing with his dog.
After a few struggles, he finally succeeds—only for his dog, Crunch, to swoop in and eat his creation! The fiasco unfolds, his reaction is one of pure devastation, but in the end, Frankie forgives his mischievous best friend and shares a sandwich with his dad.
Just one word of advice—if you’re making a PB&J, watch out for the family dog, or you might just experience a fiasco of your own!
This story beautifully captures a milestone in a young child’s journey toward independence. This book is a must-read for parents and kids alike. It’s fun, relatable, full of those little everyday moments that make childhood special, and a great conversation starter for parents and children about responsibility and problem-solving.
Frankie and the Peanut Butter Fiasco is available here.
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