Is there anything more perfect than pies and picture books? Meet the amazing Jenn Carson, owner of LiLLiPiES bakery! I first met Jenn when she was doing farmers markets and delivering her amazing baked goods to my favorite local coffee shop. Long time blog readers might also remember that Jenn as the architect of this truly astounding Strega Nona house that was part of our 2013 Gingerbread Cottage Challenge.
Over the years, Jenn’s business has grown exponentially, culminating in a fantastic bakery that also serves delicious breakfasts. And now…she’s a children’s author! It took absolutely no convincing for me to photograph her happy busy eatery, and chat with her about this heartwarming story of baking and family.
Hi Jenn! Tell us a little about yourself!
Hi Dana! I am Head Baker and owner of LiLLiPiES bakery in Princeton. I also teach Artisanal Bread Baking at Mercer County Community College’s Hospitality program. My husband, Ken, and I have three adult children as well as a sweet doggy named Lucy.
You already have an amazing cookbook…what inspired you to write a picture book as well?
I have a background in elementary education and have always seen the importance and beauty in parents baking with their children. Plus, I had a blast collaborating with Sofia for the original cookbook and wanted to work with her again.
Tell us a little about the lovely family that fills the pages of this story…
Pie For My Birthday is a true story of our son, Sean’s 6th birthday. It’s a story about listening to each other, patience, cooperation, and teamwork. In the end, our family worked together to make little pies for Sean’s class.
These days, Sean (that little kindergarten boy in the book) works as a project manager here in New Jersey. James, (the impish little brother in the book) is a civil engineer working in Brooklyn. Sara, (the teeny baby sister in the book) is a college student, majoring in Music and Business. Ken (the Dad) is a Pharmaceutical Chemist who focuses on cancer therapies. We still enjoy cooking together very much.
What was it like to work with the illustrator, Sofia Schreiber?
Working with Sofia was absolutely wonderful. She actually knows my kids and Ken quite well and was able to show their personalities in her paintings for the book. Watching her progression week to week brought me to tears quite often. She is really an amazing talent.
Ok, so this is technically not a question, but we were SO excited to see a donut recipe in the back of the book. Your donuts are LEGEND!
Haha! Glad you enjoy them. I started making them for farmers markets. One farmers market had their opening day on National Donut Day. I thought it would be fun to bake my cake recipes in donut pans, so that customers could try our cake. When the next week came around and the donuts were not offered, I got quite a few requests to bring them back. They’ve been on the menu ever since.
If you were send one message to the little future bakers who read this book, what would it be?
Bake on!
It might look an elvish cottage, but this structure houses a mighty amount of knowledge! May I introduce you to the Little Free Library in Princeton’s Marquand Park?
Robert Wells, founder and steward of the Marquand Park library, first spotted a Little Free Library while visiting the Outer Banks. Returning to Princeton, he realized that the park’s hollow stump, with its interesting curves, would be a perfect library location. He commissioned cabinet maker Gui Nelesson of Lost inStudio to build it, and a new Little Free Library was born! Here’s a shot of the back:
The size of this library is also unusual. Most Little Free Libraries are smaller than a copy paper box, and mounted on a post. The Marquand library can hold 300 books! It’s dedicated to children’s books, and even includes a interior bench for little readers to get comfortable.
In case you’re wondering, you enter and exit the library through the window. The shutter gently swings shut to keep the books dry and protected. Not far away is a big sand play area, a playground, swings, picnic benches, walking paths, and lots of big open spaces to run around. And trees! Gorgeous trees!
Marquand Park is located on Lovers Lane in Princeton, New Jersey. Please come by for a visit – and perhaps you’d consider exchanging one of your gently used children’s book at a very special Little Free Library?