Author: Lori Rotter
Illustrator: Vaughn Duck
Publisher: LFR Creative, LLC
Released: June 29, 2025
Format: Hard Cover, Paperback, ebook
Price: ebook $2.99
Genre: Children’s Picture Books
ISBN: 979-8-988752967
Page Count: 20 pages
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5 Lemon Drops
A great recipe for teamwork, fair play and humility!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy and agreed to give an honest review.
Favorite quote from the book:
“Sam accepted the crown, and he wore it with pride,
And walked with Chef Romi, a peer by her side.
Sam, I saw you as help, not an equal to me.
From now on we’re partners, just wait and you’ll see.”
Review:
Book Summary:
Celebrated, Chef Romi Rabbit is the best chef in town and loves to boast about it. Upon learning of a cooking show competition, she leaps at the chance to enter, confident she’ll win the crown.
Romi makes certain her sous chef, Sam, knows that she’s the star chef, and he is just her assistant. She chooses to entertain her fans rather than cook, leaving Sam to rush and prepare spaghetti and meatballs before time is up.
Finally Romi arrives in the kitchen, joining Sam and taking charge. Amidst the commotion, a sugar mishap threatens the meal. Thanks to Sam’s quick thinking the dish is saved and it serves up an award-winning surprise.
Opinion:
Using playful rhymes, Best Chef In Town emphasizes the value of teamwork and acknowledging a job well done. Romi’s journey from self-centeredness to selfless appreciation was refreshing. Sometimes stepping from the spotlight out of appreciation for another’s contribution is the best choice.
Vaughn’s illustrations are colorful, exciting, and hilarious—perfect for children!
There’s also a Sweet Chocolate Pasta Recipe at the end of the book for readers to recreate Sam’s special dish!
Educational Influence:
I review books through an educational lens. Things I consider: Would I read this to my Pre-K/Kindergarten class? Is there value in the story that will teach my kiddos something new or reinforce a concept or skill?
I analyze the story by focusing on some of the key elements I taught my students during a read aloud: characters, plot, language, setting and illustrations. Other characteristics I look for are text quality and theme.
Characters:
When analyzing a story with students, the characters should be genuine, relatable and elicit emotion. Romi is a dynamic character. She bcomes an admirable role model for children once she stops bossing Sam around and recognizes his valubale contributions.
Plot:
In a Pre-K/Kindergarten classroom, we describe the plot as the Beginning-Middle-End. Some stories present better examples of this concept, but many offer rich opportunities to explore various story elements.
There is a definite break down of Romi’s personal growth shown through the plot. In the beginning, she’s prideful and shows little regard for others. Throughout the middle her vanity peaks as she perfomrs for her fans ignoring the rules of the contest, and dismisses Sam so she can take credit for the dish he cooked. By the end, she humbles herself and acknowledges Sam’s shrewd performance deserves the award.
Setting:
The story takes place in two locations pertinent to the story: Cafe Romi and the TV studio where the cooking competition occurs.
Language:
Vocabulary is key in children’s books. It’s one of the critical elements I taught my kiddos before each reading. I’d focus on five key words and develop an understanding of the words through the read aloud and related activities.
Fun, character driven dialogue pushes the story forward and encapsulates their personalities.
Text:
This story’s punchy rhyme is fun and easy to follow.
Theme:
Illustrations and text combine to show the value of teamwork, fair play and a big plate of humble pie!
In short, this story encapsulates the moral lesson that everyone has value and should be appreciated for their contributions. Teamwork is the dreamwork!
I give it 5 Lemon Drops!
Classroom Connection:
Best Chef In Town is perfect for a lesson on friendship or a discussion on teamwork, fair play and possibly a cooking lesson.
Age Range: The author recommends 4-8 years.
Targeted Vocabulary:
Bragged, renowned, sous chef, smirked, panic, scurried, prepped, lacks, stomping, hurting, flurry, tour de force, divine, beamed, clever, pride
Resources: Click the image to access the Pinterest Board with the resources.
About The Author:
Lori is an award-winning toy designer and picture book author. Her large extended family keeps her laughing and inspires her story and toy ideas. Like her toys, Lori loves adding small details for kids to discover. Lori lives in New York with her husband, Steve, lots of fish, and two silly dogs.
About the Illustrator:
Vaughan loves drawing pictures that make kids giggle. He lives downunder in Australia where it’s always sunny.
You can visit Vaughan at vaughanduck.com.
