Library Journal Review

Great British Bake Off finalist Kim-Joy channels her positive outlook and vibrant imagination into a joyful cookbook bursting with whimsical bakes. Kim-Joy's fans will be thrilled to find fanciful flavor combinations such as pistachio-cardamom and lavender-orange, and plenty of animal-themed pastry creations (including Kim-Joy's famous space turtles). Her baking dreamscape includes creations such as purrmaids (cat-mermaid macarons decorated with edible gold paint); pigfiteroles in mud (strawberry-cream filled profiteroles served with melted dark chocolate for dipping); and pandaleines (lavender-flavored madeleines with lemon icing panda faces). The recipes, many of which are vegan or offer a vegan variation, include both metric and imperial measurements, along with appropriate ingredient equivalents or substitutions. Although Kim-Joy emphasizes fun and celebrates imperfection, some recipes and decorating techniques are quite complicated, and impractical for the typical home baker. VERDICT Intrepid bakers of all skill levels will find inspiration in Kim-Joy's whimsical creations, but experienced bakers will be best served by her advanced techniques and/or specialized kitchen equipment.--Kelsy Peterson, Forest Hill Coll., Melbourne, Australia