fred + milky matcha rice candy lollipops from thirsty for tea

Fred by Kaila Eunhye Seo (2015).

 

Like Shaun Tan’s The Lost Thing, this is a book about growing up and losing something magical. But it’s also about the possibility of regaining that magic. Because of a young girl. Because of a lollipop.

 

(click image(s) to enlarge)

Fred lives in a small town where he is “quite different from everyone else.” You know it from the illustrations. He carries a green lollipop. He’s in color (those black and red stripes). He also sees furry, monstery creatures. They’re his friends.

 

Being different (and sometimes strange) doesn’t bother Fred. He’s too busy being with those monster-buddies.

 

 

But then Fred goes to school. He makes new friends. He forgets the furry, monstery ones from his childhood. He has a routine. He isn’t different or strange anymore. Sometimes he feels alone though and we know why because we can still see Fred’s old friends, though now they’re black and white like his surroundings.

 

 

And then one day a girl shows up, holding a lollipop the way he used to. She sees Fred’s friends. She reminds him of what he’s lost. But of what’s also still there. Waiting.

This is a wonderful book about staying connected to your imagination and never outgrowing lollipops and friendly monsters and magic.

 

Big thanks to Peter Pauper Press for images!

 

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In the spirit of Halloween and nourishing our childlike imaginations, I asked my dear and uber-creative friend Bonnie at Thirsty for Tea to whip up some lollipops like Fred’s. And she did!

In her signature style, they match Fred’s lollipop beautifully. Plus, they’re made from tea. Of course! Bonnie’s calling this recipe milky matcha rice candy, which can also be coiled into lollipops if you like. (I like!)

These treats look like the perfect combination of sweet and creamy with the earthiness of matcha green tea. That vibrant green!

 

Head over to Bonnie’s post to get the recipe and see more gorgeous photos of her process!

 

(Disclaimer if serving to kids: matcha contains caffeine.)

 

You might also like Bonnie’s last picture book treat: tea-icing donuts from Please, Mr. Panda!