Pickles to Pittsburgh

September 29, 1997
Nearly 20 years after the publication of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs comes this droll sequel starring Kate and her brother Henry. This time, a postcard from their grandfather's peculiar vacation spot sparks Kate's dream about the oddly familiar town of Chewandswallow. Unusual weather patterns still bring showers of super-sized food to the island ("we can see dinner approaching from the west. Spaghetti and meatballs I think!"), but the citizens who fled in the first book have returned to create the Falling Food Company ("Large Food for Large and Small Countries, Free"). Ron Barrett's witty cross-hatched pen-and-ink illustrations have a quirky retro flavor (enhanced by Judi Barrett's tonal colorings); he joins in the fun with such visual puns as the marquee on the local movie theater (featuring Breakfast at Tiffany's and Babette's Feast). If the story's social consciousness seems a bit contrived ("Even with poverty and drought there's always food for everyone!"), the sheer zaniness of the concept (e.g., fried egg lilypads, birds in nests of shredded wheat, an airstrip made of bacon) makes this exuberant tall tale as much of a delight as the original. The dream-like quality ties this sequel neatly to the first book, while the broad hints that Grandpa (just in from his trip, toting colossal chocolate chip cookies as souvenirs) knows a thing or two about Chewandswallow add a delicious whiff of mystery. This return visit is a feast for the eyes and ears. Ages 4-8. (Oct.) FYI: Food drive event kits are available from the publisher.