Here are 100 books that Peanut Butter & Cupcake fans have personally recommended if you like Peanut Butter & Cupcake. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Butternut & the Flying Butter

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Author Of The Elephant and The Teapot are Friends

From my list on unlikely friendships for small children.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a children’s book author, a parent and a teacher for small children, one of the greatest things about children’s media is the friendships that develop among some of the most unusual characters. Like a sea sponge and a starfish in SpongeBob Squarepants, a mouse, and a dog with Mickey Mouse and Pluto. This of course extends into children’s books and it’s an extension of how young children don’t concern themselves with how different the other person is, they focus on what is the same. Something people should hold onto as they grow but often don’t. 

Carolyn's book list on unlikely friendships for small children

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Why Carolyn loves this book

Butternut is excited that the Spring Plant Show has come to the supermarket where he lives. It’s being performed outside and features the “Flying Butter’, but poor Butternut is terrified of the sliding glass doors! With some help from his many friends, Blueberries, Star fruit, Dragon fruit, and Buttercup, they devise a plan to get through the doors together so no one gets squashed. The illustrations by Anusha Santosh are bright and colorful, and the art embraces a decorative design aesthetic that is perfect for this story. 

The imaginative storytelling of all these friends who are so different from each other really strikes a chord. It’s one reason I am always drawn to the Butternut series of books to share with my students. This one holds up to the rest and brings Butternut and his friends on an adventure and has them working together to solve a problem and reach…

By Jill Dana , Anusha Santosh (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Butternut & the Flying Butter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

When the Spring Plant Show arrives, Butternut wishes to go out of the supermarket to watch it. But he is afraid of the supermarket's large sliding doors. How can Butternut manage his fears?

Join Butternut in this warm, comforting story about friendship, overcoming fear, and helping others.


If you love Peanut Butter & Cupcake...

Book cover of Floretta

Floretta by Joan Budilovsky,

Floretta- the story of an old woman who discovers life beautifully anew thru the helping hands of a child. The chakra colors of dawn and twilight are woven through the pages as the cycle of life is magically composed. The subject of “heaven,” has the potential to open discussions with…

Book cover of Simon's Search for the Scary Dragon

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Author Of The Elephant and The Teapot are Friends

From my list on unlikely friendships for small children.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a children’s book author, a parent and a teacher for small children, one of the greatest things about children’s media is the friendships that develop among some of the most unusual characters. Like a sea sponge and a starfish in SpongeBob Squarepants, a mouse, and a dog with Mickey Mouse and Pluto. This of course extends into children’s books and it’s an extension of how young children don’t concern themselves with how different the other person is, they focus on what is the same. Something people should hold onto as they grow but often don’t. 

Carolyn's book list on unlikely friendships for small children

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Why Carolyn loves this book

A little blue jay named Simon is off to find the menacing dragon. The rhyming text is excellent in this story. I love how Simon donned a bottle cap on his head to wear as a helmet. He flies through the forest and asks the rabbit, the ladybug, and finally, the wise owl where to find this scary dragon.

Ultimately, Simon's search finds him a new friend, and he’s not at all what he expected. The underlying message is to not always believe what you hear. The art by Vitali Dudarenka is beautifully drawn and rendered in a classical style. A lovely gift for the child in your life.

By Stephen G. Bowling , Vitali Dudarenka (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Simon's Search for the Scary Dragon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Whispers around the treehouse have this birdy buggin’. Can he flap away the confusion and put an end to the mystery?

Simon is determined to find the facts for himself. Tired of hearing endless rumors about a dragon menacing the farm, the young bird munches some breakfast and sets out for answers. And with his trusty bottle-cap helmet keeping his head safe, nothing can stop him from finding the fire-breathing beastie.

Confused by his barnyard buddies’ claims that no one has ever seen such a mighty creature, Simon refuses to give up on his tireless search. But when the truth…


Book cover of Stick and Stone

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Author Of The Elephant and The Teapot are Friends

From my list on unlikely friendships for small children.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a children’s book author, a parent and a teacher for small children, one of the greatest things about children’s media is the friendships that develop among some of the most unusual characters. Like a sea sponge and a starfish in SpongeBob Squarepants, a mouse, and a dog with Mickey Mouse and Pluto. This of course extends into children’s books and it’s an extension of how young children don’t concern themselves with how different the other person is, they focus on what is the same. Something people should hold onto as they grow but often don’t. 

Carolyn's book list on unlikely friendships for small children

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Why Carolyn loves this book

A charming book about a stick and stone who become friends. Told with very simple language we follow the story of Stone from when he was alone to being teased by Pinecone and having Stick stand up for him (because that’s what sticks do!). They play and go on adventures to the shore when a big hurricane sweeps them away, and Stone must save his best friend, Stick!

The illustrations are wonderfully crafted in colored pencil and watercolor. This is a beautifully done book that works extremely well in storytimes with small children. My class loves this one.

By Beth Ferry , Tom Lichtenheld (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stick and Stone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

When Stick rescues Stone from a prickly situation with a Pine cone, the pair become fast friends. But when Stick gets stuck, can Stone return the favour? The author Beth Ferry writes warm, rhyming text that includes a subtle anti-bullying message even the youngest reader will understand. The New York Times best-selling illustratorTom Lichtenheld imbues Stick and Stone with energy, emotion, and personality to spare. In this fun board book about kindness and friendship, Stick and Stone join George and Martha, Frog and Toad, and Elephant and Piggie as some of the greatest friend duos in children's literature.


If you love Terry Border...

Book cover of A Foot is Not a Fish!

A Foot is Not a Fish! by Cornelia Maude Spelman,

In a time of alternative facts and the loss of a shared sense of reality, A Foot is Not a Fish playfully illustrates the difference between what is true and what is not through absurd fun comparisons that every child—and parent—will instantly understand.

This book playfully illustrates common truths by…

Book cover of Duck and Penguin Are NOT Friends

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Author Of The Elephant and The Teapot are Friends

From my list on unlikely friendships for small children.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a children’s book author, a parent and a teacher for small children, one of the greatest things about children’s media is the friendships that develop among some of the most unusual characters. Like a sea sponge and a starfish in SpongeBob Squarepants, a mouse, and a dog with Mickey Mouse and Pluto. This of course extends into children’s books and it’s an extension of how young children don’t concern themselves with how different the other person is, they focus on what is the same. Something people should hold onto as they grow but often don’t. 

Carolyn's book list on unlikely friendships for small children

Carolyn Watson-Dubisch Why Carolyn loves this book

Betty and Maude are best friends, but their favorite toys, Duck and Penguin, are not. Together, they play but not so nicely. They destroy each other’s sand castles, paint each other when they are supposed to be painting pictures. Eventually they realize they have a lot more in common than they know and really do become good friends. What I really loved about this book is that sometimes friendship is complicated, and you don’t like each other right away. 

The art is simple but expressive and fun to look at. Julia Woolf has the perfect style to bring these characters to life. This is just a cute and fun picture book, perfect for reading to a group at storytime.

By Julia Woolf ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Duck and Penguin Are NOT Friends as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Betty and Maud are the best of friends, and so surely their stuffed toys are too! But despite what Betty and Maud might think, Duck and Penguin are definitely NOT friends. They do not want to swing together, they do not want to cook together, and they certainly DO NOT want to play baby dolls together...

A side-splitting insight into the secret world of toys, from former Dreamworks animator and illustrator Julia Woolf.


Book cover of Short & Sweet

Natasha Wing Author Of Bagel in Love

From my list on talking food books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love a good pun and have written a joke book all about food called Lettuce Laugh. I think food is relatable to kids and they can put themselves in the food’s shoes and learn about friendship and being true to themselves through talking food characters. Humor plays a big part in the books I recommended, but it’s a great way to deliver a lasting message. Another book I wrote is also about food - Jalapeño Bagels, but unlike Bagel In Love, these bagels don’t talk! I love Bagel In Love so much I had a dress made with some of the characters embroidered on it.

Natasha's book list on talking food books

Natasha Wing Why Natasha loves this book

Written in rhyme, this story is about a pancake and French toast that are going stale. They look for a way to refresh themselves and instead turn into baby versions. Josh Funk has set up a funny foodie world. Check out the first book, too, Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast. If you like these food puns, you’ll love the puns in Bagel In Love!

By Josh Funk , Brendan Kearney ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Short & Sweet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Age range 3+

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast worry that they're going stale, so they visit Professor Biscotti's lab to try a new despoiling procedure. But instead of beautifying them, Professor Biscotti's faulty gadget transforms them into toddlers!

Scared in the presence of the now gargantuan-looking Baron von Waffle, the mini breakfast foods take off on an adventure in the fridge, visiting everywhere from the Bran Canyon to Limes Square.

Will Baron von Waffle and Professor Biscotti figure out a way to turn them back into a grown Lady and Sir, or will they stay short & sweet forever?



Book cover of The Princess and the Peanut Allergy

Andrea Pyros Author Of My Year of Epic Rock

From my list on food allergies.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a kidlit author myself. I’ve written two middle-grade novels, one of which is all about having a food allergy, but my interest in food allergies is all due to my first kid. Amelia was born with multiple allergies to common ingredients like eggs and dairy. At first it was hard! Figuring out how to cook for her at home and keep her safe when she was in school or at a friend’s house felt daunting and frightening, so we turned to books for advice, recipes, and education for the entire family. Even if your reader isn’t the one with allergies, they’ve no doubt got a classmate or family member who does. 

Andrea's book list on food allergies

Andrea Pyros Why Andrea loves this book

Paula has a food allergy to peanuts. When her best friend Regina finds out, Regina decides that serving a cake filled with peanuts at her birthday party could hurt her friend, and she decides to plan a different princess-themed party instead. This sweetly illustrated picture book is about living with food allergies, and how friends can help keep other food-allergic children safe and feel included on all sorts of special days. 

By Wendy McClure , Tammie Lyon (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Princess and the Peanut Allergy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

A story about allergies, and being friends too.

Regina has a huge, princess-themed, peanut-filled cake planned for her birthday party, that is until she learns that her best friend Paula has a severe peanut allergy! In this introduction to food allergies, Regina learns how dangerous an allergic reaction can be, and how she can best help a friend stay safe. With dimensional and bright illustrations, this book perfectly depicts the importance of respecting a friend's needs.


If you love Peanut Butter & Cupcake...

Book cover of If I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of Possibility

If I Could Choose a Best Day by Irene Latham,

A fresh, fun, inspiring illustrated poetry collection you can put in the hands of any reader.

Curated by the award-winning duo Irene Latham and Charles Waters, this collection contains 30 poems that all begin with the same word: "if." Subject matter moves from the practical "if you have a pencil"…

Book cover of Why Calories Don't Count: How We Got the Science of Weight Loss Wrong

Jane McGuinness Author Of Always Hungry

From my list on cutting through the insanity of diet culture.

Why am I passionate about this?

A long time ago I lost a lot of weight, and I continue to maintain this loss after one decade. Perhaps understandably my passion and interest in health and nutrition have only grown, as I advocate moderation in all things and the benefits of taking a walk. Losing weight the old-fashioned way has inspired me to speak out against the madness that is diet-culture and the discrimination of people in larger bodies. I strive to quiet the food noise and embrace common sense, because, as it turns out, it’s not all that common! Fortunately, the books on my list are all abundant in wisdom, reason, and sound logic. Enjoy!

Jane's book list on cutting through the insanity of diet culture

Jane McGuinness Why Jane loves this book

Yeo’s book has been fundamental in my growing understanding of my own body, as it relates to nutrition, digestion, and how we extract energy from food. 

I have learnt that the measurement of a calorie is simply false—a crude tool at best. For myself, in a perpetual maintenance phase this past-decade (post massive weight-loss the old-fashioned way), this book was also essential reading. Not only is calorie counting overly simplistic; it’s actually pretty useless.

I haven’t once looked at food the same way after finishing this book.

By Giles Yeo ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Why Calories Don't Count as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'In this great read, Giles Yeo ruthlessly and amusingly destroys the calorie as our most persistent diet myth.' Tim Spector, author of Spoon-Fed and The Diet Myth

'A tour de force by the wise and witty Professor Giles Yeo. As well as being one of the UK's foremost experts on the genetics of obesity, Professor Yeo knows how to tell a great story. After reading this brilliant book you will understand what the labels on food really tell us, and what they don't.' Michael Mosley, author of The Fast 800

'Giles Yeo knows that when it comes to motivating us…


Book cover of A Cook's Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines

Carolyn Scott Author Of The Healthy Voyager's Global Kitchen: 175 Plant Based Recipes from Around the World

From my list on cookbooks that celebrate the flavors of the world.

Why am I passionate about this?

Being an avid traveler and foodie, I love recreating dishes I had during my travels when I come back home. Having been to all 7 continents and over 130 countries, it's tough to remember all of the dishes I fell in love with which is why I am a collector of international cookbooks. These are some of my favorites!

Carolyn's book list on cookbooks that celebrate the flavors of the world

Carolyn Scott Why Carolyn loves this book

Anthony Bourdain has always been an inspiration to me, as he has been to so many. I love this book because it showcases exactly what the title says it does: extreme cuisines.

Part travel memoir, I have always loved his culinary storytelling, but the way he weaves in these underrated recipes is a must for any traveling foodie.

By Anthony Bourdain ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Cook's Tour as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Anthony Bourdain, life-long line cook and bestselling author of "Kitchen Confidential", sets off to eat his way around the world. But being Anthony Bourdain, this was never going to be a conventional culinary tour. Bourdain heads out to Saigon where he eats the still-beating heart of a live cobra, and travels deep into landmined Khmer Rouge territory to find the rumoured Wild West of Cambodia (Pailin). Other stops include dining with gangsters in Russia, a medieval pig slaughter and feast in northern Portugal, the Basque All Male Gastronomique Society in Saint Sebastian, rural Mexico with his Mexican sous-chef, a pilgrimage…


Book cover of Eat This!: How Fast Food Marketing Gets You to Buy Junk (and How to Fight Back)

David Benton Author Of Tackling the Obesity Crisis: Beyond Failed Approaches to Lasting Solutions

From my list on understanding why you put on weight.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having studied diet and behavior for forty years, I realized that I had ignored obesity. However, after eventually considering the topic, I found that the actions of both politicians and the food industry had been spectacularly unhelpful. Why are so many people allowed to suffer? If politicians and the food industry are ineffective, there is a third group that could engineer change: the general public. It is scandalous that so many have been condemned to an early death following decades of ill-health. Something needs to change.

David's book list on understanding why you put on weight

David Benton Why David loves this book

Very often, the study of obesity amounts to little more than stating the cause of obesity. Vague and uninformative statements are made, such as we eat too much, and exercise too little. Although true, this has little use unless you can persuade people to change their behavior. Therefore, the book recommended has one great attraction: it suggests something useful that can be done.

It is a short book aimed at children that attempts to reduce the impact of advertising. Children are introduced to the latest marketing strategies. They are taught ways they can push back, allowing them to take control of their diet and health. Food literacy is acquired. 

By Andrea Curtis , Peggy Collins (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Eat This! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Eat This! examines how fast food marketing gets you to buy junk and how you can fight back. It shows how marketers embed sales pitches in media to lure consumers to foods that can negatively impact the health of children. The author explains what advertising is, discusses product placement and other tools used to sell products. Curtis provides careful insights into the fast food industry and ways in which young people can push back.

"Kids need to know the truth about junk food, and understand the millions of ways it's pushed on them -- every day. Andrea's fun and accessible…


If you love Terry Border...

Book cover of Hazel and Mabel

Hazel and Mabel by Melissa Stoller,

A satisfying story of rediscovering friendship after time spent apart.

For many years, Hazel and Mabel were inseparable. The two friends made up stories, spent the night together, and shared their snacks. Then, Mabel moved away. As time passes, Hazel and Mabel think of each other often, but they also…

Book cover of Women's Food Matters: Stirring the Pot

David E. Sutton Author Of Bigger Fish to Fry: A Theory of Cooking as Risk, with Greek Examples

From my list on scholarly reads about cooking.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been interested in food, even as young as 3 years old I remember wanting to taste everything, and I found the process of cooking fascinating. But I really got interested in food as a topic for research during my time studying Greek culture for my PhD thesis. People on the island of Kalymnos, where I’ve conducted research for 30 years, made a strong connection between food and memory, but it was a connection that few scholars have written about until recently. So I’ve been excited to participate in a new field reflected by all of these books, and hope you will be as well.

David's book list on scholarly reads about cooking

David E. Sutton Why David loves this book

This is the first book of its kind to combine a focus on women’s food knowledge from growing and harvesting to cooking.

The author draws from a wide array of sources to provide a rare cross-cultural and historical perspective on women’s food practices and their significance to “sexual politics.” Written in accessible and lively prose that is both informative and a pleasure to read.

By Vicki A. Swinbank ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Women's Food Matters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Women have always been inextricably linked to food, especially in its production and preparation. This link, which applies cross-culturally, has seldom been fully acknowledged or celebrated. The role of women in this is usually taken for granted and therefore often rendered unimportant or invisible. This book presents a wide-ranging, interdiscplinary and comprehensive feminist analysis of women's central role in many aspects of the world's food systems and cultures. This central role is examined through a range of lenses, namely cross-cultural, intergenerational, and socially diverse.


Book cover of Butternut & the Flying Butter
Book cover of Simon's Search for the Scary Dragon
Book cover of Stick and Stone

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