Jan Brett's artistry lies in her ability to draw clear images that challenge the reader to continue to the next page, not for the story, but to follow her lovely drawings that are incredibly well drawn. Almost like looking at a photograph, she continues to be one of the most followed illustrators.

In the story a little boy bakes a gingerbread baby. Opening the oven before the cookie is fully baked, the little cookie jumps out and continues to romp through the snow as the animals become more and more part of the story.

He rides the back of a family cat, lives paw prints for the dog to follow while climbing up the garden wall. Ever able to perform daring feats, he dances on the back of goats, drinks water from the well, pulls braids while lacing them together, dances on the nose of the pig, then skittles down the cobbled path to jump onto a chunk of ice floating in the river.

The little boy who made him, now designs a perfect gingerbread home for him to enter, and live in the house.

This is a cute store with a lot of action and splendid illustrations.

Four Stars ( )

Matti bakes a Gingerbread man but he peeks in the oven before the baking time is done and the Gingerbread baby jumps out and runs away. The baby gets chased by the cat, dog and then various people and animals of the village. Meanwhile Matti is working on a way to catch the baby. ( )

I enjoyed this years ago when I first read it, and again now. I like that the boy bakes. I like the reminder to learn patience. And of course I love Matti's clever solution.

But I just realized something. Not until now have I every questioned *why* everyone chases the gingerbread boy or the journey cake. A few children or stray dogs might like the smell or the fun, but the whole village? I guess it's just silly fun for youngsters. ( )

journey, experiencing thrill in a safe way

Illustrations are beautiful as always. The story was a rendition of the gingerbread man. ( )