Look What Popped Up

Popcorn Bob
​by Maranke Rinck art by Martijn van der Linden translator Nancy Forest-Flier

Something as insignificant as a kernel of corn can be the genesis for a wild adventure. Rinck and van der Linden have created a fantasy series about a walking, talking, cowboy-hat-wearing oversized seed with a voracious appetite and an "explosive" personality. He goes by the name of Popcorn Bob.

Nine-year-old Ellis, the family’s popcorn aficionado, discovers this salty oddity inside the microwave when she pops up an afternoon snack for her dads, who work from home developing new rubber duckies.

Ellis’ life takes a disastrous turn when her teacher informs her parents that the school is emphasizing healthy eating. This means that there will be cauliflower in the cake and, most importantly, no more popcorn. Ellis resorts to sneaking out to the garage to secretly satisfy her popcorn cravings.

An even larger problem is Bob, who is brash and demanding. He will not remain quietly in Ellis's pocket and resorts to earsplitting outbursts when hungry. He even devours a candy bar on the principal’s desk.

Life becomes increasingly bizarre. The dads conduct a business meeting with one hundred rubber ducks on the office floor. Bob attempts to herd a flock of wayward sheep. Ellis eventually leaves town with the microwave strapped to the back of her bike. It’s zany fun to the max.

After more hijinks and close calls, the story resolves with the dads relenting and reinstating popcorn as a family snack.

Kids will gobble up this series. It's as addictive as a bowl of hot buttered popcorn.
​Good news! More Bob adventures are planned.

Line drawings are liberally sprinkled throughout the text. They are an integral part of the story, chock full personality and inside jokes.

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Popcorn Treats!

Listen to a sample

Like Ellis, I am a popcorn enthusiast. Unlike Ellis, I prefer popping the kernels with my old fashioned popcorn popper. With a bit of oil, the kernels expand and the glorious popping sound begins. The kitchen fills with the tantalizing aroma. Top it off with melted butter and salt and you have snacktime perfection.

When I want to get fancy, I rely on the Caramel Corn Recipe from my friend's mother. It's a sure-fire hit. Everyone begs for more. Thank you Lynne.

You can find her recipe here.  

C​​opy provided by publisher.

Pub date: April 20, 2021   Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN: 978-1646140404