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Monday, November 14, 2022

PIZZA! A Slice of History, written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 


"For centuries, most Europeans 
thought tomatoes were unhealthy - 
even poisonous - and many people 
refused to eat them. 

But in Naples, Italy, people did cook
w
ith tomatoes. 

They added tomatoes to many Italian 
recipes, including a dish they called 
pizza." 

Can you name five people who DON'T like pizza? I'm not sure that I can. Of course, there are those that don't eat it all that often; there are also those who eat it far more often than you might expect. One of the statistics Greg Pizzoli includes in his history of this long-favored food is that 'in the United States of America we eat 350 slices of pizza every second.' Every second! 

The author begins by showing his audience what pizza looks like - familiar and not so. His text offers proper names for places that sell pizzas and the people who make them, and includes a pizza rat who happens to be a fan. It turns out that pizza is popular in most places in the world. But, where did it originate? 

"But where did it start? 
When did it happen? 
Who made the first pizza? 

How should I know?

Text that follows speculates on a variety of food that resembles pizza as it is known today. Then, the author introduces RAFFAELE ESPOSITO, known for making the best pizza in Naples and his story of creating pizzas for important people. With immigration, Italians brought their food ideas with them. Now, pizza is a much-loved meal for many. Four US cities and one state are described as having their own special take on the pizza pie: New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, and California.  

Today, pizza is made around the world in many variations worth trying. They are described in final pages. What is your favorite? 

Readers will enjoy the detailed illustrations and the four-color palette that awaken taste buds and cause a strong wish for a slice. What great good luck it is that Mr. Pizzoli has ended his book with a simple recipe for a mini-pizza, toaster oven style!

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