Mother's Bread Dough by Tuula Pere is a heartwarming book for young readers. A young boy and his mother are forced to flee from their home because war is breaking out. The mother and son rush to leave but not without taking their most prized possessions. Baking was the heart of their family, so they couldn't leave without freshly baked loaves and, more importantly, their family's sourdough starter. The two run out into the town and are met by a rather angry man who is just hungry. After the mother's generosity in handing the man a loaf, the mother and son are invited onto his truck to travel to safety. Will the war come to an end? And will the baking of their tasty loaves continue? Find out in this book.

Mother's Bread Dough is a wonderful book. My heartstrings were pulled from the start and my eagerness to turn to the next page lasted throughout. I enjoyed reading about the strong bond between the two main characters and how their story played out to the end. It shows so many heartwarming messages for children to pick up on and is one of the best books I've read so far. The writing is powerful and meaningful, and children will read along with ease. The illustrations by Stefan Turk are unique, detailed, and professional; the loaves look delicious! So if you are looking for a wholesome book to read with your child, then I highly recommend this one. It will entertain your little reader from the moment they begin reading.

Some might say that bread is the sustenance of life. It certainly is a nutritious and fulfilling food for any time and anywhere. In Tuula Pere’s Mother’s Bread Dough, young Leo has an important role in keeping the stone oven hot while his mother prepares her special recipe, something she creates from a sourdough starter that has been in the family for generations. When war approaches their doorstep and they have to leave quickly, they manage to salvage the freshly baked bread, with some of the dough still rising, and, most important of all, the sourdough starter. The fresh bread helps the two to barter for safe transportation to leave the area while they still can. The dough and the sourdough starter provide a means to continue baking wherever they are and to feed those in need. Leo’s mother’s bread is special in many different ways.

Tuula Pere’s picture book, Mother’s Bread Dough, is a tender look at a special mother-son bond and the power of bread to sustain them through troubled times. The plot follows their journey from their war-torn community and into other communities, Leo’s mother’s special bread helping them along their journey. The language is simple and sweet and will help young readers improve their reading skills. Dialogue is used effectively to develop the characters and move the story forward. A descriptive narrative provides a sense of place and will certainly make readers yearn for the smell and taste of freshly baked bread. Stefan Turk's illustrations are interesting. The symbolism of the bread is evident in its powerful connection to love, family, friends, and joy (even in times of trouble). Even the symbolism of the stone oven is evident, as it represents the heart of the home and this little family. Beautifully told.

In Mother's Bread Dough by Tuula Pere, when Leo's father leaves for the war, reluctantly, Leo becomes the man of the house. He finds solace in Baking Day and enjoys every bite of his mother's delicious bread. The war reaches their town, and Leo and his mother must flee with only their essentials, a few loaves of bread, the bread bowl, and their family's treasured sourdough starter. Their bread helps a tired driver feel more energized, nurses a mother back to health, and feeds many communities during their travels. When Leo and his mother return home, everything but their bread-baking oven is destroyed, and the family decides the path they will take to rebuild.

Tuula Pere's story, like the mother's bread, will leave a lasting impression. The mother's perseverance and compassion shine through as she tackles her hardships and recognizes the challenges others face. She is a shining example of a great person who spreads positivity using her gift. Even though the book is fiction, it feels as if the tragic happenings could have unfolded during a war in any country. The events in the story show opportunities for kindness and provide moments to discuss with children the effects of war and how to show compassion. Stefan Turk's illustrations show pivotal moments and depict the bread that brings everyone together. Caregivers who hope children will learn to appreciate their circumstances and exhibit goodwill to others - even if they disagree - should grab a copy of Mother's Bread Dough.

The ongoing war in Leo’s hometown rendered Leo fatherless. The only person he had left for was his mother. Despite the huge void his father’s absence caused him and his mother, they took solace in doing the one thing they loved most—baking bread with their secret recipe. One day, their village was under attack, and they had to move. Leo and his mother packed their bread and sourdough starter and fled. In their search for shelter, they found themselves in situations where they showed genuine kindness and treated people as humans, even those who would have been considered enemies. The question is, would Leo ever see his father again, or was he gone for good? Find out in this beautiful children’s book, Mother’s Bread Dough by Tuula Pere.

The predominant theme of Mother’s Bread Dough is the kindness and humanity displayed by Leo’s mother. She never missed an opportunity to show love to strangers, never minding the hostilities of the war. She was a great example to her son and will be one to every child who reads this book. Another theme explored is one of the hope that comes about a loved one who has gone missing. This is seen in the lingering expectations that Leo and his mother have of his father’s return. The illustrations by Stefan Turk are a perfect depiction of the story and help to sustain the young reader's interest in the story. I love how this book can teach children new vocabulary and at the same time leave them with such an indelible lesson on kindness and generosity. I recommend Mother’s Bread Dough by Tuula Pere to children between the ages of 5 and 9 for maximum enjoyment.