The Jelly Donut Difference

By Maria Dismondy, P.S. Brooks (Illustrator)

Siblings transform rivalry into teamwork, discovering kindness through jelly donuts and new friendships.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 177 ratings

32 pages· 767 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

$12.95Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Leah and Dexter, often at odds, find a new way to connect when a neighbor's story from Poland inspires them. Together with their dad, they create paczkis, jelly-filled treats, to welcome their new neighbor. As they deliver the sweet gifts, the siblings discover the joy of teamwork and the impact of small acts of kindness. Will their newfound camaraderie last, or will old habits return? Dive into this heartwarming tale of community, inclusion, and the delicious power of generosity.

From the publisher

“This earnest story of being a good sibling, neighbor, and friend may inspire readers to find ways to be generous in their own lives.” ― Publisher’s Weekly The sweetness of making new friends―and making treats to welcome new neighbors―are central themes in this wonderful picture book on how the smallest kindness can make a jelly donut difference. After their new neighbor shares the story of growing up in Poland, sibling rivalry is repurposed into sibling teamwork, and Leah and Dexter work with Dad to make paczkis, the jelly-filled treat from Poland the twins deliver later that day. With illustrations that will make you crave your own paczkis, The Jelly Donut Difference by award-winning author Maria Dismondy carries a message of sibling rivalry, the power of community, and inclusion. This book comes with a free Reader’s Companion, complete with discussion questions, lesson plans on story mapping, and five tips for children to share kindness with the world. Download your copy directly from the publisher’s website.

At a glance