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"Plaza Patatta" is an extraordinary tale full of excitement, adventure, and most importantly, humor. The illustrations are phenomenal, too!
The restaurant is called Plaza Patatta. Luna and Lisa are thrilled that their dad is building a kids’ restaurant in their giant new house. There's just one problem: he can't cook at all.
While helping out, Luna and Lisa discover a mysterious hatch. Where could it lead?
Plaza Patatta is a fun and adventurous mystery for children aged 8 to 12, filled with humor and excitement. Perfect for fans of series like The Magic Tree House, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, of Geronimo Stilton and ideal for both avid and reluctant readers. Plaza Patatta combines family, friendship, and a touch of suspense to keep young readers hooked from start to finish. After captivating young readers in The Netherlands, this delightful series is now available in English!
Luna, Lisa, and their two parents, Marian and Howard Richardson, have recently inherited a large farmhouse in Woodford from Howard's great-aunt. Howard brainstorms what he will do with their "colossal" new home. I loved his reasoning for not wanting to raise dairy cows. I prefer not getting up early, either! A few more ideas were shared before Howard settled on opening a children's restaurant. That idea would be brilliant if Howard could cook. Unfortunately, his kids do not think their dad's cooking skills are remotely close to Wolfgang Punk's or Gordon Ramsey's. When Marian, the famous opera singer, is out of town, the girls and their dad fill their bellies with frozen pizza and instant meals unless Grandma comes over to cook. It's noted that Grandma has an issue with her son staying home to care for the kids while his wife works. She believes a woman's place is at home. That small-minded thinking is still present today, and her opinion is worth exploring during family or classroom discussions. That said, that whole section could've been omitted, and the story's plot and events leading to the conclusion would not have suffered.
Ah, the plot line. The dad wants to open a restaurant, but his culinary skills are lacking. He admits that his specialty is throwing parties but vows to learn how to cook. Howard has a lot to learn about pairing flavors. Lasagna with peanut butter. Hot sandwich with salmon, broccoli, and ketchup. Pancake bread that sounded gross and harder to swallow than a mouth full of taffy. Oh my, they all sound disgusting, and the fictional kids agree. Ask listeners for their opinions on dad's menu items. Encourage kids to share their wacky or unusual food pairings.
Lisa and Luna are concerned about the restaurant's grand opening: Plaza Patatta, which means "the place where there are fries." They are also concerned by the strange noises from a secret hatch hidden behind the staircase. What could be lurking under their new home: a ghost, wolves, or a tramp? The author's use of "tramp" wouldn't be my first pick for the possible noise maker, which is defined as "a homeless person who travels from place to place on foot." The image depicted a "tramp" as a violent person, which is not the impression we should be teaching our kids.
The sisters' discovery on the other side of the hatch was a complete surprise. It was an unexpected twist that could've been explored more. Maybe the author will revisit the hatch in other Plaza Patatta books. (No spoilers. Read the story for more details.) Many readers can guess that the dad's culinary skills didn't improve; however, what will amaze them is the restaurant's unique, exciting, and creative design. The dad was right; he sure knew how to throw a party! Kids will be wishing they could visit the restaurant. Even adults will love the carefully thought-out design and food delivery system. Move over Check E. Cheese, Plaza Patatta is the place to be!
Plaza Patatta, the first story in the series, is an extraordinary tale full of excitement, adventure, and most importantly, humor. It invites you to guess what is down the hatch and at the end of the corridor, all while keeping you entertained with its witty narrative. The illustrations are phenomenal and highlight key moments of the story. I adored the unique chapter break-down. It was set up like a menu with chapter titles listed under appetizers, main courses, dessert, and side dishes. And the Who's Who? was a brilliant way to introduce us to the cast (family).
Share this delightful and humorous story with kids ages 8-12 and check out the three delicious menu ideas, especially the Plaza Patattas (the fries.)
Reviewed by
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Synopsis
The restaurant is called Plaza Patatta. Luna and Lisa are thrilled that their dad is building a kids’ restaurant in their giant new house. There's just one problem: he can't cook at all.
While helping out, Luna and Lisa discover a mysterious hatch. Where could it lead?
Plaza Patatta is a fun and adventurous mystery for children aged 8 to 12, filled with humor and excitement. Perfect for fans of series like The Magic Tree House, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, of Geronimo Stilton and ideal for both avid and reluctant readers. Plaza Patatta combines family, friendship, and a touch of suspense to keep young readers hooked from start to finish. After captivating young readers in The Netherlands, this delightful series is now available in English!
About the author
Nanda Roep is a Dutch writer and publisher, known for her work in both children's literature and adult fiction. Her feelgood novels, often with a sharp edge, are comparable to those of Liane Moriarty and Joël Dicker. She is dedicated to bringing her stories and creative projects to life. view profile
Published on June 10, 2025
10000 words
Genre: Middle Grade
Reviewed by
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