McTavish Takes the Cake

McTavish Takes the Cake is a charming and humorous chapter book about the Peachey family and their remarkably clever dog, McTavish. When Pa Peachey suddenly develops an ambition to be the family's star baker, despite his culinary creations being truly awful, the family finds themselves in a sticky situation. With a local baking competition announced, Pa's confidence soars, leaving his children, Betty, Ava, and Ollie, to wonder how to handle his terrible talents. It's up to the observant and resourceful McTavish to devise a plan that supports Pa without subjecting the town to his charcoal cookies. This book is perfect for ages 4-11, offering a delightful story about family dynamics, kindness, and the power of a good dog.

When Pa Peachey becomes comically ambitious about entering a town baking competition, family dog McTavish wisely cooks up a plan to rescue him from himself. Pa Peachey has gotten it in his head that he is going to be the baker in the family, and the Peacheys and their dog, McTavish, are more than a little surprised. Stunned, in fact. Ever since Ma Peachey declared herself free of the cooking responsibilities, Betty, Ava, and Ollie have taken turns making inventive and delicious meals. But Pa thinks he can do better, even though his cakes are as flat as manhole covers and his cookies turn to charcoal. When the town announces a baking competition with a big prize, Pa is convinced he will enter an absolute masterpiece. Now the Peacheys have to decide: should they be honest with Pa and tell him his confections are contemptible, or should they support his high-flying dreams? Or could McTavish have a last-minute option at the ready?