Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet picture book about the inventor of modern ice cream.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ICE CREAM MAN: HOW AUGUST JACKSON MADE A SWEET TREAT BETTER tells the story of the creator of modern ice cream as we know and love it. Born in Philadelphia in 1808, Augustus had big dreams beyond the barriers put on African Americans at that time. At the age of 12, Augustus moved to Washington, D.C., and worked as a kitchen helper in the White House. Years later he became a cook in the kitchen, preparing sweet treats for presidents and important guests. Augustus was inspired to take his perfected, unique recipe of ice cream and make it available to everyone - no matter how wealthy they were. Back in Philadelphia, he opened an ice cream shop and invented lots of new flavors and a way to keep his ice cream cold for selling and shipping. His sweet dessert put smiles on lots of faces, and he became known as, the Ice Cream Man!
Is It Any Good?
This beautifully illustrated book is a good reminder that there are lots of sweet facts about history that are important to uncover. Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better is an inspiring and important story about overcoming obstacles and working your way to the top. The story's realistic images are engaging for young readers, and the text breaks down the process of making ice cream in a developmentally appropriate way. It's nice to know that ice cream was created to make us all smile!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better, Augustus makes lots of popular flavors of ice cream. What's your favorite flavor?
Do you want to be a cook like the Ice Cream Man? There's a recipe for ice cream in the back of the book. Be creative and try it out!
How do you think Augustus felt when he had to leave home at 12 years old? How do you think his family felt when they learned Augustus' dreams came true?
Did you know who Augustus Jackson was before you read this book? Think of another invention and learn who created it!
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Keith Mallett
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Cooking , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Crown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : January 17, 2023
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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