Edible books; Of Star Wars, Seuss and Pride and PreJUICEdice
Published 10:23 am Monday, April 3, 2017
- Nancy Rohne, left, and Carol Gilbertson check out the entries in the Austin Public Library’s Edible Book Festival Saturday. Photos by Eric Johnson.
The first Edible Books Festival at the Austin Public Library brought out 16 entries — and lots of oohs and aahs from library-goers over the weekend.
Contestants made entries to resemble a book, a favorite literary character, or a scene from a story.
There were lots of cake entries — some looking very professional, with fondant frosting — whereas others used food techniques that were astonishingly lifelike. The entry by Amanda Kestner showed a open book of “The Tale of Despereux” that drew raves by visitors. Those attending could vote for their favorites, with winners earning prizes.
Even the kids got involved. Carys Clinefelter, left, took inspiration from “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” while William Clinefelter turned to “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” for the Austin Public Library’s Edible Book Festival Saturday.
“It was very hard to choose,” said Carol Gilbertson, as she surveyed entries on Saturday with friend Nancy Rohne. “Some I like for their creativity; some I like for the color. It’s hard to choose.”
She was particularly taken by a children’s entry of a “Star Wars” story, that included Princess Leia’s braids — made of Oreo cookies.
“It’s all such a good idea; anything that draws people to books,” Gilbertson added.
Others drew humor. Adult Services Librarian Courtney Wyant — who organized the event — could not help but include her favorite, “Pride and Prejudice,” by creating a small display of two dolls with heads replaced by mandarin oranges, and a juicer heaped with mandarins.
The point? “Pride and PreJUICEdice,” of course.
Some of the entries into the Austin Public Library’s Edible Book Festival were highly intricate including this example by Amanda Kestner based off the book, “The Tale of Despereaux.”
