Pretzel Hero (1970) by Barbara Rinkoff, illustrated by Charles Mikolaycak, is a delightful and lesser-known children’s book that combines humor, adventure, and a touch of culinary whimsy. The story follows a plucky pretzel who dreams of becoming a hero, embarking on a series of misadventures to prove his worth. Rinkoff’s playful narrative, full of puns and lighthearted suspense, is perfectly complemented by Mikolaycak’s dynamic and expressive illustrations, which bring the anthropomorphic pretzel and his world to life with warmth and energy.
For Fans of Pretzel Hero, Try:
- The Gingerbread Man (illus. Mikolaycak) – Another food-themed adventure with his art.
- Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola – A whimsical tale with a similar folk-art vibe.
- The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka – For more subversive food-related humor.
A hidden gem of vintage children’s literature.
