Vaughan Duck

Who will win the chef’s crown?

Chef Romi Rabbit jumped at the opportunity to compete in the upcoming cooking competition. As the well-known chef in town, Romi was confident she would win the grand prize: the winner’s crown and the bragging rights that come with it.  When Chef Romi and sous chef Sam arrive at the contest, Romi makes it clear that she is the star, while Sam is merely her assistant.

As the contest is about to begin, Chef Romi prefers greeting her adoring fans while Sam frantically steps in to handle the necessary cooking against the ticking clock.

When chaos erupts in the kitchen in a race against time, it is quick thinking that becomes the winning ingredient!

REVIEWS

Lively, wholesome, and deliciously funny…

Rotter’s latest picture book is a hearty tale of ambition, humility, and teamwork. When confident Chef Romi enters a televised cooking contest, she’s certain she’ll win. But when a sugar mix-up threatens disaster, Sam steps in with a last-minute fix that saves the dish and wins over the judges.

Rotter’s playful prose is easy to follow, yet rich enough to bring out big personalities and emotional shifts. The pacing clicks along smoothly, from Romi’s bold entrance to the sugar-fueled disaster, with just enough space for each moment to land. Beyond the kitchen commotion lies a deeper lesson: success isn’t about taking all the credit, but honouring the value of others. Romi’s public acknowledgment of Sam’s role feels earned, a turning point highlighting the book’s central message: respect and recognition go hand in hand. Sam’s rise from overlooked assistant to crown-winning chef gives kids a humble, relatable hero to root for.

Vaughan Duck’s lively illustrations add humour and energy. A sweet twist at the end (a real chocolate pasta recipe) gives young readers a fun way to join in.

A light and heartfelt reminder that the best teams work together—and that leadership sometimes means stepping back and letting others shine. Perfect for classroom chats on respect and collaboration, budding chefs, and anyone who knows that accidents can lead to delicious surprises.
The Prairies Book Review

Free Colouring Sheets