Jake Baked the Cake

The town is getting ready for a wedding, and readers will immediately be caught up in the excitement. At the center of the joyous preparations is Jake, the rotund, cheerful baker who is making the wedding cake. ``The flower girls got some curls''; ``The bridesmaids' roses tickled their noses''; and ``The groom forgot to bring the ring.'' And all the while, ``Jake baked the cake.'' He is seen carefully adding the eggs, industriously stirring the batter and lovingly placing the pans in the oven. Finally, as the father gives the bride away, Jake puts the finishing touches on his magnificent creation: a cake with four tiers, each separated by columns and decorated with pink roses. Hennessy's spritely rhymes and Morgan's detailed, pastel drawings convey the buoyant spirit of this old-fashioned wedding, with just the right amounts of humor and warmth. Ages 2-6. (Mar.)