Food and storytelling have always gone hand in hand, and Patsy Dingwell’s Freda the Fry proves it with charm, whimsy, and a dash of Maritime flavour. This delightful picture book introduces readers to Freda, a golden French fry who tumbles from her fryer basket and sets off on an unexpected adventure. With playful text and vibrant illustrations, it’s a book that celebrates food, community, and imagination—all while making you crave a hot plate of fries.
Dingwell’s writing is lighthearted yet clever, inviting both children and adults to giggle at Freda’s mischief while also appreciating the comfort food that inspired her story. Her background as co-owner of a Prince Edward Island potato farm shines through. Having grown up surrounded by potatoes, Patsy Dingwell brings authenticity to Freda’s journey, making the book a true love letter to one of PEI’s most iconic crops. Patsy is also the author of Broken Crayons in support of Farmers Helping Farmers. https://www.farmershelpingfarmers.ca/broken-crayons-2/
Did you know there’s a museum in PEI celebrating the mighty potato? Check out our culinary travel throughout PEI feature which includes the Canadian Potato Museum located at1 Dewar Lane in O’Leary. https://canadiancookbooks.ca/culinary-travel-in-prince-edward-island/ The most iconic fast food in North America is the French fry. Master your own Oven-Baked French Fries in our Recipe section – easy and versatile! Then go to our Giveaway section and win a copy of Freda the Fry – or purchase it at https://nimbus.ca/store/freda-the-fry.html
Marla Lesage’s illustrations pair beautifully with the text. With her signature use of colour and energy, Lesage captures Freda’s lively personality, transforming a simple fry into a character full of expression and movement. Lesage is a New Brunswick–based artist, author, and illustrator who often works in watercolour and ink, and her work carries a warmth that makes the story come alive. Beyond picture books, she is also a registered nurse and military spouse, which adds depth to her perspective as a storyteller and artist. https://marlalesage.com/
Freda the Fry isn’t just a children’s story—it’s also a foodie’s delight. It reminds us that food can be more than nourishment; it can inspire adventure, memory, and play. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or simply someone who loves fries, this book belongs on your shelf (ideally paired with a fresh cone of PEI fries for snacking while you read).
Content and images used with permission by Nimbus Publishing. https://nimbus.ca/store/freda-the-fry.html