Some of the stories in "Tell Me a Story, I'll Bake You a Cake" will take you back to a carefree time when kids ran barefoot all summer, caught lightning bugs, climbed trees, and didn't have to come home until the streetlights came on at night.

Joy's humor is evident as she tells about kitchen disasters, poison ivy, family togetherness, the agony of math, the ecstasy of Baked Alaska, and the infamous Lavisson sisters. Some stories are funny, others poignant, but all are entertaining.

The recipes are simple and non-threatening to the novice cook. As long as you're not looking for recipes for turnips, brussels sprouts, or liver, you'll find a recipe to suit any occasion. Enjoy the stories. Now go into the kitchen, and cook something.