Woo Skin - Shop now
Buy used:
$17.47
FREE delivery April 18 - 23. Details
Used: Good | Details
Sold by ThriftBooks-Phoenix
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Pat Miller
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Hole Story of the Doughnut Hardcover – Picture Book, May 3, 2016

by Pat Miller (Author), Vincent X. Kirsch (Illustrator)
4.6 out of 5 stars 92 ratings
Editors' pick Best Nonfiction for Kids
In 1843, fourteen-year-old Hanson Gregory left his family home in Rockport, Maine, and set sail as a cabin boy on the schooner Achorn, looking for high-stakes adventure on the high seas. Little did he know that a boatload of hungry sailors, coupled with his knack for creative problem-solving, would yield one of the world’s most prized and beloved pastries.        Lively and inventive cut-paper illustrations add a taste of whimsy to this sweet, fact-filled story that includes an extensive bibliography, author's note, and timeline.   
Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    5 - 9 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    1 - 4
  5. Lexile measure
    AD900L
  6. Dimensions
    10 x 0.38 x 10 inches
  7. Publisher
    Clarion Books
  8. Publication date
    May 3, 2016
  9. ISBN-10
    0544319613
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0544319615
Next slide of product details
Books%20with%20Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-This surprising account of the invention of the doughnut introduces readers to master mariner Hanson Crockett Gregory from Rockport, ME. As a young ship's cook in 1847, Gregory prepared the standard breakfast of balls of fried sweet dough. The sailors called them "sinkers" because although the dough fried up crisp and sweet around the edges, "their raw centers, heavy with grease, made them drop like cannonballs in the stomach." Gregory had a better idea and shaped a new batch by cutting holes in the center of each sinker and then frying them in boiling lard. The doughnut was born. Although Hanson went on to become a ship's captain and was awarded a medal for heroism for his actions at sea, his legacy is his delicious creation. This book relates some of the many colorful legends that have surrounded the origins of this sweet treat over the years. The short, humorous text delivers facts that young children will appreciate, while keeping the interest of the more mature. Kirsch has admirably complemented the story with bright, cartoonlike illustrations that evoke the history and the humor of the tale. Clever "porthole," or "doughnut hole," borders frame each page. Whimsically, the artist has placed doughnuts throughout, from the endpapers, which include several varieties, to the back cover, which features an octopus holding a doughnut on each arm. VERDICT A lively offering for reading and sharing that will encourage the youngest of researchers to wonder and learn about other everyday items in their world.-Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

2017 ILA-CBC Children's Choice List "Delicious!" —Kirkus "A lively offering for reading and sharing that will encourage the youngest of researchers to wonder and learn about other everyday items in their world." —School Library Journal "Playful cartoons and dramatic narration tell the true tale of a New England mariner turned doughnut inventor... Mimicking Gregory’s ring-cutting innovation, the book’s memorable design takes large circular cuts out of Kirsch’s vibrant watercolors, transplanting the circles to the facing pages while leaving behind an empty frame for Miller’s (Substitute Groundhog) text." —Publishers Weekly   —

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clarion Books (May 3, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0544319613
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0544319615
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 5 - 9 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD900L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 4
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 0.38 x 10 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 92 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Pat Miller

Pat Miller

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Pat Miller was born an Air Force brat in Aurora, Colorado, the oldest of four. By the time she graduated high school (she attended three), she had lived in Japan, Hawaii, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. Her first children's book, SUBSTITUTE GROUNDHOG, was named a Junior Library Guild selection. That was followed by SQUIRREL'S NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION, WE'RE GOING ON A BOOK HUNT, LIBRARY MONKEYS and THE HOLE STORY OF THE DOUGHNUT (HMH, May 2016) Pat is a former school librarian who loves to read to her six preschool grandchildren. She owns an illiterate Jack Russell terrier who nevertheless keeps her company when she writes.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
92 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book's story well told and cute. Moreover, they appreciate its high interest for kids, with one customer noting how teachers can use it to teach fact vs. fiction. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its educational value, with one mentioning it's great for second-grade non-fiction.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

6 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of the doughnut, finding it well told and cute, with one customer particularly appreciating the fun illustrations.

"What an interesting book!..." Read more

"...They love the sailor lore about sinkers and storms; they love the fun illustrations. The story is well told, with charm and simplicity...." Read more

"...What a great story!" Read more

"Very cute story. Our son loves learning the history of the donuts. He was eager to read it on his own." Read more

5 customers mention "Interest for kids"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging for children, with one mentioning how teachers can use it for sorting fact from fiction activities, while another notes its effectiveness as a second-grade non-fiction text.

"...Don't skip the back matter, either - the children found this info fascinating, especially about how Dunkin' Donuts stepped in to help with the..." Read more

"My kids love this book!!! They love the sailor lore about sinkers and storms; they love the fun illustrations...." Read more

"...historical perspective-- thought this would make a great oral book report for elementary grades-- a great way to teach history and make it..." Read more

"Fun book..." Read more

Great illustrations
4 out of 5 stars
Great illustrations
Interesting pictures and facts about the teen who made the donut 🍩.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • ReadsALot
    5.0 out of 5 stars High interest for kids - uniquely written!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    What an interesting book! Pat Miller and Vincent X. Kirsch really aim to satisfy your curiosity about why doughnuts have holes in this historical picture book biography. The story is written in a way that parents and teachers can have fun with kids sorting through fact vs. fiction ("legend"). Don't skip the back matter, either - the children found this info fascinating, especially about how Dunkin' Donuts stepped in to help with the missing gravestone. I'd recommend this for grades 1 and up (ages 6-10). The entire first and second grade class loved it, and it sparked further questions and investigations—which is the best kind of book, in my opinion!
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Nancy O'Reilly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute Story
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I'm from Camden ME and didn't know the doughnut was invented by a galley boy from midcoast ME in 1800's
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A hole lot of fun!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    My kids love this book!!!

    They love the sailor lore about sinkers and storms; they love the fun illustrations. The story is well told, with charm and simplicity.

    It holds up to multiple reads, and has even inspired my kiddos in their make-believe play. I wholly recommend this book to anyone looking for a true and tasty story!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Cris D
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Hole Story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Captain Gregory aboard the Ivanhoe makes doughnuts for the first time. Not only did he make the crew happy, he has made millions happy with his invention! What a great story!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Meg
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great find.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Very cute story. Our son loves learning the history of the donuts. He was eager to read it on his own.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great!!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this for the historical perspective-- thought this would make a great oral book report for elementary grades-- a great way to teach history and make it interesting!!! My 6 and 9 year old granddaughters loved it---and wanted to eat doughnuts!!!!!!!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Diane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun book
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    My 10 yr old grandson loved it . I challenged him to read some nonfiction books and got him this one to kick it off.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • PSpater
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book. I gave one each to a 4 ...
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great book. I gave one each to a 4 and 5 year old and they loved it.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • パドラッパ
    4.0 out of 5 stars まさかの実話
    Reviewed in Japan on December 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    ドーナツ発明者の伝記絵本。構成が良く、最後に裏表紙で爆笑。オンライン辞書が引けなかったのは残念でした。
    Report