SERIES MADE SIMPLE

Fun and Food with Guy Fieri

9781624038174. ea vol: 32p. (Reality TV Titans). chron. index. photos. websites. ABDO. 2015. lib. ed. $27.07. ebk. $27.07.
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Gr 3–5—A quick look at some big names in reality TV. Some of these titles may have a limited shelf life, though others profile celebrities who have transcended the genre and are more widely known. The layouts are attractive and varied, making ample use of current and archival photos. Readers will learn some intriguing and illustrative facts, such as that Mike Rowe spent six years with the Baltimore Opera or that Tim Gunn was a successful high school swimmer. Several volumes include recipes, such as Ree Drummond's cheesy cornbread. Special mention is made of charities established or supported by the stars. Frequent "Did You Know?" sidebars include light facts but rarely provide useful context (for instance, "the only food Fieri won't eat is beef liver."). No sources or further reading suggestions are included. A websites section refers readers to the publisher's site for updated links.
VERDICT These are good high-interest, general purpose reads, though less valuable as research materials.
These biographies cover the personal and professional lives of six reality-TV stars, with information ranging from the serious (Tim Gunn's teenage suicide attempt) to the superfluous ("[Rachael] Ray has a pit bull named Isaboo"). Projects/recipes "inspired by" the books' subjects are fairly uninspired, but middle-grade fans of the shows may enjoy the serviceable texts and color photos. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Reality TV Titans titles: Fun and Food with Guy Fieri, Getting Gritty with Mike Rowe, Pioneer Practices with Ree Drummond, Simple Solutions with Rachael Ray, Tasteful Fashion with Tim Gunn, and Zany Eats with Andrew Zimmern.

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