The Perfect Book for Finn

At some point within the last year, my son Finn determined that when he grows up he wants to own an ice cream truck and sell ice cream. He talks about it pretty confidently and consistently. (The picture above shows us with our post-ice cream eating glow outside our local ice cream parlor.)

Last week a paper came home from his kindergarten teacher for a small project for us to work on for Black History Month. Several names were given as a suggestion for families to research and write about. But there was also a note that mentioned to feel free to do the project on anyone else too. I’ve read many books to my kids with historical Black figures and considered suggesting one to him.

But then I wondered if there might be someone related to his interest in culinary pursuits who we could learn about instead? (He’s also become a fan of reality cooking shows a la the Great British Bake Off and Baking Impossible.) An internet search led me to the name of Augustus Jackson- an African American innovator in ice cream making and production who just happened to have a new picture book biography written about him. We had found our perfect person!

I ended up buying the book, Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better, by Glenda Armand because the library copy wasn’t on the shelves yet.

The book notes that Augustus was born in 1808 in Philadelphia. At the age of 12 he travels to Washington D.C. and ends up becoming a cook in the White House under three presidents. He learns about how to make the delicacy of ice cream using the established recipe that calls for eggs.

Years later Augustus returns to Philadelphia. He keeps making ice cream, adjusting the recipe to make it without eggs. He continues making new and delicious flavors. Then he pioneers the technique of using rock salt around the outside of the ice cream making container in order to shorten the production time. He ends up opening his own ice cream parlor and selling his ice cream to other ice cream parlors in Philadelphia and New York City. His business makes a way for a treat that was once only for the wealthiest people to be available for all.

Finn really enjoyed the book. I thought his project on it came out really well 🙂

I mentioned who he was writing about to his teacher since I figured she probably hadn’t heard of him either. She was surprised and mentioned being interested in reading the book to the class.

The book has also inspired Finn to change his plans from having an ice cream truck to an ice cream store, similar to Augustus.

I recommend adding this sweet book to your reading list!

p.s. This Kitchn article highlights Augustus, along with two other African American ice cream innovators.