The Hole Story of the Doughnut (Fun Biography!)

Did you know that there are TWO National Donut Days? Is it because almost everyone seems to love a donut once in a while? Here's an interesting quick history lesson on why celebrated twice.

The day in June is celebrated more often but in honor of National Donut Day on November 5th, I have a book to recommend to your class. (You can always bookmark for a June reading.)

The Hole Story of the Doughnut, written by Pat Miller and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch, is a fun and unique biography that's great to read aloud to kids of all ages.  (Best for Grades 1-5 but I know a K Teacher that read it with her class and liked it.)

The Hole Story of the Doughnut puts a spin on the creation of everyone's favorite pastry. 

It doesn't matter if you like yours glazed or chocolate frosted with sprinkles...you'll find some cool facts.

I came across this title a few years ago as a way to celebrate National Donut Day in June.

The funny thing is, on a trip to Boston years before, I had heard of the legend of Hansen (Hans) Gregory, a 19th Century ship captain who, while trying to eat his breakfast cake on a stormy sea, put it through one of the handles on the wheel of ship so it wouldn't drop on the deck.

By doing so, put a hole through the center, thus the "hole in the doughnut" was originated. 

Is that the same take offered here? Check it out to see for yourself.  But I can tell you this: His first attempt to make a donut failed and his crew called them SINKERS for how heavy they were.

The illustrations are bold, colorful and as equally engaging as the story. 

This book is also an excellent example of narrative nonfiction. 

It contains both a detailed author's note and a timeline. 

Another element of this story that is terrific is that it encourages readers to investigate further information on the life of Hansen Gregory.

In fact, after spring break, one of my students told me that he and his family visited the Hansen's grave mentioned in the book at Snug Harbor, Massachusetts.

All in all, this a great book that will satisfy the kids who are constantly asking WHY and gravitate toward narrative nonfiction whether they like their doughnuts with, or without, the hole.

If interested, here is a VERY old-fashioned funny video of Robert McCloskey's (Make Way for Ducklings Author) one chapter of Homer Price Donut Chapter.  It's about 28 minutes long so if you like what you see, plan accordingly. (On mobile and can't see?  CLICK HERE.)