Once upon a Pizza

Eight Crazy Ways Pizza Wasn't Really Invented, and One It Might Have Been

By: Gene Goldberg

Narrated by: Trista Shaye

Length: 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Everyone loves pizza, but how was it invented? Cheese and tomatoes falling from the leaning tower? Cartloads of ingredients crashing together? Or maybe someone slipped on a puddle of water, smashing the ingredients together? These zany stories tell several different ways the world's most delectable dish might have been created. The last is a retelling of the most accepted historical account of it's actual invention, slightly altered of course, to assure that it's in keeping with the humorous tone of the other stories. Each story has different protagonists: Galileo's neighbor, a butterfly and three horse drawn carts, a pot maker, a restaurateur, an arguing couple, a suitor, a youth leaving home, a glutton, and finally, the chef in Naples, Italy, who really did invent pizza and the queen he made it for. Just so you won't be too hungry after hearing so much about tasty pizzas, there's a recipe. The characters have names based on Italian words. Excellent for parents to listen with 4-6 year-old children or for 6-10 year-old children to entertain themselves.

©2020 Gene Goldberg (P)2024 Gene Goldberg

A Slice of Pure Pizza Joy

Do you love pizza as much as I do? If yes, you are going to adore this children’s story book.

In this book, the author gives eight different and hilarious stories about how pizza was invented. And I’m not talking about the usual boring stuff. We’re talking cheese and tomatoes falling from the Leaning Tower of Pisa or a couple throwing dough and tomatoes at each other during a fight.

One of my favorite stories is about a hiker who squashes his lunch in his backpack and then, thanks to the sun, ends up with a perfectly cooked pizza.

The narration is pitch perfect and reminded me of story time. She does funny Italian accents for some of the bakers or peasants in the story. Plus, there are sound effects that really bring the stories to life.

This is a special book. Your children will love it and want to listen to it over and over again. I guarantee that every time you see a pizza from now on, you'll think of these stories and smile.

Fun for the kids!

Have a kid? Do they like pizza? This is for them! Very fun and engaging

Great story

Such a good children's book highly recommend for anyone that likes pizza and good stories.

A Delicious Journey Through Dough, Toppings, and T

Once Upon a Pizza" is a delightful culinary adventure that takes readers on a journey through the rich history, diverse toppings, and heartwarming stories behind one of the world's most beloved foods. With each page, you'll discover the magic that turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. The book beautifully blends the art of pizza-making with tales that are as warm and comforting as a fresh slice right out of the oven. Whether you're a pizza aficionado or simply someone who loves a good story, this book is sure to leave you hungry for more—both in the kitchen and on the page.

For the pizza lovers!

What a fun book to read! I love listening to stories like this right before bed, and my niece enjoys it as well! As a matter of fact, we are going to multiple different restaurants today to try different kinds of pizza, just like the characters in the story. This book has sparked our imaginations and inspired a fun day out, it’s a delightful read for both kids and adults, perfect for winding down at night. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a charming tale with a bit of adventure!

Fun and Cheesy Pizza History

I loved listening to this book with my daughter! This is a fun tour of the silly and surprising stories of how pizza came to be. Every chapter introduces a different theory about pizza’s history, each of them entertaining, with the last chapter offering up a plausible story that brings it all together. Plenty of pizza history nerds and history nerds in general will get a kick out of this book. It’s a fun read for anyone who loves pizza, likes to laugh, or learn a bit of trivia!

Fun Children's Book

I liked it and so did my son. He likes Pizza as we all do. We both really liked the stories and sound effects leading to the many different ways Pizza can be created. I think my son now wants us to try and make our own. A gateway book for sure. High marks!

Fun Tales of Pizza's Origin!

Each tale is imaginative and full of humor. It's a short and delightful listen that ends with a tasty pizza recipe. Perfect for pizza lovers of all ages!

A Delightful Slice of History and Humor

This charming book combines zany storytelling with a dash of humor, making it a perfect read for both children and adults who are young at heart.

The premise of the book is as delicious as the dish it celebrates. Through a series of imaginative and laugh-out-loud funny tales, the author takes readers on a fantastical journey through time, exploring various quirky scenarios of how pizza might have come to be. From cheese and tomatoes falling from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to cartloads of ingredients crashing together, each story is more outlandish and entertaining than the last. It’s perfect for bedtime stories, classroom reading, or simply enjoying a laugh while learning about one of the world’s favorite foods.

Great Fun!

This is an excellent little audio-book! Trista Shaye does a brilliant job of narrating, using different accents for characters and great changes and intonations. It's just a light-hearted and fun book with made-up stories about where Pizza came from. Fun, silly and entertaining. Perfect for keeping the kids quiet on a car journey for a while! I enjoyed it anyway!