Bloom

This is the best kind of romantic tale: innocent and unfussy, yet overwhelming. Author Panetta's story is baked to perfection: a crush that turns to infatuation--and later love--in the confines of a professional kitchen bristling with hot stoves, stuffed shelves, and perfectly shaped spanakopita. --Los Angeles Review of Books

Panetta and Ganucheau's graphic novel debut is as much a love story between people as it is with the act of baking. Ganucheau's art, in black ink with varying shades of blue, mixes traditional paneling with beautiful double-page spreads of detailed baking scenes, where the panels sometimes take on the shape of braided loaves...A tender blend of sugary, buttery, and other complex flavors that's baked with a tremendous dash of heart.--Kirkus, starred review

Beautiful artwork depicts characters coping with life's increasing responsibilities and is especially sumptuous when focusing on the yummy desserts. This is both a delicious foray into the world of baking and young love and an endearing, realistic tale of two teens helping one another grow. -A fresh take on the coming-of-age story that spotlights the triumphs and travails of young people.--School Library Journal, starred review

Bloom is a charming and compelling look at the first summer after high school, with the angst of choice and decision looming and the blush of first love. (Plus: there's baked goods!)--Melissa Fox, Watermark Books, Wichita KS

Illustrator Ganucheau's black, white, and blue art is drawn in a simple, naturalistic style with manga-adjacent expressions that suit the story...a pleasantly diverse cast and realistically varied relationship dynamics from Panetta (Zodiac Starforce) offer a thoughtful look at how one grows into and out of relationships, with all the commensurate joy, awkwardness, and reconciliation that family and friends offer. --Publishers Weekly

A quiet, earnest romance with warmth and depth. --Booklist