In his new book, Tony and the Pizza Champions, Tony Gemignani, five time pizza tossing champion, and pizzeria owner, shares his story of assembling a champion team and traveling to Italy to become the reigning world Pizza Tossing Champions. We're not talking basic twirling dough in the air, think Harlem Globe Trotters (with dough instead of basketballs)meets Cirque du Soleil. One of their team members even twirls while riding a unicycle. Matthew Trueman's illustrations are vibrant, fun and cartoony. Somehow it looks as though the pages are splattered with flour. Included in the back of the book are real photos Tony and his team, a recipe for pizza dough and a step by step guide for pizza tossing.
Below is a copy of a letter I wrote to Tony.
Dear Tony,
This past weekend was opening night of The Reading Gourmet Cafe' a small business I have started in my home, pairing books and food in an effort to increase kids appetites for books.
Your book Tony and the Pizza Champions of the World was THE HIT of the evening. The kids absolutely loved it and I got some pictures of them trying out their own pizza tossing skills... soon to follow.
...Thank you again - your fun, colorful, lively and inspiring book brought many smiles, and laughs to some kids this weekend. And more importantly, emphasized the lesson that with hard work, team work, the right people, a good attitude and a sense of humor, anything is possible.
Happy Reading and Bon Apetit!
Jill Fales
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