Sink your teeth into an Edible Books contest

What’s sweeter than cake and almost as nourishing as a good book? The Edible Book contest at Mentor Public Library.

Anyone can participate. All you have to do is pick you favorite book—or any book, really—and create a dish that evokes it.

Get as creative as you like. An armless gingerbread man could be Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms.” Make a pastry version of Gandalf, a “Pudd’nhead Wilson” dessert or a “Grapes of Wrath” fruit salad. See if a Hungry Caterpillar cake can eat a hole in itself. Pinterest is filled with great ideas.

The dishes will be judged from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at our Main Branch.

Prizes will be awarded in five categories:

1. Most Bookish—What food best evokes the book it’s based upon?
2. Most Creative—What dish wows the most with its creativity?
3. Most Mouth-Watering—What offering looks the most delicious?
4. Most Noteworthy—What entry grabs your attention (though it may not necessarily fit into the other categories?)
5. Best Student Entry—Best overall dish entered by someone 18 or younger.

The winners in all five categories will receive MPL mugs, window clings, flash drives and other sundry.

Want to participate but don’t consider yourself much of a chef? Be a judge.

Three dollars gets anyone a ballot to vote and a fork to enjoy all the entries.

All proceeds from the Edible Book contest will go to the Friends of the Mentor Public Library, which will, in turn, use the money to support library programs and events.

Those who want more information about the Edible Books contest or wish to sign up can call Mentor Public Library at 440-255-8811 ext. 219 or email amanda.densmore@mentorpl.org.