He’s The Boss -- The Cake Boss, that is

Buddy Valastro, The Cake Boss

By Sherry S. Marlin

Today, at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, was reminiscent of multiple-aged women waiting in line for tickets to the opening of Twilight and Eclipse. 

Instead of adults standing in line with their Cake Boss books clutched in their hands, the room was filled with eager elementary students, tweens, and teens. The Cake Boss is the new Mickey Mouse Club or Howdy Doody.  In our household, reruns are watched more often than Sponge Bob or I Carly.

Buddy's Cakes, Facebook

What could possibly keep kids interested? Is it the creative and sometimes wacky cakes, or a longing to do something with their hands, to learn a new skill, to be the best, to be the boss? It’s taking play dough to a higher high. 

I asked Te`von, 10 years old, what he likes about the Cake Boss. He said, “The whole process, the cakes are often big and interesting, I also like to see what happens when there are problems, and watch how Buddy solves them, most of all, he inspires me.”

I must say my daughter Katharine and I were a wee bit envious as my grandkids got their books signed and a hug from Buddy Valastro. But he’s their hero, not ours, so I guess watching from a distance will have to be enough.

Editor's note: Did anyone go to the Nora Ephron event?