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The Candies' Last Stand: A Magical Holiday Adventure
Join the magical candies as they come to life and create a wild plan to escape a kindergarten holiday party in this fun, chaotic story by Rachael Tarfman-Perez.
Welcome back to Kids Ask, Authors Answer, a joyful video series where children’s curiosity meets author creativity! Each episode brings together real kids and children’s book authors for a read-aloud followed by spontaneous, unscripted Q&A sessions.
The twist? The authors never see the questions ahead of time, so every answer is genuine, often funny, and always full of heart.
In this episode, hosts Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els read The Candies’ Last Stand, a fun holiday picture book where magical candies refuse to be eaten and stage a sweet classroom escape!
Whether your little one loves candy, chaotic adventures, or stories full of teamwork and holiday magic, this episode is packed with laughs, surprises, and moments kids (and adults!) will want to watch again and again.
Amy Doslich is the author and illustrator behind the beloved Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series, a collection inspired by her two daughters. Her stories are known for their warmth, humor, and family-centered adventures.
Samantha Howard-Els brings her own sparkle as the creator of the Mungo series and Tiny Boo, books that mix kindness, curiosity, and Halloween fun.
This time they’re joined by Rachael Tarfman-Perez, author of The Candies’ Last Stand. Her story is packed with humor and holiday magic as the candies take over the classroom, showing kids how teamwork and creativity can turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure.
A Magical Holiday Adventure: When Candies Take a Stand
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, sweet treats. But what if the candies at your festive party decided they didn’t want to be dessert? This is the delightful premise of "The Candies’ Last Stand," a whimsical children’s book by Rachael Taffman-Perez. In a recent episode of "Kids Ask Authors Answers," the story was brought to life through a lively read-aloud, followed by a Q&A session with the author herself. The result is a heartwarming, hilarious, and thought-provoking exploration of what happens when the tables are turned and the candies take charge of their own destiny.
Let’s dive into the story, the creative process behind it, and the imaginative questions from young readers that reveal just how much magic can be found in a bowl of holiday sweets.
The Story: Chaos in the Kindergarten Classroom
It’s holiday time in a kindergarten classroom, where decorations sparkle, a tree and menorah stand side by side, and the air is filled with anticipation. While the children are outside at recess, the teacher, Mrs. Thompson, and her helpers prepare the tables with snacks and, most importantly, bowls brimming with colorful candies.
But this year, the candies have other plans.
Brave Jellybear, the unofficial leader, is the first to voice what all the candies are thinking: they don’t want to be eaten. He confides in Wise Peanut Brittle, and together they hatch a wild, daring plan to save themselves. Soon, the rest of the candies—Compassionate Candy Cane, Loyal Hanukkah Gelt, Curious Nonparelli, Confused Ribbon Candy, Cheerful Jelly Ring, and Determined Lollipop—are all in on the scheme.
Their goal? To create a diversion so they can escape the party unscathed.
As the children return from recess and settle into their seats, the plan springs into action. The nonpareils leap from their bowl, bouncing around the room and causing chaos. Lollipops follow, swirling and hopping, while jelly rings ricochet off walls and tables. Peanut brittle joins the fray, and soon Hanukkah gelt is spinning so fast it takes flight, knocking down decorations and even the menorah.
The classroom descends into pandemonium. Children laugh, scream, and chase the candies, while Mrs. Thompson and her helpers struggle to restore order. The candies use the confusion to their advantage, forming chains, swinging from candy canes, and helping each other out the window to freedom.
By the time the principal arrives, the classroom is a mess—snacks scattered, decorations toppled, and Mrs. Thompson dazed on the floor. The candies are gone, having made their daring escape. Outside, they celebrate their newfound freedom, but soon realize they have no idea what to do next. Should they visit Santa Claus? Where will they go? The adventure, it seems, is just beginning.
Rachael Taffman-Perez, the creative mind behind "The Candies’ Last Stand," joined the show to answer questions from curious young readers. She revealed that the idea for the book came from a desire to write an inclusive holiday story—not just about Christmas, but about all the celebrations that fill the season with joy. The choice to make candies the main characters was both whimsical and thought-provoking: how would candies feel about being eaten by excited children? What if they decided to take matters into their own hands?
One of the first questions from the kids was whether there was a magic ingredient that brought the candies to life. Rachael admitted she hadn’t thought about it in detail, but suggested perhaps a sprinkle of magic dust from a wizard was involved. This open-ended answer invites readers to use their own imaginations—a hallmark of great children’s literature.
When asked why she chose candies instead of people or animals, Rachael explained that candies offered a unique perspective and allowed her to explore the story in a fun, unexpected way. Plus, candies are a universal symbol of celebration, making them the perfect protagonists for a holiday tale.
The Q&A session was a highlight of the episode, with children asking insightful, funny, and sometimes downright tricky questions. Here are some of the most memorable:
Why didn’t the children shut the window to catch the candies?
The author laughed, noting that the children were so caught up in the chaos—laughing, crying, running around with bowls on their heads—that they simply didn’t think of it.
Wouldn’t animals eat the candies once they escaped?
Rachael acknowledged that the candies’ bright colors would make them easy targets, but also pointed out that candies might make animals sick, so perhaps they’d be safe after all.
Can the candies swim?
The consensus was that swimming would be a bad idea for candies—they’d just dissolve or get smaller and smaller, which would be very sad indeed.
Do the candies have moms and dads?
Rachael and Sam speculated that maybe they did, but perhaps their parents had already been eaten, making the escapees orphans on a new adventure.
Where do the candies sleep now that they’re outside?
The candies are now “homeless,” so they’ll have to get creative—maybe set up camp or find shelter somewhere dry, since getting wet would be disastrous.
If the candies visit Santa Claus, what if the elves eat them?
The author admitted the candies would need another clever plan to avoid becoming elf snacks, hinting at the possibility of a sequel.
Which candy is the fastest runner?
Gummy Bear is the only one with legs, making him the fastest runner, but Lollipop is a great hopper and could win in a hopping race.
What’s your favorite candy?
Rachael’s favorite to eat is nonpareils, but her favorite character is Gummy Bear for his leadership and organization.
What are nonpareils?
For those unfamiliar, nonpareils are dark chocolate discs topped with tiny candy balls, making them crunchy and delicious.
Will there be a book about fruit escaping?
Rachael doesn’t plan to write about fruit, but another candy adventure might be in the works.
If the candies go to the North Pole, will they freeze?
The group discussed how candies might get very hard in the cold, but probably wouldn’t freeze solid. Still, the North Pole might not be the best destination for them.
"The Candies’ Last Stand" is more than just a funny holiday story—it’s a celebration of imagination, teamwork, and thinking outside the box. The candies’ daring escape is a testament to what can be accomplished when everyone works together, even in the face of overwhelming odds (or hungry children).
Rachael’s intention to create an inclusive holiday story shines through in the details: the presence of both a Christmas tree and a menorah, the diverse cast of candy characters, and the universal themes of friendship and courage. It’s a reminder that the holidays are for everyone, and that stories can bring people together across traditions and backgrounds.
The children’s questions during the interview highlight the power of curiosity and the importance of engaging young readers in the storytelling process. Their inquiries ranged from the practical to the philosophical, showing that kids are not only eager to understand the world of the story, but also to imagine what might happen next.
Rachael shared that she started with six candy characters, but added more as the story developed. Each candy has a distinct personality—brave, wise, compassionate, loyal, curious, confused, cheerful, and determined—making them relatable and memorable for young readers.
Unlike some authors who cut scenes or characters, Rachael found herself adding more to the story as she went along. The open-ended conclusion, with the candies pondering their next move, leaves the door wide open for future adventures. Whether they visit Santa Claus, Disneyland, or embark on another wild escape, the possibilities are endless.
"The Candies’ Last Stand" has been recognized with a Literary Titan award, a testament to its charm and appeal. The book is available on Amazon and through the Kids Ask Authors Answers website, which also offers lesson plans, activities, and coloring pages to extend the fun beyond the story.
No episode about candy would be complete without a sweet-themed quiz! In a rapid-fire round, Rachael was challenged to answer as many candy-related questions as possible in one minute. From lollipops to Kit Kats, M&Ms to Kinder eggs, the quiz was a playful way to celebrate the sugary stars of the story.
The candies’ escape is a masterclass in teamwork. Each character brings something unique to the table, and their success depends on cooperation, quick thinking, and a willingness to help one another. These are valuable lessons for children, both in and out of the classroom.
By giving candies thoughts, feelings, and agency, the story encourages readers to consider different perspectives. What would it feel like to be a candy at a holiday party? How might we treat others (even inanimate objects) with kindness and respect?
The candies face a daunting challenge, but they don’t give up. Their creativity and determination inspire readers to think creatively and persevere, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
While Rachael hasn’t finalized plans for a sequel, the open-ended nature of "The Candies’ Last Stand" invites readers to imagine what might happen next. Will the candies find a new home? Will they outsmart Santa’s elves? Could they embark on a journey to a magical land of sweets? The possibilities are as limitless as a child’s imagination.
"The Candies’ Last Stand" is a delightful addition to the world of children’s literature—a story that combines humor, heart, and a dash of holiday magic. Through its imaginative plot, memorable characters, and inclusive spirit, it reminds us all of the power of teamwork, the importance of empathy, and the joy of asking questions.
To watch the full read-aloud and Q&A, check out the episode on YouTube and join the fun and don’t miss your chance to get involved in the next one!
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Samantha Howard-Els – Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
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