Chelsea Walcker lives in Lowry Hill.
There’s something special about living in a neighborhood where the people around you are not just neighbors but storytellers and everyday heroes. Justice Alan Page, a neighborhood fixture and former Minnesota Supreme Court justice and NFL Hall of Famer, has added another story to his collection of children’s books with his latest release, “Baking Up Love,” co-authored with his daughter Kamie Page — and it’s one with deep roots in our community.
“Baking Up Love” tells the story of Esther, a young girl excited to bake cupcakes with her mom for a school literacy event. But when her mom is nowhere to be found, it’s Grandpa — who bears a strong resemblance to Justice Page himself — who steps in, rolls up his sleeves and helps Esther whip up something special.
What follows is a tender tale of intergenerational love, patience and the simple joys of baking together. The secret ingredient is love, of course. Justice Page includes a real-life cupcake recipe at the back of the book — a favorite of his late wife, Diane Sims Page — adding an extra layer of meaning and sweetness.
Other beloved neighbors make delightful cameos in the book as well. Local 8 year-old Dahlia Baylor and her mother, Jackie Brown Baylor, served as real-life models for the illustrations. Dahlia, a bright and curious reader, amplifies the story’s warmth through her likeness and spirit on the page.
Jackie, a tireless neighborhood volunteer who devotes her energy to organizing community events and supporting childhood literacy, shines in her cameo too. Their involvement adds a touch of familiarity and neighborhood pride for those of us lucky enough to know them.
In our household, all of Justice Page’s children’s books are beloved, but none more than “Baking Up Love.” Our 2-year-old son Henry is completely enchanted by it — so much so that bedtime often includes 10 back-to-back readings. It’s hard to say no when a book brings such visible joy.
We also get the joy of seeing Justice Page in real life. He is a daily presence walking around Lake of the Isles, rain or shine, always with a friendly wave. Little Henry, an early riser like Justice Page, now stops whatever he’s doing to wave and say hello to “Alan” — a name he uses because of the book “Alan and His Perfectly Pointy Impossible Perpendicular Pinky.”
“Love really is the secret ingredient — in the book and in our neighborhood.”
It’s a small moment that feels magical. And whenever Henry calls out, Justice Page never fails to kneel down, meet him eye to eye and say hello with gentle kindness. It’s a small act that leaves a lasting impression.
Dahlia and Jackie who help bring them to life. If you haven’t yet picked up a copy of “Baking Up Love,” do yourself — and the young readers in your life — a favor: buy one, gift one and bake something together. You’ll be glad you did, and proceeds benefit the Page Education Foundation.
This book is more than a story — it’s a snapshot of what makes our community so vibrant and full of love. And to Justice Page — thank you for another beautiful book, for always taking time for even the smallest among us and for showing us how love can truly be the secret ingredient in everything we do.
