Child’s Play: How a humble kitchen tool inspired the ‘Quickly’ children’s book series
Once upon a time, there was a teacher named Jeryl Abelmann who loved children’s books. Having read countless stories to fifth graders over her 30-year career, she dreamed of one day writing a book that would inspire children to treasure family traditions and explore what makes their own families special.
She dreamed about her book for a very long time—but she just couldn’t imagine exactly what that story might be about.
“My cousin Nancy is an author and professor, and when I told her I wanted to write a children’s book, she asked, ‘But about what?’”
Abelmann’s cousin smiled and pointed to the pancake spatula framed on the kitchen wall. In that instant, Jeryl knew exactly what she would do.
“The little spatula even had a name tag. My inspiration was waiting for me to notice all along,” said Abelmann.
With help from her dear friend and writing partner Miriam Kronish, and illustrator Chason Matthams, Quickly: The Magic Spatula was born.
Soon after came Quickly’s Magical Pancake Adventure, featuring 25 pancake recipes from famous chefs, including one extra special recipe from acclaimed French chef Jacques Pépin.
The “Quickly” books share heartwarming themes: appreciating life’s little things, honoring family, enjoying food together, and understanding the importance of passing down family values through generations.
“There are pages in the first book for parents and children to write down their own stories together. Families need to preserve stories and hand them down—just like a wonderful recipe,” Abelmann said.
For co-author Miriam Kronish, who teaches at Cambridge College in Massachusetts, kids and kitchens are pure magic.
“We’re hoping our books inspire kids to rush into the kitchen with an adult—and that it starts them cooking for life,” said Kronish.
These days, when Abelmann goes on book tours, she always takes Quickly down off the wall. But he never travels in luggage—Quickly always flies in her purse or even on her lap.
The humble pancake spatula that inspired two books (and a third in the works) was once Abelmann’s mother’s secret weapon for making the fluffiest, lightest pancakes imaginable.
When Jeryl talks about her mother, she paints a vivid picture.
“My mother didn’t own jeans or sweatpants in the 1950s. Like other moms, she dressed up on Sunday mornings when our extended family came for breakfast,” Abelmann recalled.
“She was perfectly turned out in a pretty dress and high heels—always beautiful and smiling. Her kitchen was gleaming and perfectly organized.”
One Sunday, as fragrant pancake batter sizzled in the pan, Abelmann’s mother realized she didn’t have her spatula handy. In a commanding voice, she told her young son to grab it—quickly.
“My brother Jeff dashed to help, and when he handed it to her he said, ‘Here, Mommy—here’s Quickly!’” Abelmann laughed. “After that, the spatula had a name and became part of our family.”
Today, modern parents may find themselves juggling modems more often than kitchen utensils. Phone calls, earbuds, and screens dominate even traditional bonding times.
So when do parents and children truly talk?
“When we cook together, we talk and share,” said Abelmann. “That time communicates to children that family matters—and it’s an opportunity to teach them to carry forward family traditions.”
Jeryl Abelmann didn’t frame a vintage kitchen tool because she lacked decorating ideas. She did it as a tribute to her mother and as a way to preserve a family artifact—a treasure for her grandchildren and generations to come.
Though the spatula’s original green paint is now flaking from the wooden handle, it remains a humble tool capable of magic—sparking imagination and connection.
Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Abelmann discovered that everything she needed was with her all along. Her amazing adventure with Quickly continues to inspire families everywhere.
“What’s most heartwarming to me is that people tell me stories about items they treasure,” she said. “I’ve seen people moved to tears. Quickly hasn’t just inspired children to cook—he’s inspired people to frame their own precious and unusual family treasures.”
