It began as a typical Tuesday for the intern duo of Marisa and Ariel. There were books to be shelved and packages to be be sorted. But when Ariel pried open a box from Kids Can Press, the unlikely aroma of baked goods spilled out instead of your standard picture book. A white box was then drawn out, containing the means to build a gingerbread house inspired by the book Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas.



Contents to build the gingerbread house included the cookie walls and roof, a gingerbread man, powdered sugar, and packages of assorted candy. Unfortunately, some of the cookies became cracked and crumbled during shipping, which made assembly much more precarious. A good portion of frosting included was utilized as a glue agent. Despite a few hiccups in the process, Marisa and Ariel powered through, piecing the cookies together one section at a time. The roof even sports two classy skylights . . . after a slight mix-up in what was supposed to be the roof and walls.

As they pressed the final piece together, the girls held their breath and backed up. When the walls showed no signs of buckling, they  shared a sigh of relief and a high-five. The structure survived, and was ready for a night of setting in the refrigerator.



The next day, Marisa and another intern, Meredith set out to complete the design of the gingerbread house. Ariel had already provided some intricate piping techniques on the door by writing "Horn Book" the day before.



Marisa and Meredith placed gumdrops, M&Ms, powdered sugar snow drifts, peppermint patties, Tootsie Rolls, and other candy decorations around and on the house.



And now, equipped with the essential gingerbread house, The Horn Book office is ready to ring in a sweet holiday season!