Augustus Jackson, Creator of Ice Cream as We Know It

Who Invented Ice Cream? 

Ice Cream Man introduced us to Augustus Jackson, who was born in 1808 in the free state of Pennsylvania. He discovered a love of cooking early on in his life, and moved to the White House. There, he learned how to become a cook, and also began tinkering with the ice cream recipe. 

His ice cream recipe was so well-received that he opened up his own ice cream parlor, and eventually expanded to becoming a supplier to other ice cream shop parlors by finding ways to streamline the ice cream making process and improving shipping standards. 

Themes

Pursue Your Dreams

Ice Cream Man starts with Augustus (“Gus”) discovering at a very young age that he loves cooking. He pursued his passion at a young age as a way to help support his family. Even though it meant leaving everyone he ever knew, he went and found himself a job and a mentor to help him reach the next level of his goals.

Be Brave

Gus left his home at just twelve years old. His bravery led to a position serving in the White House, where he served the dignitaries of the day. Those opportunities were not available to him in his family’s home in Pennsylvania.

Conversations

Reading Ice Cream Man

I have always considered myself a hands-on learner, and once I found this book at the library I knew that the only place that made sense to read this book was our favorite local ice cream parlor, Clementine’s Creamery.

We had such a blast eating ice cream (they even have an entire vegan portion of offerings; my favorite is the Tahini Chocolate Chip), and reading this book together. It was a core memory for sure.

Age Level

Both my eight-year-old and my five-year-old loved this book. I have a feeling they will remember this one for a long time.

Where to Buy

We recommend purchasing this book through Bookshop.org, an online retailer that sends profits to local independent book stores of your choice!