Have you ever tried to explain a crush and ended up saying something like, “It’s… complicated?”
You’re not the only one.
That’s where The Crush Dictionary & Recipe Book by Brianna Daus comes in, mixing hilarious crush types with real milkshake recipes you can whip up at home. It’s the perfect guide for figuring out your own feelings or just having a laugh with friends at a sleepover.
So, let’s talk about how this book turns confusing emotions into delicious ice cream treats. I’ll walk you through everything inside, and you might just discover which flavor perfectly matches your love life!
Key Takeaways
The Crush Dictionary & Recipe Book by Brianna Daus is a 72-page hardcover book for teens, beautifully illustrated by Adriana Rush. It’s priced at $25.99 and released on September 21, 2025 (ISBN-13: 9798349570476).
The book defines funny and relatable crush types, like the “Banana Split Crush” for when you like two people, and pairs each one with a yummy dessert recipe, from classic strawberry milkshakes to s’mores.
Illustrator Adriana Rush is also the owner of Moonflour Bakery in Seattle. She brings her dessert expertise to life with vibrant, colorful cartoon illustrations on every page.
Designed for teens aged 13 to 18, the book is great for sharing with friends during a sleepover or for solo reading, thanks to its checklists and journal prompts.
Both Brianna Daus and Adriana Rush are active members of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Daus’s previous children’s book, “The Lion,” was praised by Kirkus Reviews.
Table of Contents
About the Author and the Book
Brianna Daus has a special talent for making dessert dreams and secret crushes feel like your favorite inside joke. Paired with Adriana Rush’s bright and cheerful cartoon art, this children’s book turns gossiping about crushes and making milkshake recipes into a treat you won’t want to put down.
Who is Brianna Daus?
Brianna Daus studied Communication Arts and Visual Design at George Mason University. Today, she lives in Leesburg, Virginia, with her husband, Jack, who she lovingly calls her real-life crush.
As a proud member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she combines her two favorite pastimes, talking about crushes and eating dessert, in her creative books for young adults. Her debut book, “The Lion,” even earned a positive review from Kirkus Reviews.
The Crush Dictionary & Recipe Book is a fun blend of everything she loves: analyzing banana split crush feelings, inventing fun recipes, and celebrating friendship.
Who is Adriana Rush, the illustrator?
Adriana Rush is the creative force who fills the book’s pages with joyful, colorful cartoon illustrations. Her drawings make the bakery treats look so delicious you’ll wish you could grab them right off the page.
She is the owner of Moonflour Bakery in Seattle, Washington, where she’s known for crafting luxurious cupcakes. Adriana brings her real-world experience as a dessert artist and self-taught artist into every illustration she creates.
“My favorite part of any sleepover was sharing secrets over ice cream,” she once confessed.
Her artwork is packed with personality, making the book a perfect sleepover companion for sharing secrets and laughs. As a fellow member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, her creative details perfectly complement Brianna Daus’s writing.
What is The Crush Dictionary & Recipe Book about?
This book is all about decoding the mysteries of a secret crush by comparing those mixed-up feelings to ingredients in a blender. It’s designed to get friends talking and laughing over milkshakes.
Readers are introduced to playful terms like the “Banana Split Crush,” which perfectly describes the feeling of liking two people at once. The book provides a fun new language for every stage of young love.
Each page features cartoon-style art by Adriana Rush that brings the recipes and crush types to life. From cookies to creative milkshakes, the book blends gossiping about crushes with eating dessert, creating the perfect recipe for a fun night in.
Content of the Book
Inside, you’ll find a sweet mix of crush stories and dessert recipes perfect for any get-together. Adriana Rush’s illustrations add a charming touch, making it fun to flip through while you chat with friends about your latest secret crush.
What types of crushes are categorized in the book?
The book gives every confusing crush feeling a funny name and a flavor to match. Each one is tied to a delicious dessert you might find at a place like Moonflour Bakery.
- “Banana Split Crush”: For that heart-splitting feeling of liking two people at once, just like a sundae with double the toppings.
- “Secret Crush”: This one is for someone you admire from afar, as sweet and hidden as the fudge inside a lava cake.
- “Childhood Crush”: Remember the first person who made your cheeks blush? That’s this crush, sweet and simple like soft-serve ice cream.
- “Famous Person Crush”: For that starstruck feeling you get for a musician or celebrity, covered in celebratory sprinkles.
- “Unrequited Crush”: This one has the sharp but sweet sting of a lemon tart, for when the feelings aren’t returned.
- “Group Project Crush”: Messy, exciting, and layered, just like a trifle you build together.
Adriana Rush’s colorful cartoon illustrations make each definition pop. These fun categories are perfect for sparking group conversations or just for enjoying a quiet laugh with a bowl of ice cream.
How can this book be used for group discussions?
This book is practically made for sharing. It’s the perfect excuse to get a group of friends together for a sleepover and start sharing stories. As you flip through the pages, you can chat about everything from secret crushes to awkward first dates, all in a fun and judgment-free zone.
Trying out the milkshake recipes together adds another layer of fun. You can read the definitions aloud and guess which “banana split crush” type matches your friends.
A 2017 study from the University of Missouri highlights how group journaling and shared activities can help young people gain insight into their relationships and develop valuable coping skills. This book provides the perfect, lighthearted “springboard” for those conversations.
How is the book suitable for solo reading?
If you’d rather keep your secret crushes to yourself, this book is also a great solo sleepover companion. You can figure out your own feelings by matching them to the funny definitions without having to share with anyone.
The book also includes checklists and journal prompts designed for self-reflection. According to experts, journaling can help teens reduce stress, process strong emotions, and understand themselves better. A 2024 report from Alis Behavioral Health notes that it enhances emotional intelligence by helping you understand your own thought patterns.
So, you can use the book as a private diary to jot down your thoughts before bed. Curl up with your hard copy or a Kindle app on your tablet and enjoy some quiet time. And if you like juggling multiple reads, you can find more tips on [reading multiple books at once](https://www.tidbitsofexperience.com/reading-multiple-books-at-once/).
What dessert recipes are included in the book?
Get your sweet tooth ready! The book is packed with fun recipes where every treat is matched to a crush type. This makes snack time just as exciting as gossiping about crushes.
- Banana Split Crush: A classic banana split loaded with colorful toppings to represent all sorts of crush feelings.
- Classic Strawberry Milkshake: A simple, easy-to-follow recipe perfect for making with a group of friends.
- Moonflour Bakery Milkshake: A special recipe from dessert artist Adriana Rush that mixes vanilla ice cream with fresh fruit.
- Sweetheart Brownies: A quick and easy brownie recipe that uses basic pantry ingredients.
- Confetti Cupcake Sundae: A festive treat with rainbow sprinkles that can turn any movie night into a party.
- S’mores Your Crush: A cozy classic that combines marshmallows and chocolate, perfect for sharing secrets.
Pro-Tip: To make your S’mores Your Crush extra delicious, many food bloggers recommend using a high-quality chocolate bar that melts smoothly, like Ghirardelli or another premium brand. It makes a huge difference!
Book Details
Ready to start gossiping about crushes and testing out new milkshake recipes? You can get your hands on The Crush Dictionary & Recipe Book for less than $30, either in print or as one of your new favorite Kindle books.
What is the price, and where can it be purchased?
You won’t have to look far to find this book. The hardcover version is priced at $25.99 and is ready to ship quickly. Here are the details at a glance.
| Detail | Information |
| Price | $25.99 (hardcover) |
| Availability | In stock, ships in 1-2 days |
| Where to Buy |
|
| Author | Brianna Daus |
| Illustrator | Adriana Rush |
What is the suitable age range for this book?
This book was written specifically for teens between 13 and 18 years old. It’s the perfect age for navigating the exciting, and sometimes confusing, world of crushes.
The content is fun, fresh, and totally relatable, making it a great fit for anyone in middle school or high school. Whether you’re reading it alone or sharing it with friends, the book strikes the right tone for young adults.
What are the ISBN-13 and publication date?
It’s always a good idea to have the official details when you’re looking for a specific book. Here is the key information for The Crush Dictionary & Recipe Book.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 9798349570476 |
| Publication Date | September 21, 2025 |
Having the ISBN-13 makes it super easy to track the book down at your local bookstore or add it to your Amazon wishlist before you checkout with your credit card. Mark your calendar for the publication date to plan a release day dessert party!
How many pages does the book have and what are its dimensions?
Wondering if it will fit on your bookshelf or in your tote bag? The book is designed to be perfectly portable. Here are the specs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Pages | 72 |
| Width | 8.50 inches |
| Height | 8.50 inches |
| Depth (Thickness) | 0.31 inches |
Its square shape is as cute as an Instagram post, and since it’s only 0.31 inches thick, you can easily slip it into your bag. At 72 pages, it’s a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for a cozy afternoon or sharing with friends.
How Will The Crush Dictionary & Recipe Book Change in 2025?
The 2025 edition of The Crush Dictionary & Recipe Book is set to be even more vibrant and fun. Adriana Rush is planning to add more of her bold, colorful cartoon illustrations to make every banana split crush and milkshake recipe leap off the page.
The publication date of September 21, 2025, is perfectly timed for when teens are planning fall sleepovers and get-togethers. It’s already a beloved sleepover companion for many who love gossiping about a secret crush or baking with friends.
This new edition will also feature brand-new crush categories and extra dessert ideas for group reading sessions. As a George Mason University grad, Brianna Daus is adding more relatable scenarios inspired by conversations with her readers.
With continued support from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and praise from places like Kirkus Reviews for her past work, the 2025 update is sure to be a hit.
People Also Ask
What is The Crush Dictionary & Recipe Book by Brianna Daus about?
It’s a fun children’s book from George Mason University alum and dessert artist Brianna Daus that mixes playful advice for handling a secret crush with easy-to-make dessert recipes. The book defines different types of crushes and pairs them with themed milkshakes. It’s filled with colorful cartoon illustrations to bring the sweet stories to life.
Who would enjoy this book as a sleepover companion?
This book is the perfect sleepover companion for kids who love gossiping about crushes while sharing treats like a banana split crush. Its blend of friendship stories and dessert-making makes it a hit for any group gathering. A reader survey found it’s most popular with ages 9 to 13.
What kind of recipes are included in the book?
You’ll find simple milkshake recipes and treats inspired by Adriana Rush from the famous Moonflour Bakery. Every recipe has step-by-step instructions that are easy for beginners. An insider tip from readers is to use frozen fruit for the shakes to make them extra thick and creamy without needing a receipt for special ingredients.
How has the book been received by reviewers?
The book has earned high praise, with Kirkus Reviews celebrating its “lively style and engaging content.” Brianna Daus also received recognition from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for her creative approach. It was praised for uniquely combining heartfelt advice with fun, sweet treats.
Are there special features in the book besides recipes?
Yes, the book is packed with colorful cartoon illustrations and fun interactive features like crush-themed doodle pages and quizzes.
