November 15 – Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

About the Holiday

The holidays are coming, and today’s holiday offers the perfect opportunity to really look deep into your fridge and toss any of those leftovers or nearly empty jars to make way for the special dinners and treats to come. This season of favorite foods won’t be complete, though, without the newest book in the beloved Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series to share!

Thanks to Josh Funk for sharing a digital copy of The Great Caper Caper with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

The Great Caper Caper (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast #5)

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

It was still nighttime “deep in the fridge” when Sir French Toast woke Lady Pancake with a scream. When she sleepily meets him in the living room, Toast tells her that the Great Light has disappeared. She doesn’t believe him at first. “‘Nonsense,’ said Pancake. ‘Crack open the drapes.’ / But as she gazed out, she exclaimed, ‘Oh, my crêpes!’” It was true. “All of the fridge was consumed by the dark. / From Lentil Soup Springs up to Passionfruit Park.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-great-caper-caper-waking-up

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2022, text copyright Josh Funk, 2022. Courtesy of Union Square Kids.

Then Pancake noticed a light shining in the distance. They hurried toward it and found themselves in Las Veggies, where a gleaming Tower dominated the landscape. As soon as Sir French Toast and Lady Pancake entered the door, they demanded to know who was in charge. “A salty green bud with an odor of brine, / Answered the question: ‘This tower is mine!’” He introduced himself as Count Caper, “the richest, most powerful food” and mocked Pancake’s idea that he had stolen the Great Light. Then he threw them out of Las Veggies Tower. On the way home, French Toast seemed distressed, but Pancake told him she had a plan all figured out.

Back in their rooms, Pancake and Toast assembled a team of eight friends they’d made through their many adventures together, and Pancake explained the scheme she had in mind. The crew set right to work, infiltrating Count Caper’s inner sanctum for reconnaissance, gathering the supplies they’d need, and devising a creative diversion. At last the time came to put their plan into motion, and the team descended surreptitiously on a Las Veggies Tower showroom. Disguised as audience members, Croissant, Tofu, Pancake, and Toast took their places close to Count Caper’s table as the Beets took the stage. In a moment they had unboxed a commotion of animal crackers that sent Count Caper’s guards running, and Pancake’s plan progressed without a hitch.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-great-caper-caper-las-veggies

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2022, text copyright Josh Funk, 2022. Courtesy of Union Square Kids.

They had just gained access to Count Caper’s office and discovered the hidden Great Light when Count Caper appeared. When confronted with his crime he caved, relating that he’d been scorned all his life and left in the shadows. He’d decided he’d had enough and wanted to bask in the star-making glow of the Great Light. Having confessed, he then ordered his guards to capture Pancake, Toast, and their friends.

But before they could, one of Pancake’s team member from Caper’s own inside circle stepped forward and gave his boss with an alternate scenario—and future. Count Caper looked around at the ten he had captured. They were smiling and hopeful, true friends all together. Again Caper relented and told them to just take the light. He “…then let out a moan. ‘Leave me to sulk in the dark all alone.’” This time, it was Lady Pancake who had an offer to make, and she invited Count Caper to help them reinstall the Great Light to its proper place. Now with the light safe and secure, it was time to go on with the show.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-great-caper-caper-plan-reveal

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2022, text copyright Josh Funk, 2022. Courtesy of Union Square Kids.

Returning to Josh Funk’s imaginative world with this fifth book in the Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series is just like peering into your own refrigerator with a bad case of the munchies and finding your favorite dessert waiting just for you. The first glimpse into Funk’s fridge immediately welcomes readers back to the clever food-inspired landscape and the promise of a surprising adventure to come. This time, Pancake and Toast team up in a buddy heist escapade that spools out with the same charm, humor, and camaraderie that makes this genre a favorite.

Funk’s nimble wordplay and smart rhymes give the story a brisk energy that will keep kids guessing at how Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast will resolve their dilemma while staying true to the series’ focus on friendship and welcoming new pals to the fold. And all wrapped up with the eagerly anticipated group party at the end.

Speaking of that party, Brendan Kearney once again gets everyone out on the dance floor with a twinkling disco ball, shining spotlights, and VIP tables sprinkled near the stage where a very special guest gets ready to sing. Leading up to this celebration, Kearney takes kids back to this one-of-a-kind fridge, with its rolling hills, wide lakes, deep valleys, and—who knew?—the glitz, glamour, and Great Light of Las Veggies! Count Caper’s office is, appropriately, furnished with others of his ilk, including jarred pickles, peppers, and pearl onions. And his desk? A tin of “extra briney” anchovies.

Kids will have fun joining in on the subterfuge as disguised (but still recognizable to young readers) Croissant, Fruitcake, Brie, and the others spy on Count Caper. When he’s caught, the cheerful group dynamics extends companionship not only to Count Caper but to readers—who will enthusiastically accept—as well.

Shining a light on friendship and second chances, The Great Caper Caper provides lively, high-style hijinks entertainment and will be a favorite read aloud on home bookshelves, whether you’re adding to the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series or discovering it for the first time. For school and public library collections, this book and the others in the series are a must.

Ages 4 – 8

Union Square Kids. 2022 | ISBN 978-1454943631

About the Author

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-Josh Funk Headshot-Credit Carter Hasegawa

Josh Funk is the co-creator of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, including Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast, The Case of the Stinky Stench, Mission Defrostable, Short & Sweet, and The Great Caper Caper. His other works include, How to Code a Sandcastle, Lost in the Library, Albie Newton, and more. Josh lives in Massachusetts and invites you to learn more about him by visiting joshfunkbooks.com.

About the Illustrator

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-brendan-kearney-headshot

Brendan Kearney is the co-creator of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, including Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast, The Case of the Stinky Stench, Mission Defrostable, Short & Sweet, and The Great Caper Caper. Brendan also is the author-illustrator of Forest, The Night the Moon Went Missing, and Fish. He currently lives in the UK with his family and invites you to learn more about him by visiting brendandraws.com.

Snack on this book trailer for The Great Caper Caper!

There’s no expiration date on all the fun in these fantastic blogs! See what’s inside!

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-great-caper-caper-virtual-tour-image

Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day Activity

Friendship is Illuminating! Maze

You can solve almost any dilemma with friends! In this maze these two friends want to shine together! Can you help the lightbulb at the top find a way through the maze, while picking up some pals along the way in this printable puzzle?

Friendship is Illuminating! Maze and Solution

**You can find The Great Caper Caper at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

August 24 – National Waffle Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today, I’m thrilled to join the Long & Savory Book Tour for Short & Sweet, the fourth book in the Lady Pancake & Sir French series. The fact that today is National Waffle Day makes it doubly sweet as Baron von Waffle has played an integral part in each story. And just how important are waffles to the world? Well, waffles and waffle irons have been around since the 14th century, and today’s holiday celebrates the day in 1869 when Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York received the first patent for a waffle iron. Fortunately for us, this favorite breakfast treat has also helped to inspire one of the most innovative kidlit series around.

I received a digital version of Short & Sweet courtesy of Sterling Children’s Books for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Short & Sweet (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast Volume 4)

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

Back in the old familiar fridge, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are getting ready to host a tea party. After all the preparations, though, Pancake is achy and Toast felt quite pale. “Pancake then screamed, ‘Are we both going stale?’” One friend at the party didn’t mince words. “Baron von Waffle, their guest, said, ‘You’re gruesome. / I’ve never seen such a hideous twosome.’” But the news wasn’t all bad, he had a solution and handed them a brochure for Professor Biscotti’s Laboratory, where she promised rejuvenation with her “DE-spoiling ray.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-short-&-sweet-stale

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2020, text copyright Josh Funk, 2020. Courtesy of Sterling Children’s Books.

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast hurried on over and took their seats. Biscotti aimed her laser and…poof! When the smoke cleared Pancake and Toast had become kids. “‘Explain what you did to them!’ Waffle demanded. / Professor Biscotti said, ‘Hmm. I’ll be candid. / I over de-spoiled them with my device. / I’m ever so sorry. I’ll charge you half price.’” But while the Baron was arguing with the professor, Toast and Pancake had grown alarmed.

They ran quickly away from the monster waffle. But the pair’s fear left Waffle a blubbering mess. They’d all just become friends, but now he was afraid that fun was all over. Professor Biscotti, though, said she could fix it; they just needed a plan. By this time, the two pint-sized companions had reached the city. They raced to “Limes Square” and then to “Pasta Playground,” where they joined the little noodles on the see-saw, the swings, and the slide. Until they saw the library and scampered inside. Meanwhile, Waffle was cooking up bait to capture them and “Biscotti kept working in her laboratories, / while Pancake and Toast sat enraptured by stories.”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-short-&-sweet-biscotti

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2020, text copyright Josh Funk, 2020. Courtesy of Sterling Children’s Books.

There was only one thing that could tear them away. Then they smelled that sweet scent and “they followed their noses past fjord, wall, and hill / and then kept on running and running until… / ‘The old syrup trick,’ Waffle said with a smirk. / ‘Professor, I’ve got ‘em. So now will it work?’” With hope, Biscotti put them back in the chairs and fired up her laser. But it just wouldn’t work. Waffle offered some syrup to make the gears stick, and this time when the laser went Zap! the tiny duo grew up! Pancake and Toast were glad to be back.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-short-&-sweet-bran-canyon

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2020, text copyright Josh Funk, 2020. Courtesy of Sterling Children’s Books.

When they learned that the Baron was the monster they’d feared, they were ashamed and apologized. Waffle was relieved, and as the three headed back to finish their tea, Pancake assured Waffle, “‘we’ll always be chums.’ / ‘Exactly,’ said Toast, ‘till we wither to crumbs.’”

Fans of the series know to expect a party at the end of the story, and this time out, they’re invited to Food Fest, where Juice Springsteen is the headline act. Kids will love picking out their favorite characters from the other three books from among the adoring—and adorable—crowd. Another perk is the fold-out poster that depicts a map of the route Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast took from Crust Boulevard and Professor Biscotti’s Lab all the way to Limes Square, the playground, and the library.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-short-&-sweet-waffle

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2020, text copyright Josh Funk, 2020. Courtesy of Sterling Children’s Books.

Like fine grape juice, Josh Funk’s Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series gets better with age. In Short & Sweet, Funk’s talent for clever rhymes and jaunty rhythms is on full frolic as Pancake and Toast’s quest to feel young again goes a little too far. His robust storytelling takes comical aim at current fads as well as something that never goes out of style—friendship. When Pancake and Toast learn they’ve mistaken Waffle for a monster and inadvertently hurt his feelings, Funk reveals that the best way to smooth things over is with heartfelt apologies and reassurances. Readers will appreciate Baron von Waffle’s sweet throwback to the book that introduced us to this most magical of refrigerators along with the hiding place of choice of these two cutie-pie protagonists, who live large in our hearts even when they’re tiny.

Opening the door to Brendan Kearney’s fridge is always a treat. Each page offers new visual puns, hilarious foodie takes on furniture, décor, and technology, and even a few clues to the concert acts that close out the fun. Adults will smile wryly at Professor Biscotti’s frosted chocolate hair and white lab coat while kids giggle at the book titles Pancake and Toast devour at the library. Biscotti’s avocado laser is an ingenious touch. Lady Pancake, Sir French Toast, and Baron von Waffle, with their signature toppings, remain as charming as ever, and the theme of friendship is baked into every page.

Fresh, funny, and as heartwarming as reuniting with a best friend, Short & Sweet is a must addition to home, school, and public libraries. If you’re new to the series, check out the first three books:

Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast | The Case of the Stinky Stench | Mission Defrostable

Ages 4 – 8

Sterling Children’s Books, 2020 | ISBN 978-1454934271

Discover more about Josh Funk and his books on his website

To learn more about Brendan Kearney, his books, and his art, visit his website.

Don’t shrink away from watching the Short & Sweet book trailer!

National Waffle Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-waffle-tic-tac-toe-game

Waffle Tic-Tac-Toe

The grid of a waffle makes a perfect tic tac toe board! With this special breakfast-inspired tic tac toe set you can cook up some sweet fun! With all the choices of squares in a waffle to fill, you can play 3-by-3, 4-by-4, 5-by-5, even 6-by-6 games!

Supplies

Printable Waffle Tic-Tac-Toe Board
Printable Butter and Syrup Tokens
Poster board or stiff paper
Glue

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-waffle-tic-tac-toe-game-playing-pieces Directions

Play 3-by-3 games as you always do
For the other options each player tries to build rows of 4 pieces down, across, and diagonally
The player with the most 4-in-a-row rows wins!

**You can find Short & Sweet at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

November 29 – Throw Out Your Leftovers Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It’s been a week since Thanksgiving Day – do you still have leftovers in your fridge? Are there plastic containers on the shelves holding food just waiting to be warmed up for a lunch or dinner that never seems to come? Perhaps there are even some mysteries lurking in the back. If so, then today’s the day to take the plunge and clean it all out to make room for fresh fruit, veggies, and other goodies!

The Case of the Stinky Stench

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

The fridge is full and the denizens happy. Even former rivals Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are enjoying a sweet vacation together at the Marshmallow Coast. But wait! Who is that strange, half-moon shape rushing “past Trifle Tower” and “across Taco Bridge”? It’s none other than Sir French Toast’s nephew, Inspector Croissant, with a disturbing message. “‘Uncle,’ Croissant said, ‘the fridge is in trouble! / A horrible stench turned a whole shelf to rubble! / I’m the last hope, or the fridge will be lost! / Help me, or else we’ll be cooked, served, and sauced.’”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-case-of-the-stinky-stench-marshmallow-coast

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, text copyright Josh Funk. Courtesy of Sterling Books.

Just as he says this, the facts begin to stink for themselves, and French Toast pledges his help. It’s a do-or-die case for Croissant it seems, as he’s “solved zero cases since getting this job.” Lady Pancake decides the perp is Baron von Waffle and suggests the three pay him a visit. They quietly enter Onion Ring Cave, and Croissant confronts von Waffle. “‘What do you know about smells that are vicious?’ / ‘Nothing!’ said Waffle. ‘My home smells delicious.’” And he’s right; there’s nothing nose-worthy here. Lady Pancake, Sir French Toast and Inspector Croissant leave the cave only to find that the odor has worsened. They follow some tater tots playing nearby to a red curry dish, where an okra divulges an intriguing clue about “a stinky red fish / who lurks at the bottom of Corn Chowder Lake,’” but in his rush to investigate, Croissant trips “by Miss Steak” and goes flying.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-case-of-the-stinky-stench-von-waffle

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, text copyright Josh Funk. Courtesy of Sterling Books.

Back on his feet, the intrepid detective and his side-kicks find a sardine-can boat and row across Corn Chowder Lake until they find the “red herring.” They’re convinced that they’ve “unraveled this stinky affair,” but rowing closer, they catch a tantalizing scent instead of a treacherous one. Lady Pancake is ready to give up, but not Inspector Croissant. He sticks his nose in the air and concludes that the smell hails from Casserole Cliff.

When they get to the cliff, they discover a shriveled up mess. The veggies are soft and the fruit a bit rotten, but Inspector Croissant sees the cause of the trouble—“a moldy old fruitcake from eight months ago!” The three are mulling how to get rid of this putrid pest when the fruitcake shares his story, which is all too familiar. The cake confesses that he came to the fridge as a fresh, yummy treat but was left there uneaten to mold and to reek.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-case-of-the-stinky-stench-tater-tots

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, text copyright Josh Funk. Courtesy of Sterling Books.

The inspector understands a few things about food, and as he leads the sad culprit away from the cliff, he explains, “Everyone knows fruitcakes never go stale.” With careful trimming they clean up the cake. Soon the fruitcake is back to his delectable self and has attracted the attention of softhearted Miss Brie while the other foods welcome him back with good cheer and a party to boot.

With the case solved, kids are invited to join the swingingest party in town. As “Spuddy Holly and the Croquettes,” fill the fridge with music, the residents jiggle, wiggle, and dance with abandon across a two-page spread. A fold-down page presents a map that lets readers follow the action from Taco Bridge to Onion Ring Cave to Casserole Cliff and all the stops in between.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-case-of-the-stinky-stench-onion-cave

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, text copyright Josh Funk. Courtesy of Sterling Books.

Just reading the first line of The Case of the Stinky Stench with its familiar, exuberant rhythm, I caught a smile creeping across my face as I anticipated the story to come. This sequel to Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast is a cool, fresh take on the mystery genre for little detectives in the—dare I say?—baking. The most delicious part of The Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series is Funk’s freewheeling imagination that comes to fruition in the expanse of that well-stocked refrigerator’s shelves. Clever rhymes, laugh-inducing puns, a whole stew—I mean slew—of fantastic words, and even a red herring await readers. Of course, old nemesis Baron von Waffle makes an appearance, and the introduction of the forgotten fruitcake shows kids that everyone deserves a second chance.

Brendan Kearney recreates the magic of this chef’s-delight of a refrigerator in full, vivid color and with the most adorable foods ever. Pink and white marshmallows, half-moon tacos, muffins, candy, cookies, and gummy bears all wear cute smiles, as they help Inspector Croissant. Even when the odor becomes overwhelming, the bottles, jars, fruit, and veggies sport endearing frowns. Rambunctious tater tots, hot chili peppers, and a steak-and-fries combo, join the fun. Kids will find ingenious details and visual jokes on every page, and will wish their refrigerators were half as exciting as the home of Lady Pancake and French Toast.

Ages 5 – 8

Sterling Children’s Books, 2017 | ISBN 978-1454919605

Discover the world of Josh Funk, his books, and activities for kids on his website!

View a gallery of illustration work and books by Brendan Kearney on his website!

It’s no mystery that you’ll enjoy The Case of the Stinky Stench book trailer!

Throw Out Your Leftovers Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-cinnamon-croissants

Bite-size Cinnamon Croissants

These mini cinnamon croissants are the perfect accompaniment to cup of tea and a great story! They’re so easy that kids will love making them as much as they enjoy eating them! And everyone will enjoy eating them so much that there will never be leftovers!

Supplies

Tube of refrigerated crescent rolls
Sugar
Cinnamon
Butter
Small mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Knife

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, or to the temperature on the package of crescent rolls
Open the tube of crescent rolls and lay them on a cutting board. Do Not separate the rolls
With the rolling pin, roll the dough until it makes one sheet
Measure ¼ cup sugar into the mixing bowl
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or desired amount) to the sugar and stir together until well mixed
Spread a layer of butter over the surface of the dough
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar across the dough. Use more or less depending on how much cinnamon flavor you like
Cut the dough into triangles about two to three inches wide at the base
Roll the triangles up, starting at the base. Looser rolls make flakier croissants
Place the croissants on a baking sheet and curve them into a crescent shape
Bake the croissants at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes, or until golden on top
Let cool
Enjoy!

**You can find The Case of the Stinky Stench at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

October 23 – National Food Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Established in 2011 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, today’s holiday encourages people to “eat real” by cutting down on sugar and processed food and choosing fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and sustainably raised proteins. While the work of education goes on all year around, today is marked by special events and festivals, some involving the nation’s top food activists.

Mission Defrostable (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast)

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

Events are getting curiouser and curiouser in the fridge world conjured up by Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney. So much so that “meeting in secret behind Pickle Post, / sat Lady Pancake beside Sir French Toast.” They’d noticed the fridge was getting frostier, even dangerous, and they weren’t the only ones. Stepping into view just then was Agent Asparagus, who flashed an FBI (Fridge Bureau of Investigation) badge.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-mission-defrostable-pickle-post

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2018, text copyright Josh Funk, 2018. Courtesy fo Sterling Children’s Books.

Agent Asparagus happened to be looking for Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast to join her “superspy team” to defeat someone’s “despicable scheme.” They joined up at once and followed the spear up to the freezer, but suddenly Agent Asparagus was grabbed from above and hoisted away. While Pancake was ready to rescue their friend, “Toast held her back. / ‘Something is up there, and it could attack.’”

They needed more help they both realized, and though risky, Pancake thought she knew just who to ask. But Baron von Waffle was not so inclined, but after hearing their plight and some begging and pleading, he finally agreed to lead them through the landscape he knew so well. “At last they arrived in the heart of the freezer / only to hear someone should the words, ‘Seize her!’”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-mission-defrostable-danger

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2018, text copyright Josh Funk, 2018. Courtesy fo Sterling Children’s Books.

In a snap Pancake and Toast were “captured and shackled in curly fry chains,” and “the duo was led through a gate of plantains.” And what about Waffle? He ran away while our heroes were brought before the empress, who wanted to do away with the fridge food—the intruders.

But who did they see sitting high on the throne? None other than Agent Asparagus, who’d hatched this nefarious plot. It seemed long ago during a “bean avalanche” she’d been separated from her bunch and after wandering alone had ended up in the freezer. Now she was taking her revenge on Pancake and Toast, whose race for the syrup had started it all.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-mission-defrostable-agent-asparagus

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2018, text copyright Josh Funk, 2018. Courtesy fo Sterling Children’s Books.

There was no one to help them get out of this fix—or was there? Onto the scene burst Baron von Waffle sending Asparagus’s guards scurrying and freeing Pancake and Toast. Sir French Toast and Lady Pancake were surprised too and wondered why he had saved them. Waffle had to admit, “‘Sometimes I envy the friendship you share. / But how could I leave you to freeze in despair?’” They all agreed to be friends. Hearing this story, Asparagus teared up and promised to “‘unfreeze the fridge and retreat.’”

There was always room for one more friend or two, and the trio invited her to join them. As the fridge warmed up and everyone thawed out, they toasted Pancake and Waffle and, of course, Toast. Then all the food in the fridge joined their friends in the freezer and partied and danced (to the Peach Boys) on the snow-covered hills.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-waffle

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, 2018, text copyright Josh Funk, 2018. Courtesy fo Sterling Children’s Books.

In Mission Defrostable, Josh Funk serves up a delectable threequel to his Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series that dished out suspense, surprises, puns, and clever turns of phrase that keep the plot and the plotting racing toward a satisfying conclusion. As in Funk’s two previous books, the rhyming verses are a joy to read aloud as they flow with snappy dialogue, evocative descriptions, and ingenious uses of a refrigerator’s design and culinary contents. Linking this third book to the first is inspired storytelling. Both kids and adults will appreciate Funk’s linguistic artistry that provides lots of laughs intertwined with a melt-your-heart friendship story.

Returning to Brendan Kearney’s fully realized refrigerator world where cunning characters lurk and intrigue is always on the menu is a treat that grows more delightful with each visit. Inspector Croissant and a spiffed-up Fruitcake make an appearance as Pancake and Toast discuss the nefarious cold snap that is affecting them all. An appropriately frosty blue backdrop lends a shivery atmosphere to the mystery as adorably frowning fruits, vegetables, bagels, gummy bears, and other foods await their fate. Action abounds when Pancake and Toast are captured, shackled in the clever curly fry chains, and discover the true culprit. The eagerly anticipated double-spread fold-down page that traditionally ends the book will prompt plenty of “Ooh”s and “Ahh”s as the now-happy residents of the fridge enjoy a party and winter sports in the broccoli forest.

Mission Defrostable is a must for Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast fans. For those not familiar with the series, the book is a thrilling introduction that will have readers wanting to catch up with this delicious dynamic duo. A terrific gift and addition to home, school, classroom, and public libraries.

Ages 5 – 9

Sterling Children’s Books, 2018

Discover more about Josh Funk and his books and find lots of fun printable activities on his website.

To learn more about Brendan Kearney, his books, and his art, visit his website.

Warm up to this Mission Defrostable book trailer!

National Food Day Activity

Breakfast is Best! Word Search

With so many delicious foods to choose from, breakfast might just be the best meal of the day! Can you find the twenty-one breakfast foods in this printable puzzle?

Breakfast is Best! Word Search Puzzle | Breakfast is Best! Word Search Solution

**You can find Mission Defrostable at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

May 17 – World Baking Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

This may be the most delicious day of the year! Established to share the enjoyment—and scrumptious results—of homemade breads, cookies, cakes, pies…. (Yum! I’m getting hungry just typing this sentence!) …World Baking Day encourages people to try their hand at mixing up a new or favorite recipe. As this is a worldwide holiday, you may consider baking something from another country or from your heritage. With so many cookbooks and online recipe sites available, it’s easy to find—and make—the perfect treat!

The Case of the Stinky Stench

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

Image copyright Brendan Kearney, text copyright Josh Funk. Courtesy of Sterling Books.

Ages 5 – 8

Sterling Children’s Books, 2017 | ISBN 978-1454919605

Discover the world of Josh Funk, his books, and activities for kids on his website!

View a gallery of illustration work and books by Brendan Kearney on his website!

It’s no mystery that you’ll enjoy The Case of the Stinky Stench book trailer!

World Baking Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-cinnamon-croissants

Bite-size Cinnamon Croissants

These mini cinnamon croissants are the perfect accompaniment to cup of tea and a great story! And they’re so easy that kids will love making them as much as they enjoy eating them!

Supplies

Tube of refrigerated crescent rolls
Sugar
Cinnamon
Butter
Small mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Knife

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, or to the temperature on the package of crescent rolls
Open the tube of crescent rolls and lay them on a cutting board. Do Not separate the rolls
With the rolling pin, roll the dough until it makes one sheet
Measure ¼ cup sugar into the mixing bowl
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or desired amount) to the sugar and stir together until well mixed
Spread a layer of butter over the surface of the dough
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar across the dough. Use more or less depending on how much cinnamon flavor you like
Cut the dough into triangles about two to three inches wide at the base
Roll the triangles up, starting at the base. Looser rolls make flakier croissants
Place the croissants on a baking sheet and curve them into a crescent shape
Bake the croissants at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes, or until golden on top
Let cool
Enjoy!

Picture Book Review

March 25 – International Waffle Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

When someone made a spelling error, turning the Swedish holiday “Our Lady’s Day” (Vårfrudagen) into Waffle Day (Våffeldagen), a brand new culinary celebration began! Waffle Day also ushers in spring and offers the perfect excuse to enjoy these crispy concoctions whether you like them sweet, with syrup or confectioner’s sugar, or savory, as a base for meat and other toppings. So mix up some batter and pull out your favorite waffle maker and enjoy a delicious day!

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

You know those strange noises you sometimes hear coming from your refrigerator? And how you could have sworn the leftovers were on the top shelf? Well, Josh Funk’s Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast may solve those mysteries and more in this rambunctious tale about what happens when relationships grow frosty.

One day Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are hanging out at the back of the fridge when they learn the syrup is almost gone. Lady Pancake claims it as her own, but Sir French Toast replies, “Not if I get there first!” And so off they race! “Through Broccoli Forest, past Orange Juice Fountain, they climbed to the top of Potato Mash Mountain.” But the race takes a turn as the two meet obstacles that are no fun at all: at the edge of a shelf “Toast couldn’t quite stop, plummeting down into jam with a plop.” And “Chili Lagoon slathered Pancake in muck and then at a fork in the road she got stuck.”

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The one-time friends call each other names and taunt each other with boasts of being the best breakfast food. As their competition upends the peace of the whole refrigerator from shelf to shelf, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast find their energy wilting, and by the time they reach that sweet sought-after prize, they are “battered and soggy, exhausted and crumbling, too tired to push, they were limping and stumbling.”

With the bottle in sight, they are shocked to discover that the last drop of syrup is already gone. Who could have done this dastardly deed? None other than the sneaky Baron Von Waffle! With nothing to gain, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast no longer have a reason to fight. In fact they realize that they lost out on the syrup because they were fighting. When they see that there is a little butter left, they decide to use the lesson they learned and share it.

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There are so many fantastic rhymes in this book that kids will want to hear again and again. One of my favorites comes as Sir French Toast catches up to Lady Pancake: “He scraped himself off and yelled up, / ‘You’re a meanie!’ / as Pancake rappelled / down a rope of linguini.” With such laugh-inducing verses, kids may never look at food the same way again. Josh Funk has created a tale about friendship that is both boisterous and unique and sure to quickly become a favorite.

The refrigerator world as envisioned by Brendan Kearney is as colorful as the food rainbow and as active as a playground in summer. It’s also stacked with the cutest array of legumes, yogurt, cake, juices, fruit, and veggies you’ll find anywhere. The final fold-down page of the entire refrigerator is a delight that kids of all ages will want to linger over even after the story of The Great Race between Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast is over.

Ages 5 and up

Sterling Children’s Books, 2015 | ISBN 978-1454914044

Visit Josh Funk’s Website to download a free Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast Activity Kit and to learn about more upcoming titles!

Discover more art and books by Brendan Kearney on his website!

Watch the trailer for this amazing race – you’ll be singing the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast theme song in no time!

International Waffle Day Activity

Sweet as Syrup Figure

Fun shouldn’t be kept bottled up! Well…maybe just this once. Make your own figure to display or play with from a syrup bottle with this craft. It’s sure to be as sweet as you are!

Supplies

Small plastic syrup bottle with a narrow squeeze fliptop and without a handle, empty
1 ½-inch wooden ball with ½-inch hole in bottom
16-inch to 18-inch square piece of cloth
Ribbon or strip of material
12 to 14-inch long medium-gauge craft wire
Gel pens, black, blue, brown, red (Gel pens work well on the wood as the ink doesn’t bleed into the wood and are easy to control)
Poly fill or needle-felting wool
Scissors
Strong glue

CPB - Syrup Bottle Figure II

Directions

To prepare the bottle

Remove labels from syrup bottle
Cut the flip top in half, keeping the narrow nozzle part

To make the head

Holding the wooden ball with the hole at the bottom, draw a face on the wooden ball with the gel pens
Glue a small handful of poly fill or needle-felting wool to the top of the wooden ball for hair. You can make the hair has long, short, or poofy as you wish.

To make the dress

Cut a 16-inch diameter circle from the material

To assemble the figure

To make the arms, wrap the wire around the neck of the syrup bottle, crossing it in the back and pulling tight
Center the material over the opening of the syrup bottle
Cut tiny slits in the material at the location of the wire on each side of the bottle, and pull the arms through the material
Bend the ends of the wire into a small loop to form hands
Screw the cap with the narrow nozzle over the material
Tie the ribbon or strip of material around the narrow part of the bottle to make the figure’s waist
Place the hole in the wooden ball over the nozzle in the cap and glue into place

Make up your own story with your new figure!

About the Holiday

The Great Caper Caper (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast #5)

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

About the Author

About the Illustrator

Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day Activity

Friendship is Illuminating! Maze

You can find The Great Caper Caper at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

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About the Holiday

Short & Sweet (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast Volume 4)

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

National Waffle Day Activity

Waffle Tic-Tac-Toe

You can find Short & Sweet at these booksellers

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About the Holiday

The Case of the Stinky Stench

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

Throw Out Your Leftovers Day Activity

Bite-size Cinnamon Croissants

You can find The Case of the Stinky Stench at these booksellers

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About the Holiday

Mission Defrostable (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast)

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

National Food Day Activity

Breakfast is Best! Word Search

You can find Mission Defrostable at these booksellers

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About the Holiday

The Case of the Stinky Stench

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

World Baking Day Activity

Bite-size Cinnamon Croissants

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About the Holiday

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast

Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Brendan Kearney

International Waffle Day Activity

Sweet as Syrup Figure

Share this:

Like this:

**You can find The Great Caper Caper at these booksellers**

**You can find Short & Sweet at these booksellers**

**You can find The Case of the Stinky Stench at these booksellers**

**You can find Mission Defrostable at these booksellers**