Blog Tour: The Great Caper Caper (Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast Book #5) by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendan Kearney

 

The Great Caper Caper:

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast #5

written by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendan Kearney

Union Square & Co., 2022, 40 pages

I'm always up for a fun blog tour and books by Josh Funk are always a lot of fun to read to kids, and, true to form, the latest story about the adventures of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast does not disappoint. Their newest caper all begins one night when Lady Pancake is suddenly awakened from a deep sleep in the refrigerator by a loud scream. Sir Pancake has just discovered that the refrigerator light is missing. But who would have taken their light? 

Everything was dark, except for a glowing light in the distance, just past Pita Plateau. Following the glow, Lady French Toast and Sir Pancake find themselves at the entrance to Fabulous Las Veggies, but barred from entering by security and taken to the office of Count Caper, the richest, more powerful food (or so he says). Denying that she stole the light, Lady French Toast and Sir Pancake are told to leave and never come back. They may be sure that Count Caper is the culprit, but how can they get their light back?

Ummm...how to get back their light now that they can't go back to Fabulous Las Veggies? Perhaps Lady Pancake can come up with a solution with the help of Sir French Toast and a few good friends like Barron von Waffle, Miss Brie, and Tofu, Professor Biscotti, the Fruitcake, the Beets, and Inspector Croissant, and maybe even a few Animal Crackers. 

Told in rhyming couplets that never falter together with colorfully amusing illustrations, The Great Caper Caper is sure to please fans of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast, and to win over anyone meeting this delightful couple for the first time. The story focuses on problem solving, the importance of friends helping each other, and a clear message that crime does not pay, even when it looks like it does. 

I can't wait to share this book with my young readers. We have read all the other Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast books and they always enjoy them. They're funny, the characters are so appealing, and the situations they find themselves in are always relatable. Plus my young readers all tell me they love pancakes and french toast.  

One thing I did notice - when did Lady Pancake find time to take the curlers out of her hair and style it before running off to fight the missing refrigerator light? She was totally coiffed. Needless to say, your kiddos will find lots to explore and talk about in this book its endearing characters and detailed illustrations. This is definitely a book that will be revisited over and over again in my reading class.

Be sure to visit these other stops on The Great Caper Caper Blog Tour:

🎃 The Most Haunted House in America by Jarrett Dapier, illustrated by Lee Gatlin 🎃

The Most Haunted House in America by Jarrett Dapier,

illustrated by Lee Gatlin

Abrams BFYR, 2022, 32 pages

One night in October, an invitation arrived underground inviting the Skeleton Drummers to the White House for an Halloween celebration. And what a fun place to be invited to. Not only is it the president's home, "[b]ut there's one more thing you might not know./ The White House is HAUNTED from top to toe!" A little bit scared, but nevertheless undaunted, the Skeleton Drummers head to the nation's capital and the North Lawn of the President's home.

There, kids dressed up as "wizards and witches and robots and more/ line up the drive and step up to the door." President Obama and First Lady Michelle give out treats to everyone accompanied by the haunting sounds of the Skeleton Drummers. 

Then, when all the treats have been handed out, the President and First Lady invite the Skeleton Drummers into the White House where "...inside the doors, something's not right./ A chill in the air and a prickle of fright/ grab hold of our band. Our sticks start to shake/ our bones start to shudder, then rattle and quake!" Room by room, the drummers encounter all kinds of ghosts and spirits, some historical figures who are still roaming the halls and haunting the rooms of the White House. And what a rollicking Halloween those spirits are having.  

But when they stumble on the Terror Ball, where the living and the dead are partying together, maybe it is time for the Skeleton Drummers to make a hasty exit from the White House out onto the Mall. But ultimately, as they leave at dawn to go back underground, all they can only say "Thank you, First Lady - this night was the BEST!

This is a fun story, told completely in rhyme, and based on a real Halloween celebration in 2009 at the White House during the Obamas' first year living there, when they invited the author to drum along with others drummers while 2,500 kids and their grownups trick or treated there. And, of course, it it believed that the White House is indeed haunted, so together these two things made for a fun Halloween story. 

I loved the pencil, ink, and digital illustrations, done in a bright palette of seasonal colors. And though there are lots of what could be scary beings, both dead and living, throughout none of them are done so that they are too frightening for kids. I would recommend this book for kids over 6 years, and you might find yourself having to explain who the Obamas are. 

There is some back matter consisting of books and online resources where you can find more information about the nation's haunted White House. 

The Most Haunted House in America is a lighthearted picture book perfect for the Halloween season.

Winter Lullaby written by Dianne White, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki

 

Winter Lullaby written by Dianne White,

illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki

Candlewick Press, 2021, 32 pages

Like much of the country, it's bitter cold in NYC today so what better time than now to re-read Winter Lullaby with my young readers, especially since we are all basically hibernating anyway. Told in rhyming couplets (a favorite of my kiddos), the story begins just as winter is arriving in the forest. With cold winds and graying skies, Mama Bear tells Small Bear it's time for them to go to bed for the winter. As the pair head to their den, Small Bear wants to know why he must sleep when he spots first a scurrying mouse and the a wide awake chipmunk gathering nuts, to which Mama Bear explains: "Mouse is rushing to her nest./ In soft, dry grasses she will rest./ Chipmunk stores his cache below/ before he curls beneath the snow."   

Moving on, Small Bear sees a skunk and a Hare romping in the snow and fallen leaves. 

Why can't he stay up and play, too? But Mama Bear explains that they too will soon be sleeping away the winter.

Continuing on to their own den, Small Bear notices a busy badger and a raccoon. Thinking they are playing and not getting ready to sleep, Small Bear begins to protest going to bed because he wants to stay outside and play, too. 

Mama Bear patiently explains to Small Bear that all the animals he has seen will soon be hibernating, too. And she promises that when they wake up, the world will be green and warm again, and Small Bear can go out and play. Meanwhile: "It's time, my cub, to close your eyes. / The night sings soothing lullabies./ We'll snuggle close all winter through./ I love you, Mama,/ I love you, too."

This is such a wonderful bedtime story for kids who are resistant to going to bed, and ending with am often needed reassurance that morning (spring) will come and they can play with friends again. It is also useful for introducing young readers to animals who hibernate and why. Lots of good conversation can result from both of these discussions. Dovetailing with the text are soft, digitally created illustrations that take readers from an autumn palette to a silvery white palette. 

My young kiddos love this story and we have read it many times and what better endorsement than kids who keep asking for a story to be read to them again and again.

After you and your kiddos enjoy reading Winter Lullaby, you can download an activity kit HERE along with a doorknob hanger that can be printed out to let everyone know whether they are awake or hibernating HERE, and you can also find a fingerplay page called HERE-IS-A-CAVE. All fun indoor activities to get through the winter. 

While this book was originally read as an eARC gratefully received from Edelweiss+, I ended up getting a hard copy for our little library of favorites. 

Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Annabel Tempest

Sadie Sprocket Buids a Rocket written by Sue Fliess, 

illustrated by Annabel Tempest

Two Lions, 2021, 40 pages

Sadie wants nothing more than to travel through the galaxy way beyond earth. So naturally, she did some research, checking out every book in the library about space and discovered that no one has ever been to Mars. Now, Sadie wants to be the first person to land on the red planet.  

But Sadie isn't just a dreamer, she's a doer. So she gathers up a crew, and together they all build a rocket ship that will be sturdy, safe and fast. As her crew builds the ship, Sadie studies the celestial map and chooses a date for blast off. 

Finally, it was time to take off and travel to Mars. Everyone comes to wish Sadie and her crew a safe journey - her family, her friends, even a group of reporters are there. After all, Sadie is a girl who was about to make history. The trip is long so Sadie and her crew try to entertain themselves to pass the time, but with no gravity, everything floats around. Finally, they land safely on their destination and immediately begin to gather samples to take back to earth. After gathering 20 bags of samples from the surface of Mars, it is time to go - a sand storm is heading their way but it arrives before they are able to blast off for earth. 

Before they can even take off, the sand storm buries the landing gear and there is so much sand they have to wait until it clears a bit to see what needs to be done. But, even after it clears up enough, the rocket ship wouldn't start. Would they be stuck on Mars forever, or will Sadie be able to save the day?

I just realized that today is the first day of Women's History Month 2021 and a book about a girl who dreams of becoming a astronaut/scientist is the perfect picture book with which to welcome the month. Sadie is a wonderful fictional role model, a girl who uses her imagination creatively, she's also a dreamer, a doer and a problem solver...and, oh, yes, a trailblazer. The whole story is written is rhyming quatrains that never lose their musicality and the digital cartoon style illustrations are detailed and colorful, and make clear for the littlest readers that Sadie's trip to Mars is an imaginary one, but that doesn't diminish the STEM message. 

But don't think this is a story just for girls. When I shared it with my young readers, both boys and girls enjoyed it equally. They all especially liked Sadie's choice of crew, and it did generate a talk about space and possibilities. Who knows? Maybe this book has inspired a future scientist or two in my little reading group.

Meet the Author:

Sue Fliess is the author of more than thirty children's books, including Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins illustrated by Mark Chambers, Shoes for Me! A Dress for Me!, and Books for Me!, all illustrated by Mike Laughead; and Let's Build illustrated by Miki Sakamoto. She lives with her family and their two dogs in northern Virginia, where they admire the moon, stars, and sometimes even planets from their backyard. Learn more about Sue at www.suefliess.com, on Twitter: @SueFliess, on Facebook: Sue Fliess Author and Pinterest: Sue Fliess

Meet the Illustrator:

Annabel Tempest is the illustrator of a number of picture books and board books. She holds a degree in fashion and textiles and has worked as a freelance illustrator on everything from maps and packaging to greeting cards and children's books. She lives in the beautiful Somerset countryside in the UK with her husband and a houseful of muddy boys and dogs. Learn more about Annabel at www.annabeltempest.com and on Instagram: annabel.tempest

This book is recommended for readers and dreamers age 4+

This book was an eARC gratefully received from Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media

Where is Our Library? (A Story of Patience & Fortitude #2) by Josh Funk, illustrated by Stevie Lewis

Where is Our Library? (A Story of Patience & Fortitude #2)

written by Josh Funk, illustrated by Stevie Lewis

Henry Holt & Company, 2020, 40 pages

I just love a good New York story and what could be better than a New York City story about the New York Public Library? And that is just what Josh Funk has written. Where is Our Library? is his second book starring those two lovable library lions Patience and Fortitude and a love letter to the NYPL's 92 library branches, as well as a visit to some iconic bookish landmarks in NYC.

 

It all begins late one night when most New Yorkers are asleep. Patience and Fortitude leave their perch and begin their nightly visit to the children's reading room in the 42nd Street library, anticipating a night of reading some good books, but when they arrive, much to their surprise and dismay, the books are all gone.

Baffled and disappointed, Fortitude immediately comes up with a plan and the two companions head out the library door and stealthily take to the streets, heading toward Times Square. No finding the library's books there, they head uptown to Central Park, through the zoo, past the carousel, arriving at the Alice in Wonderland statue, where Alice points them in the direction of the Hans Christian Anderson statue. Hans' suggestion: a list of branch libraries they should visit. Which they do, traveling from Harlem to Chinatown, and even along the High Line, but they still have no luck finding their books. By now, dawn is breaking and Patience and Fortitude need to return to their perch in front of the Schwartzman Building.

Do our literary lions find their missing books before the sun comes up? Yes, indeed. They have been moved across the street to the newly renovated Mid-Manhatten branch on Fifth Avenue and East 41st Street. That branch, Patience and Fortitude learn, now houses the Children's Library.  

Where is Our Library? is a mystery, an adventure, and an announcement. It is written in a rhyme that never loses its rhythm, an important point for a read aloud. Not only does this story make a good read aloud, but kids will really like seeing some of their favorite books on display in the various branches that the two lions visit. You might also notice that the plays shown on the Times Square pages are all kidlit related, even if the timing of their being performed and the present is a little off. And, thanks to COVID-19, most people never even knew that the renovated Mid-Manhatten branch has been renamed the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library until recently.

 

I read Where is Our Library? as an eARC but I still found the illustrations fun and energetic. I loved Lewis' depictions of the city at night, but I think my favorite is the two page layout of Patience and Fortitude walking through Central Park and all the familiar places they pass though. For those who aren't familiar with New York, the author has included an informative list of all the places the library lions visit.

You can also download a fun 12-page activity kit courtesy of the publisher HERE 

AND you can register for a storytime event WITH author Josh Funk and illustrator Stevie Lewis. Click HERE for details and to register.

This book is recommended for readers age 4+

This book was gratefully received from the author, Josh Funk 

🎂 HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY 🎂

WHERE IS OUR LIBRARY?

OCTOBER 27, 2020

Virtual Blog Tour: Short & Sweet (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast Book 4) by Josh Funk

Short & Sweet (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast Book #4)

by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendon Kearney

 Sterling Children's Books, 2020, 40 pages

Hi and welcome to my stop on the Short & Sweet Virtual Blog Tour. Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are back with a brand new adventure and my young readers couldn't be happier. After All, they are all fans of the first three books about this sweet duo. Their latest adventure begins as they are preparing for a tea party with Baron von Waffle. As they finish though, Lady Pancake feels achy and Sir French Toast looks pale. Are they going stale?

Luckily, Baron von Waffle has just what they need - a visit to Professor Biscotti's lab for a little despoiling. The three friends go off down Artichoke Road to Professor Biscotti's lab, where they are strapped into her despoiling machine:  

But when things don't go as planned, and Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are turned into children, the two of them take one look at Baron von Waffle, whom they now think is a giant scary monster Waffle wanting to eat them and take off, running for their lives. 

Can Baron von Waffle and Professor Biscotti figure out how to get Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast back to the lab so they can be changed back into themselves?

This book is, exactly as the title says, short and sweet. And told in a rhyme scheme that works all the way to the end, paired with a fun vocabulary and some very clever puns. I read this to my young readers, who are, as I've said, big fans of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast. And Short & Sweet has already become an instant new favorite. One of my kiddos did comment on Baron von Waffle telling his friends they looked gruesome and hideous and what a mean thing that was to say to them. So it's no wonder Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast thought he was a big scary monster after they had been turned into children. Another kiddo thought it was cool that they ended up in the library reading books at one point and enraptured by stories (but what does enraptured mean? they asked). And that is one of the things I liked about this book. There were vocabulary words to learn that were not usual to children's picture books.

Brendan Kearney's humorous illustrations are the perfect compliment to the story, done in a palette of warm colors, often slightly reminiscent of maple syrup. In fact, I was sure I smelled maple syrup each time I read this story. Which, by the way, is a perfect read aloud.

All in all, Short & Sweet is another successful addition to the Lady Pancake/Sir French Toast body of work and is sure to be a hit with all young readers.

Don't forget to read and reread the earlier adventures of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast and all their friends:

Be sure to visit all the other stops on the Long & Savory 5-week Virtual Tour for Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast's latest adventures:

This book is recommended for readers age 4+

This book was gratefully received from the author, Josh Funk

Dream Big, Little Scientists: A Bedtime Story by Michelle Schaub, illustrated by Alice Potter

Dream Big, Little Scientists: A Bedtime Book 

by Michelle Schaub, illustrated by Alice Potter

Charlesbridge Publishing, 2020, 32 pages 

When nighttime comes, all over the neighborhood, 12 budding scientists are beginning to get very tired. It's time to go home, get ready for bed, and head off to their bedrooms for a goodnight's sleep. Each young scientist and their bedroom is seen in a two page spread, in a room decorated with representative items relating to their specific STEM interest. And their interests are as diverse as they and the ways they sleep are.

For example, there are the twins who share bunk beds and are interested in climate change; one young girl in a wheelchair, whose hero is Stephen Hawking, has an interest in physics; an Asian girl who sleeps on the mat on the floor is interested in anthropology, and has a poster of Takie Lebra on her wall (confession - I learn something new in children's books all the time. I didn't know who Takie Lebra is until I read this book). A white boy with a hearing aid has pictures of George Washington Carver and Thomas Meehan (the botanist not the movie producer by the same name) on his bedroom wall because his interest lies in botany.

This appealing bedtime story, written in a simple ABCB rhyme scheme, has a nicely embedded message that tells young readers that science is for EVERYONE, all you need is the interest and there are plenty of areas where interest can be found. The colorful illustrations are whimsical and detailed. Each two page bedroom is decorated with books, posters, and other objects reflecting what that child in interested in scientifically, as well as curtains, pjs, and quilts to match.

When I read this to my young readers, they found the rhyme very appealing. The way it is presented reminded some of the of Goodnight Moon, a book they all still love. But they also loved exploring each illustration and learning the different names the different branches of science and the names of some of the items and people found on the page.

You can read the bio of each scientists included in this book HERE

At the end of the book, there is a chart defining each area of interested presented with a definition of what scientists study in each one. And you can download an extensive Educator's Guide and Activity Kit from the author's website HERE

Dream Big, Little Scientists is an ideal bedtime story with a subtle educational message that can conveniently be explored with your young readers during the day.

This book is recommended for readers age 3+
This book was gratefully received from Barbara at BlueSlipMedia