Gives new meaning to "What's in the fridge?"

A few weeks ago, I read a book called Dear Dragon which was about a pen pal relationship between a little boy and a dragon but they had no idea they were writing to someone of a different species. The illustrations were on point but it was the storyline that had me looking to see what else the author had written. (His name is Josh Funk by the way.) Turns out he had another book by the snazzy title of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast (with a sequel called The Case of the Stinky Stench due out on May 2nd). This book has fantastic illustrations by Brendan Kearney which truly bring the fridge food to life. If you're reading aloud to pre-school age children, I highly encourage you to have the kids make predictions and point out their favorite (and least favorite) food items. Otherwise, this book might be a bit of a daunting read-aloud because there are quite a few challenging words (and lots of them) per each page. It follows our two main characters, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast, on an epic quest to reach the last drop of syrup remaining in the syrup bottle. Lots of ridiculous rhyming, competitive taunting, and delicious food items abound. 9/10 for frolicking foodie fun.

Note: If you do decide to use this as a storytime read-aloud and/or you utilize this in a lesson I recommend you check out Josh's website which has a free downloadable activity kit to complement the book.

A/N: I'm trying to space out the picture book reviews but there might be a few that get clumped in the same week. That's good news for all of the picture book fans among us! :-)

Source: Blue Bunny Books

The end-papers give a hint to the artwork inside

I love these Brussels sprouts. [Source: Jana The Teacher]

**If you're interested in buying this book or any books really, you can click here or here. The first will re-direct you to AbeBooks and the second will re-direct you to The Book Depository. These are great websites for purchasing books (AbeBooks carries inexpensive used and out-of-print books and The Book Depository ships free everywhere in the world). Full disclosure: I will receive a commission on all sales made by following either of these links. I wouldn't recommend a site that I didn't use and you are under no obligation to purchase anything. :-) **

Holy cheeseballs, it's a competition!

Yes, this is a mid-week posting and no it's not a book review. Instead I come bringing good tidings and joy, dear readers. *sleigh bells ring in the distance*

Australian author of Bird of Chaos, Susie Mander, has extended an exclusive invitation to her book promotion where you could win a $100 Amazon Gift Card. I would like to extend this invitation to you. Yes, you! Enter before January 10, 2016 to take advantage of this great opportunity to win a truly awesome prize!

Susie Mander is an Australian-based author and mother of one. She has been published in Australian Doctor, the Hills Shire Times and the District Reporter, and was recently shortlisted for the AlburyCity Short Story Award. Bird of Chaos is her first fantasy novel. It follows the story of Princess Verne Golding the Third who has to decide whether or not to initiate a coup against her mother, a cruel and manipulative woman who blights the young Verne’s life and threatens not only her future reign but the survival of their kingdom.

To celebrate the anniversary of the publication of Bird of Chaos (as well as Christmas!) Susie Mander is giving away a $100 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to give back to readers,” Mander says. “I think this is a great prize because you can spend it on whatever you like and it comes just in time for the festive season.”

 Click here to enter now before time runs out!