Recipe for Disaster (Didi Dodo, Future Spy #1)

In this lighthearted start to a new chapter book series by Angleberger (the Origami Yoda series), Koko Dodo, who sports a chef's toque on his feathered head, is in crisis. His supersecret fudge sauce has been stolen right before the Queen's Royal Cookie Contest, which he has won for the past 20 years. Without the sauce, he'll never get this year's trophy, but luckily, Didi Dodo, Future Spy roller-skates into Koko's cookie shop, ready to track down the thief. Didi concocts a "daring plan," leading to many adventures, including a mad skate through town to find DJ Funkyfoot, a Chihuahua butler with an excellent sense of smell, and a wild ride to Cousin Yuk Yuk, a yak whose pickled rhubarb relish is the secret ingredient to Koko's sauce. After escaping the yak's wrath in penguin Penguini's food truck, Koko arrives at the contest to present a single cookie, complete with sauce, to the queen. But another twist awaits when the contest ends and the duo still hasn't found the sauce thief. Lively illustrations by Chapman (Vegetables in Underwear) contribute to the exuberance of this Inspector Flytrap spin-off. Ages 6-9. (Mar.)

Gr 2-4--Koko Dodo's Super-Secret Fudge Sauce has been stolen and he can't remember the secret ingredient to make more. With the Royal Cookie Contest right around the corner, he enlists the help of his friend Didi Dodo to solve the case. With a daring plan in mind, Didi and Koko follow the clues to a rhubarb farm, a food truck, and even a food court. With time running out, will Didi's plan to find the sauce succeed? Could the thief be one of Koko's competitors? Will he be able to figure out his secret recipe before it's too late? The characters are likable, engaging, and well developed. The food-related plot is mouth-watering, funny, and easy to follow. There's a good balance between illustrations and text, each complementing the other well. Full of surprise twists, this title will engage readers who will have a fun time guessing what will happen next. VERDICT A hilarious new series for fans of Tom Angleberger's "Inspector Flytrap" series. A must-have for libraries where funny chapter books are in demand.--Kira Moody, Salt Lake County Library Services