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

PreS-Gr 2--Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are off on a new adventure, and this one has a sci-fi twist! The delicious duo are feeling a little off when their friend Baron von Waffle suggests a cure from Professor Biscotti's laboratory--a despoiling ray. However, the despoiling ray has some unintended side effects, and Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are transformed into tiny versions of themselves.The pint-sized pair are terrified of the Baron and take off on a cross-refrigerator race, leaving their friend the Baron to find a cure for both their size and perhaps their friendship. As in other books about Pancake and Toast, this is full of fun rhymes, funny puns, and amazing vocabulary. Perfectly framing it all is Kearney's art work, featuring expressive faces and a warm color palette. The science fiction spin is a terrific addition to the series, while the problem-solving that Professor Biscotti needs to do has a natural tie-in to STEAM activities. Younger students will enjoy the baby-sized versions of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast, and thinking about food in a playful and creative way will offer lots of activity options for teachers and parents. VERDICT A series that just keeps improving, with an adorable couple taking center stage. A must purchase.--Debbie Tanner, SD Spady Montessori Elem., FL