It's A Blog Tour To Celebrate The Return Of The Breakfast Buddies In Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast Short & Sweet

Depending on the number of days you've been fortunate to reside on this planet, you have at least once wished you could go back in time.  You may want to dial back to relive a magical moment, see a loved one who died, or right a wrong. As each decade passes you miss certain physical advantages of youth.

It seems this challenge of aging is not simply part of the human condition.  It affects all living things, even characters in picture books.  We first met the delicious duo, the breakfast buddies, in Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast (Sterling Children's Books, September 2, 2015) as they raced toward a flavorful finish.  They returned to solve a mystery in Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast The Case Of The Stinky Stench (Sterling Children's Books, May 2, 2017).  Non-stop action figured heavily in their third adventure titled Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast Mission Defrostable (Sterling Children's Books, September 25, 2018) (Cover reveal and interview) For their fourth frolic in the fridge, we find them with a visible dilemma.  In Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast Short & Sweet (Sterling Children's Books, September 1, 2020) written by Josh Funk with illustrations by Brendan Kearney the fearsome friends are fading. 

Still in the fridge and behind the Swiss chard,

in their apartment on Crust Boulevard,

prepping a tea party, ready to host,

stood Lady Pancake beside Sir French Toast.

As they finished their work, each of them noticed a striking difference in their appearance.  They were going stale! Their newly acquired friend, Baron von Waffle confirmed their worst fears, but he also had a solution.  He led them to Professor Biscotti's lab.  It seemed she had a 

patented DE-spoiling ray.

More than a bit apprehensive, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast took their seats and waited to be zapped.  After the smoke cleared, Lady Pancake, Sir French Toast, Baron von Waffle and Professor Biscotti were shocked.  Shrinked to children, the pancake and French toast fled in fear of the giant waffle.  Baron von Waffle was reduced to tears at the loss of his pals.

Much shorter, the duo scampered through Bran Canyon, over, down, and toward enticing edible places.  Eventually, they discovered something better than Pasta Playgroud.  It was the library.  Meanwhile, back at Professor Biscotti's lab, she and Baron von Waffle were mixing up a savory strategy.  As we all known, the best-laid plans can sometimes be a recipe for disaster.

Tension mounted between the adults. Baron von Waffle finally noticed a tasty trick for success can be used more than once.  Listen.  Is that the sounds of Born To Fun or maybe Carrot Clemons is soloing in Crumbleland?

In a word, this title (as are the previous publications in the series) is fun with a capital F.  You'll dash from one scrumptious second to the next relishing the word play and beautifully, balanced beat supplied by the ingenuity of author Josh Funk.  Every rhyming couplet carries the plot forward to its final harmonious happening.  From the boundaries of a refrigerator Josh Funk has presented a bounty of choice cuisine to enjoy again and again.  Here is a passage.

"Phew! Are we safe now?" asked Toast at Pie Pier.

Pancake responded, "No waffles 'round here."

Then in the distance they spotted Limes Square.

Pancake asked, "Race ya?" And Toast said, "I'm there!"

[Note: I am working with a digital copy.]

Readers will hardly be able to contain their smiles and laughter when they first see the front of the dust jacket of this book.  The breakfast buddies are considerably smaller, one carrying a baby blanket and the other a teddy bear.  They are each near a stack of books with puns galore in the titles. This is a foreshadowing of an interior image.  To have the glass of milk, partially spilled, with the cascading cookies about them is a notable nod to the title.

The opening and closing endpapers are a pattern of assorted fruits, vegetables, and desserts found in a refrigerator.  Maple syrup is highlighted as is a juice box.  This is done in several shades of pale red.

There is little doubt readers will be pausing at every single page to ponder the multitude of clever details Brendan Kearney includes in his illustrations.  Everything is food related.  The sofa in Lady Pancake's and Sir French Toast's home is fashioned from bread slices as the back and a sub sandwich as the seat.  Professor Biscotti's DE-spoiling ray is pure genius.  

The size of the visuals switches from two-page pictures to full-page images, and then to a series of smaller illustrations on one or two pages.  The shifts in size place emphasis on the pacing.  At the close of the book is a spectacular double-page wordless picture with another wordless vertical gatefold disclosing the wonder to be found in a fridge created by this author and this illustrator.

The showcased food is highly animated with expressive facial features, and the signature stick-style legs and arms.  The hair and hats on the main characters are perfection.  Brendan Kearney uses a blend of bright and pastel colors.  Sometimes background elements fade to etching to draw our attention to the main characters.

One of my many, many favorite illustrations is on a single page.  It's when we first meet Professor Biscotti and see her DE-spoiling ray.  The ray itself (which I won't describe) sits on a machine made of a chunk of cheese with halved orange slices along the bottom, red licorice, and a lollipop.  The assistants to the professor are a group of cookies, all kinds of cookies.  The professor with a large dollop of chocolate curled around her face for hair is kneeling next to the machine with a wrench in her hand.  She is wearing a lab coat and round-rimmed glasses.

You will smile for hours after reading Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast Short & Sweet by Josh Funk with illustrations by Brendan Kearney, and then you'll read it again.  The challenge faced by the children and the adults will further connect these companions to themselves and to readers.  Readers will find themselves desiring to eat breakfast, conceive their own rhyming food spaces, and think of puny book titles. You will surely want a copy of this book for your personal and professional collections to complete the set of fab four.

To discover more about Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney and their other work, please access their respective websites by following the links attached to their names.  Josh Funk has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Brendan Kearney has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  There is a scheduled virtual launch party at An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe for September 1, 2020 at 7pm.  Please follow the link to register.  Enjoy the book trailer and be sure to visit other sites on this tour for numerous interviews and insights.

Mission Defrostable (Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast #3) Cover Reveal

It's one of those evenings at the end of a day when nothing seems to go according to plan.  In fact, the word plan has completely left your vocabulary.  On days such as these there is only one thing to do.  There is only one surefire cure; breakfast for dinner.  Those three words have a magical effect.  It's time to whip up a batch of waffles, pancakes or French toast or all three!

As you gather ingredients, utensils, and cookware, lightness fills your spirit.  You can easily imagine the wondrous odors swirling around you chasing away the woes of the day.  It's like having a warm, comforting blanket wrapped around you.  JUST A SECOND!  Why is it so cold in here?  Did someone leave the freezer door open?

It's hard to believe more than three years ago on March 9, 2015 readers were introduced to two delectable food friends, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast.  The cover reveal for Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast (Sterling Children's Books, September 1 2015) written by Josh Funk with illustrations by Brendan Kearney caused quite a stir among the refrigerator crowd.  The release of the title caused an even greater sensation among the ranks of racers.  It's surprising (or not) what someone will do for the last drop of maple syrup.

By December 13, 2016 the book trailer premiere for The Case Of The Stinky Stench (Lady Pancake Sir French Toast) had people toe-tapping and hand-clapping as they awaited the release date of the companion title, a malodorous mystery.  The Case Of The Stinky Stench (Lake Pancake Sir French Toast) (Sterling Children's Books, May 2, 2017) written by Josh Funk with illustrations by Brendan Kearney had people guessing and gathering clues until the final whiff was taken.

I am happy to welcome author Josh Funk back to Librarian's Quest.  In this third escapade by the breakfast buddies, Mission Defrostable, a chilly chill is permeating the entire refrigerator realm.  What can you tell us, Josh, about this dangerous situation?  Will the duo be racers or sleuths?

If Book #1 was a race, and Book #2 was a mystery, then Book #3 is an action adventure full of twists, surprises, revenge and double-and triple-crosses.  In Mission Defrostable, the fridge is inexplicably freezing over, and Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are recruited to help get to the bottom of things.

You have brought to this daring duo's deeds yet another new character.  How would you describe this character to readers?

Agent Asparagus of the F. B. I. (Fridge Bureau of Investigation) leads the charge to determine the cause of the big freeze.  Frankly, when Asparagus shows up, not much is known about her or the F. B. I. - but as Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are counted on as leaders in the fridge, they quickly offer to help.

I believe you are a fan of fairy tales, Josh.  Is this story based upon a particular fairy tale?

I don't believe so-so if you notice something, it certainly wasn't intentional.  Mission Defrostable was based on some of my favorite action adventure movies like Indiana Jones and Mission: Impossible. 

In this story the theme of friendship seems to be stronger than ever.  Do you care to comment on this, Josh?

Truthfully, I don't think I went into writing any of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast adventures with any themes in mind.

In Book 1, there's definitely the 'don't waste time bickering and arguing - or everyone loses' theme.  In Book 2, it ended up with a 'don't judge a character who's down on his luck by his appearance (and odor)' theme.

Or in other words, you're right; the theme of both is friendship.

In Book 3, it's ... well, yes - friendship again.  But this time it might be more with a twist of 'give people a chance to befriend you - don't assume they don't want to be friends'.

Now you've got me wondering why the theme of friendship is so prevalent in this series.  What might this say about the relationship I have with food? Hmmmm . . .

Is there anything else you would like to share with readers before we reveal the exciting new cover for Mission Defrostable?

Well, I'm pretty psyched about this book.  It's probably the best one yet.  And so is the cover!  I think it's brilliant - it works both as a winter book (cold theme) - but also as a summer book (see the popsicles).  Illustrator Brendan Kearney has done it again!

And thank you, Margie, for hosting this cover reveal!  You're the best! 

Thank YOU, Josh, for visiting here again and for the honor of revealing this frosty fabulous cover. 

It seems our fearless adventurers are ready to spring into action when dastardly deeds have upset the status quo for the inhabitants of the refrigerator.  Obviously the popsicles are happier than happy at the turn of the temperature but others are shivering with the chilly chills.  Brendan Kearney has managed to give us the feeling of an icy atmosphere but our heroes maintain warmth with their true hearts.  I have to admit that looking at the ice cream carton in the center has me dreaming about my next hot fudge sundae.  

To discover more about Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney please follow the links attached to their names to access their respective websites.  Both Josh and Brendan maintain blogs which are linked at their websites.  You can find them on Twitter at @joshfunkbooks and @brendandraws

A PU Puzzler

On more than one occasion my canine companion stops in her tracks, nose sniffing the air with enthusiasm.  Her sense of smell proves to be acute and highly accurate repeatedly.  She may refuse to move, looking in one particular direction.  To be able to detect odors with her skill is usually astonishing; a signal for caution or a declaration of company's arrival.  At other times I imagine how unpleasant an aroma is.

As soon as the refrigerator door opens this same furry friend with four paws is sitting next to me; head lifted to savor the scents.  Most of them are wonderful.  When one is highly offensive enough to attract my attention, a search begins.  The Case Of The Stinky Stench (Lady Pancake Sir French Toast) (Sterling Children's Books, May 2, 2017) written by Josh Funk with illustrations by Brendan Kearney brings back the breakfast buddies introduced in Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast (Sterling Children's Books, September 1, 2015).  Within their realm something reeks.

Back in the kitchen and deep in the fridge,
past Trifle Tower, across Taco Bridge,
on a vacation at Marshmallow Coast,
sat Lady Pancake beside Sir French Toast.

Their idyllic hours are about to be interrupted.  Inspector Croissant, nephew to Sir French Toast, is rushing toward them.  A terrible tang is permeating the fridge.  It must be located immediately.   Croissant needs to succeed or his job is history.  Lady Pancake is sure Baron von Waffle is at the center of this repugnant problem.

It seems Waffle is not the culprit in this case; the odor increasing as tater tots make haste.  A green veggie gives them a clue but the water dweller in Corn Chowder Lake is not a helpful hint.  Pancake and Toast are certain the mystery will remain but the detective has everything to gain with finding a solution.

The trio trudges to new heights encountering a revolting stink.  There a cringe-worthy sight greets their eyes.  This guy has to go.  But wait!

Detective Croissant points out a well-known fact.  Back to the beginning the delectable gumshoes go. Will a foul fungus be their first failure?  Will this riddle be their ruin?  Can they turn this mess into success?


One thing is abundantly clear; Josh Funk can turn your refrigerator into a food fantasyland.  Readers will roam with relish through his tasty places as the rhyming words cook up a rhythmic feast for our minds and ears.  The clever use of a red herring educates as it entertains; no mystery is complete without at least one.  Acquainting readers with new characters heightens their desire to connect with the case. It will have them wondering when they will meet these fridge friends again. Here is a sample passage.

"What are you doing here?" Waffle said, sneering.
"I'm sleuthing," Croissant said.  "And you're interfering.
What do you know about smells that are vicious?"
"Nothing!" said Waffle.  "My home smells delicious."


I know for a fact when readers open the matching dust jacket and book case, the first thing they will do (after they smell it, Mr. Schu) is run their fingers over the jacket.  The title text, crown, mustache and decorative dots are raised.  The outline of Inspector Croissant has additional texture.  The colorful gummy bears will generate a comment or two.  To the left, on the back, we see the back of the bears, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast.  In a spotlight stands Inspector Croissant looking right at the reader, ready to solve the case.

In keeping with the rich purple hues, outlines of food are etched on the opening and closing endpapers.  Nearly all of them are animated wearing looks of happiness.  In full color the food surrounding the text on the title page literally looks good enough to eat.  Rendered in pencils and digital media most of Brendan Kearney's illustrations span two pages, edge to edge.  To supply pacing he includes single page pictures and small visuals on a single page.  The vertical gatefold at the end is fabulous.

It's a given readers will pause at every page turn to look at all the included details.  The Trifle Tower, the labels on the maple syrup, the flag outside Baron won Waffle's abode (with gummy bears peeking out the door), and the inspector's suitcase and magnifying glass will increase the laughter factor along with the facial expressions when the stinky stench goes drifting past the fridge residents.  A super technique Kearney uses is to show outlines of the places previously visited behind the current scene.

One of my favorite of several illustrations is when the trio, Lady Pancake, Sir French Toast and Inspector Croissant, are rowing on Corn Chowder Lake.  We are looking at them as if through a porthole.  The lake is a golden orange with large chunks of corn, cheese and herbs floating in it.  The friends are rowing with carrot sticks for oars.  They are seated in a Portuguese Sardines can with the lid curled open with the key.


The Case Of The Stinky Stench (Lady Pancake Sir French Toast) written by Josh Funk with illustrations by Brendan Kearney is sure to have readers laughing out loud as they trek with the trio through the smelly refrigerator.  I guarantee you'll be looking and smelling in your appliance with fresh senses the next time you open the door.  Who knows who you will discover within the chilly realm?  Make sure you have a copy of this title for your personal and professional shelves to partner with the first book.

To discover more about Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney and their other work, please follow the links attached to their names to access their personal websites.  At Josh Funk's site he has quite a few fun things for readers to do.  Josh Funk maintains a blog here.  At The Children's Book Review a giveaway of both titles is in progress until June 5, 2017.  Author Josh Funk is featured at KidLit 411.  On KidLit TV Josh Funk reads Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast before he reveals the cover for this title.   I was thrilled to be able to interview Josh and present the book trailer premiere here at Librarian's Quest.

Lady Pancake And Sir French Toast Cover Reveal--Champions At Breakfast

When someone mentions breakfast the first thing I think of is Sundays.  Growing up, during the other six days of the week, we had cereal and fruit for the sake of brevity.  Sundays were not only designated family days in our home but they were a time for making pancakes for breakfast.  No one could make buttermilk or buckwheat pancakes like my dad.

Under his watchful eye we were allowed to help add and mix the ingredients.  The griddle had to be the right temperature.  After the batter was poured, we watched for the bubbles to form signaling the time to flip the pancakes over.  It was sheer heaven when the maple syrup was drizzled over the top before we took the first bite.  Without the maple syrup the meal would not be complete.  I shudder to think what would have happened if there was not enough maple syrup for everyone.

Debut picture book author, Josh Funk, is stopping by today with a monumental feast for our eyes regarding the release of his first picture book, Lady Pancake And Sir French Toast (Sterling, September 2015).  Bickering between his children when added to a mind relishing the thought of

funny ideas that will entertain 

and

something he would like to see illustrated

equal a rhyming race for readers.  Josh has graciously agreed to answer a few of my questions.

In your PiBoIdMo article you explain the competition between your two characters.  Could you briefly go over the main story line of the book again for readers here?

Hi, Margie!  Of course I can!  Inside a food-filled-fridge, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are the best of leftover friends-UNTIL they find out there's only a single drop left of maple syrup left in the bottle.  Almost instantly they begin racing through the fridge for that last drop-causing calamitous culinary chaos along the way.

I do think the blurb written by the folks at Sterling Children's does a great job of summing it up, too:  

"A thoroughly delicious picture book about the funniest "food fight!" ever! Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast have a beautiful friendship—until they discover that there's ONLY ONE DROP of maple syrup left. Off they go, racing past the Orange Juice Fountain, skiing through Sauerkraut Peak, and reeling down the linguini. But who will enjoy the sweet taste of victory? And could working together be better than tearing each other apart? The action-packed rhyme makes for an adrenaline-filled breakfast . . . even without a drop of coffee!"

How did you come to assign distinguished titles of royalty to their names?

Lady Pancake was always a Lady.  It's just the title that came out of my mouth (er...fingers on the keyboard) when drafting.  As a rhymer, a lot of it comes down to rhythm.  I'm a big stickler for rhythm in rhyming picture books and based on that it flowed well.  Sir French Toast was originally Mister, but some folks in my critique group suggested sticking with the royalty theme (in fact, I just dug out that first draft from late 2011.  It was Carole who suggested Sir-so thank you, Carole).

But the real question is why did breakfast foods get regal names?  Well, to my mouth and stomach, there is no more majestic and dignified meal than an exquisite brunch buffet.

Why did you select the particular setting for your characters over another scenario?

Maybe it's just me, but I've always been suspicious about what goes on inside the fridge when the door is closed.  I imagine it's like Toy Story, but with food.  Which foods would be friends?  Who are the leaders?  Who are the troublemakers? (I'm looking at you Brussels sprouts)  Who are the villains?  What would happen in a bean avalanche?  Come on, Margie, you must have wondered about these things?

And as you already noted, I write what I'd like to see illustrated.  And Brendan Kearney did an amazing job of depicting this setting-so much better than I thought it could ever be.

As a matter of fact, Josh, I have wondered what happens behind the closed door of the refrigerator.  My food seems to disappear.  There have been days when I've looked at Xena with a more critical eye.  

 Do you prefer pancakes or French toast?

Waffles.

Is maple syrup your favorite topping for pancakes or French toast?

I gotta say, a high quality maple syrup from Vermont or Canada is fabulous, although I don't have such an experienced palette as to distinguish between grades of Golden or Amber, etc.  The boysenberry syrup at IHOP is a personal family favorite, but I couldn't have that all the time.

Do you have anything else you would like readers to know?

I just want to thank you, Margie, for hosting my debut Cover Reveal!  I've been a huge fan of your site for a while and I'm honored to have this little book be a part of your world.

And hi, Xena!

Thank you Josh for your kind words.  Woof! Woof! Xena sends you doggy snuggles.



I was able to connect with Brendan Kearney about his illustrations for Lady Pancake And Sir French Toast to ask him a few questions.


From the time you first read the manuscript until the finished illustrations, how much time did it take?

This varies from project to project, but the illustrations for this book came together
fairly quickly.  I think Josh, Sterling and I had a similar idea for the feel of the book from the
beginning.  It took about 6 months to get from manuscript to final art and then a few weeks of tweaking and making adjustments.


Could you briefly explain your process and form of medium used to create the pictures?

I draw all the lines by hand with black colouring pencils.  I then scan the drawings and colour and texturise them digitally.

What is your favorite character Lady Pancake or Sir French Toast and why?

I love all the characters in this book, but I had some real fun coming up with all the background character, like the broccoli and the beans.  I love adding detail to my work, and it was especially fun to add faces to everything, bringing everything to life. ☺

Without further ado let's dive into this delicious treat, the cover reveal for Lady Pancake And Sir French Toast.  My appetite for this scrumptious read is growing by the minute.

Clearly we may be looking at morning meal mayhem with the royal duo on the run.  I can think of several questions I hope are answered in the story especially the presence of spilled beans.  Brendan Kearney's color palette is absolutely mouth-watering; a pleasing mix of warm hues on a soft cool background.  I'm also getting a distinct craving for maple syrup.  How about you?

I want to extend my thanks to both Josh Funk and Brendan Kearney for answering my questions.  To discover more about each of them and their work please visit their websites by following the links attached to their names.  Josh Funk's blog contains wonderful posts about this title and his thoughts on the writing process in general.  Brendan Kearney's blog on Tumblr contains bits and pieces of his artistic life.  Brendan Kearney's Facebook page is a great place to visit.
Josh Funk is on Twitter @papafunk  Brendan Kearney is on Twitter @brendandraws

I have started a Pinterest board for this title including recipes, other books about breakfast food especially pancakes.  I am thinking of including books about the ingredients found in both pancakes and French toast along with lessons in following directions and the math used to cook.  Other suggestions are welcome.

Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast Activity Kits are now available! https://t.co/PAyWUeQsjo pic.twitter.com/Z219YpnjIt

— Josh Funk (@joshfunkbooks) July 25, 2015