Rise of the Cupcakes (Forsynthia #1)
Rachel DiNunzio. Paw Prints, $18.99 (144p) ISBN 978-1-2231-8716-7
A typical day with their mother proves extraordinary for Forsynthia Smoke and her younger sister Daisy in this cheery series debut by DiNunzio (Scarlet's Symphony). Forsynthia and her family are dragons, one of many mythical and anthropomorphic creatures living in the city of New Harmony. Her mother works for the Secret Magic Bureau, which is responsible for investigating strange magical objects and inventions. When a mysterious crystal is delivered to their mother's home lab, the siblings go on a series of "errands" with mom to S.M.B. research libraries and supply warehouses hidden behind city storefronts. Upon returning home to make cupcakes with Nana, chaos ensues, forcing Forsynthia and her sister to work together to save the mayor--and all of New Harmony--from a confectionary disaster. While the pacing is occasionally sluggish, minimal backgrounds, cartoon-style drawings, and a muted palette of yellows, reds, blues, and purples craft an inventive and absorbing origin story. Swift yet simple action sequences convey low-stakes conflict, and Forsynthia's fourth wall-breaking narration and enthusiasm for her mother's research are refreshing and endearing. Ages 7-9. Agent: Jessica Watterson, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Mar.)
