Cake vs. Pie

In zippy text and dialogue written almost entirely in food puns, Bardhan-Quallen (the Purrmaids series) serves up the tale of a deliciously silly rivalry between flavorful friends Cake and Pie, who each want to be deemed the sweetest dessert around. Universally adored Cake eagerly introduces new-treat-on-the-block Pie to everyone, only to learn that Pie really loves the limelight (“Yes, I know—I am quite a dish!”). After Pie is named Toast of the Town, makes an on-fire appearance at the Cherry Jubilee, and turns braggart, Cake, feeling crushed, declares a food fight to finally settle the matter of who’s top tier. A crack team—Brownie, Croissant, Cupcake, Danish, and Waffle—are in Cake’s corner as a black-and-white cookie referee calls “Leeeet’s get ready to cruuumble!” and the battle of the baked goods begins. The aftermath of a full-fledged food battle finds Cake and Pie patching things up and realizing that their friendship is the sweetest thing of all. Alongside the nonstop punning, Stilwell (A Pizza My Heart) renders an amusingly dizzying parade of bright, big-eyed anthropomorphic snacks cracking wise that play into a light friendship story about resolving conflict. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Rachel Orr, Prospect Agency. (June)