Working in an independent bookstore has a lot of perks. One is that you get emails telling you BOOK X is coming out! Request a reader’s copy today! And when I got an email telling me that Forsynthia V01: Rise of the Cupcakes by Rachel DiNunzio was available I emailed the rep and asked if they had a finished copy. And they happily sent me one. Therefore, I read via a physical reader’s copy and glad I did. An online version would not have had the same “fun” to it.
Now, this book is cute, and a predictable story (for adults) about a couple of sisters, a mom, a Nan, and some crazy cupcakes. There is science, magic and humor. There is learning about mistakes, taking responsibility and a modern feeling of a mom who is both a super spy and a scientist.
Of course for the adult reader, this was a quick read. I think I started it at midnight and was done by one AM (only because I stopped and got ready for bed, after all, I was on vacation and needed to pretend I was slightly an adult). After reading how Forsynthia (a dragon), her sister and their grandmother (also dragons) stop some magically/scientifically enhanced cupcakes from taking over the world I knew that I wanted book two and that this would be a big hit for that aged six to young 10 reader. It is minimalistic, and has a combination of a “classical tone” to the theme but the modern additions make it accessible to the today reader. It is both Grandparent Approved and Kid Likable! When I stepped back and thought, “How do I describe this?” I said It was as if James Bond teamed up with dragons who were Encyclopedia Brown and had magical cupcakes! It reminded me of several titles I have read the last few months, but is also truly unique.