An anthropomorphic pancake becomes a superhero in this madcap graphic novel series opener. Peggy Pancake feels as if she's living in her brother Patrick's shadow: she frequently oversleeps and misses the bus to Winifred Waffle Elementary School, while Patrick is always perfectly punctual. After Peggy and new student Luc Croissant anger the Bacon Bullies Jan, Dan, and Stan, the crispy trio sneak visiting scientist Dr. Egg's experimental formula into Peggy's lunch. Imbibing the Gravitational-Defying, Strength-Enhancing, Self-Defense Optimizing Elixer results in Peggy developing fantastical superpowers, which she uses to save Luc from another Bacon Bullies encounter. Encouraged by fervent idealist Luc, Peggy endeavors to protect her town from evil Dr. Breakfast Sandwich. Digital illustrations by Alwar (Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates), rendered to embody a playful crayon and colored pencil vibe, depict scrumptious comics spreads bustling with visual kitchen paraphernalia puns that elevate a slim plot overladen by message-heavy dialogue surrounding self-doubt and ethics, as when Dr. Egg lectures Peggy's class on "what is right... and what is wrong." Lloyd (Haven) develops Super Pancake's smooth moves--"Butter Smother! Syrup Swirl! Flapjack Flip!"--with an eye toward humor. Ages 7--10. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. (Feb.)

Peggy Pancake lives in a skillet house in Breakfast Town. She's quite an average pancake until someone slips a serum into her school food that grants her superstrength and flight! After she saves Luc Croissant from the Bacon Bullies, with unexpectedly epic fighting moves (Pow! Bam! Kazow!), Luc becomes her superhero sidekick. Soon, they're facing off against their first archvillain, Dr. Breakfast Sandwich, and his two Henchtoast in a cheese-grater-shaped megamansion on top of Maple Mountain. With fighting moves like the Griddle Kick and the Butter Smother, Superpancake is destined to win, ultimately proving that kindness is the biggest superpower of all. The puns are resplendent in this early graphic novel, and the digitally rendered artwork is as intentionally sloppy as the syrup within its pages, and while some of the panels feel crowded, the action moves along quickly. The plot is thin and predictable, but it doesn't aim to be anything more, relying heavily (and wisely) on humor and positive messaging, including the overt theme that you don't have to be perfect to be a superhero.

Gr 1--5--Peggy Pancake starts the day as an ordinary flapjack, bumbling her way to school, spacing out during a career day presentation--and then suddenly, she finds herself possessed with powers previously unimagined, poised to become Super Pancake. She faces sizzling schoolhouse foes the Bacon Bullies, but soon discovers a greater threat in the dastardly Doctor Breakfast Sandwich. As Peggy begins to realize her gifts, she also forges a fast friendship with the new kid at school, Luc Croissant, who, in an unassuming fashion, becomes the perfect sidekick. Together they create a secret treehouse hideaway where Peggy tests her flying acumen and Luc fashions a superhero costume for her. As the story unfolds, the origins of her mysterious powers are revealed, Luc is kidnapped, a donut detective is called, and finally, Peggy must face down Doctor Breakfast Sandwich in his lair. This graphic novel chapter book is written as something of an origin story, and as this volume ends, Peggy and Luc seem poised to explore more mysteries, personal and fantastical. Lloyd's story, while whimsical, focuses largely on familiar childhood territory of social anxieties, self-confidence, and how a good friendship can be super-powerful. Alwar's color illustrations are full of green, purple, and gold, and in a world populated with anthropomorphic foodstuffs, the book looks just delicious enough to make your tummy rumble. VERDICT Full of friendships, food fights, and slightly ridiculous bad guys, this is a sweet, silly caper ready to be gobbled up.--Emilia Packard

Justice can be sweet--and slightly syrupy. Peggy Pancake is an average elementary school student in Breakfast Town. She battles her snooze button, deals with her parents' high expectations, and struggles to make the bus. She even has her own band of baddies to deal with, the Bacon Bullies: Jan, Dan, and Stan. After she misses the bus, Career Day at Winifred Waffle Elementary School is already off to a bad start, but it picks up after a prank--Jan Bacon sneaking the contents of visiting Professor Egglentine Egg's golden vial into Peggy's lunch--gives Peggy powers. When Peggy stumbles upon the Bacon Bullies picking on the new kid, Luc Croissant, she steels herself to stand up for him...then finds herself fighting back with superhero-quality moves! Luc declares her a superhero, and as they climb to a treehouse safe haven in the woods, she learns she really is one--she can fly, too! But as cool as it is to have superpowers, Peggy soon learns there is a downside--the evil Dr. Breakfast Sandwich wants more power, and his henchmen will stop at nothing to get it for him, even if it means going after Peggy. The pencil-stroke art has a Dav Pilkey quality that Captain Underpants fans will adore, and the goofy appeal of crime-fighting breakfast foods is just too delicious to pass up. A tasty treat that's super fun to read. (character designs) (Graphic fiction. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.