Forsynthia: Rise of the Cupcakes

Best Graphic Novel 2024 from the Good Housekeeping magazine annual Kid’s Book Awards
A Children’s Book Council Summer 2024 Showcase: Imagination Celebration! Pick
Forsynthia: Rise of the Cupcakes is the first book in a brand new funny and fun-loving early reader graphic novel series by Rachel DiNunzio. Dive into the enchanting world of Forsynthia, a curious young dragon with a passion for adventure, and her quirky family, who always seem to find themselves in the middle of magical mayhem. Blending humor, fantasy, and science, this tale will captivate young readers and ignite their imaginations!

The story begins when Forsynthia and her little sister Daisy decide to surprise their mom, a scientist at the Secret Magical Bureau, with a batch of homemade cupcakes for her birthday. But things take an unexpected twist when a magical artifact Mom’s been studying merges with one of the cupcakes, transforming it into a menacing mega-cupcake! As this cupcake multiplies and attempts to take over their town of New Harmony, it’s up to Forsynthia, Daisy, and the family to capture Megacupcake, save mayor Loren, put stop to the chaos, and save the day.

Key Features:

Perfect for Young Readers: This early reader graphic novel combines humor and adventure in a way that’s accessible and engaging for children ages 7-9.Fun with a Purpose: Readers will explore themes of family, friendship, and courage while encountering STEM concepts through Forsynthia's mom’s magical-scientific inventions.Vibrant Illustrations: Each page is filled with eye-catching, full-color illustrations that bring Forsynthia’s world to life, keeping young readers engaged from start to finish.Fantasy Meets STEM: Sparks an interest in science through magical adventures that involve playful experimentation and problem-solving.Benefits: Young readers will love joining Forsynthia and her family on their exciting escapades, learning the value of perseverance, teamwork, and curiosity.

Forsynthia: Rise of the Cupcakes is the perfect blend of fun storytelling and meaningful lessons, encouraging children to embrace science, stay curious, and always be ready for adventure!
Lexile: ​​​​​​​GN310L

"Action-packed! Cupcake-packed!! Jetpack-packed!!! It's better than 'Great Things to Do in 1982.' Way better!!!! You'll see!" —Tom Angleberger, author-illustrator of New York Times bestselling Origami Yoda series, Flytrap Files, DJ Funkfoot and more

"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." —Publishers Weekly

"An inventive and absorbing origin story." —Publishers Weekly

"[Kids will] enjoy the goofy gadgets and silly cupcakes-talking food is always good for a laugh." —No Flying No Tights

"As if James Bond teamed up with dragons who were Encyclopedia Brown and had magical cupcakes!" —Cannonballread