Francie is sure that if Lorenzo could only see how passionate she is about baking, he would help launch her career, and possibly marry her when she reaches legal age. Then Francie gets a chance to meet the sexy celebrity baker Lorenzo LaRue, whose toned pectorals inspire Francie as much as the baking tips she picks up from his TV show. Unable to stay focused, Francie's pastry-filled dreams are starting to slide. But the new girl at school, Darlene, thinks Francie's obsession with baking is weird, she acts like Holly is her best friend, and she's somehow managed to steal Tate's attention away.

She dreamed about the day she'd be famous and have her own baking show. She had her own business as a weekend baker whose scones almost caused stampedes, a best friend named Holly and a deeply fulfilling crush on Tate Jarvis. She combines a variety of media, including watercolour, pencil crayon, acrylic, and graphite, to create images full of character.Francie's life was almost perfect before the new girl showed up. She's also written two picture books: 'The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarte'n and, of course, 'And What if I Won't'? (the latter with Owlkids).ĭrawn to illustration by her passion for children's books, Monica Arnolda is a graduate of Sheridan College's Illustration program. Maureen Fergus is a very successful YA novelist, having written 'Exploits of a Reluctant (but Extremely Goodlooking) Hero', 'Recipe for Disaster and Ortega', as well as The Gypsy King trilogy. Mixed-media illustrations support the humorous text in this story about embracing who you are. Susan returns from the park covered in burrs, having shed her dignity and grace enough to fully embrace her inner dog. With Barney as a role model, they take her to the off-leash dog park to develop skills like barking at buses, cyclists and squirrels, eating garbage, resisting grooming, and refusing to come when she's called. Spencer and Barney decide to teach Susan how to be a real dog. She eats cake off a china plate, takes scheduled naps, and needs an umbrella held over her in the rain. But it soon becomes clear that Susan is no regular dog. Spencer and his own pup, Barney, are excited to have another dog to play with and decide to give her a chance. All Spencer knows is that she's dignified and graceful, with long, beautiful hair - the dog, that is. Spencer and his family are expecting a visit from Great-Aunt Alice and her dog, Susan.

Recipe for disaster by maureen fergus