Fizzy's Lunch Lab: Super Supper Throwdown

Gr 2–4—The food or the toy…in the ultimate mealtime challenge, which would truly win? Professor Fizzy, health foodie and culinary genius, is challenged to a dinner "throwdown" by Fast Food Freddy, his nemesis and Greasy World theme park owner. They must create a "super supper" menu to be served before a panel of kid judges, with the loser serving the winner's menu for an entire month. This lighthearted easy reader is a companion to the PBS Kids web series, Fizzy's Lunch Lab and works very well as a stand-alone. The nonfiction format succeeds with its bright and energetic layout. The kid-friendly cartoons cheerfully cover topics such as proper mealtime etiquette, how to effectively maneuver the supermarket, and how food affects our bodies. Each page is filled with fun facts and easy do-it-yourself recipes. The writing is age appropriate and informal. Kids will enjoy following Professor Fizzy as he is joined by a diverse group of characters on his quest to whip up the winning meal. Each chapter also mirrors Fast Food Freddy and his unwholesome choices. This will have broad appeal with even the youngest readers. Like Monster Health Book(Holiday House, 2006), this is a welcome addition to the genre and an excellent introduction to the value of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. In the finale, the judges declare Professor Fizzy the winner, as will any library that adds this delicious book to their collection.—Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library