Sweets for the Sweet! Bagel in Love by Natasha Wing

BAGEL LOVED TO DANCE.

IT MADE HIM HAPPIER THAN BIRTHDAY CAKE.

In spring a young man's fancy may turn to thoughts of love, but Bagel just wants to dance--and that requires a partner. Poppy Seed Roll is the peppiest bread in the basket, but she turns him down flatter than a fritter. Pretzel crisply declines the honor, rating Bagel's footwork as downright cheesy. Donut's eyes appear to grow glazed at the idea of dancing with Bagel. Matzo turns him down flat. Croissant just rolls her eyes.

"ARE YOU TRYING TO BUTTER US UP?" SHE ASKS.

But Bagel roundly ignores all their denials and heads off to Sweet City to try his luck in the dance contest.

He auditions with a tap dance in the style of famed film star Fred Eclair, but the French roll pronounces his routine stale.

But then Bagel catches a glimpse of the sweetest pastry product of all. Cupcake accepts his invitation to the dance, and they give their steps a twirl around the dance floor. It's a match made in Bakery Heaven, in Natasha Wing's latest wordplay-filled winner, Bagel in Love (Sterling Books, 2018).

Veteran author Natasha Wing, the author of the ever-popular The Night Before.... series, liberally adds a dash of freshly half-baked word wit into the recipe for this pun-filled fun read, illustrated heartily in yummy pastels with plenty of sprinkles that may leave young readers smiling but strangely craving carbs.

Other satisfying rhyming stories by Natasha Wing include The Night Before St. Patrick's Day and The Night Before Easter.