Saturday is pancake day by Bernadette Green and Daniel Gray-Barnett

Saturday always means that pancakes are made and eaten in this household, but for once, Henry does not feel like pancakes. It is up to dad, Milo, and the twins to find out why. When they get to his room, he tells them he feels unwell, but when his temperature is taken, it is normal. The twins decide to make something that will appeal to Henry, and raid the pantry, the fridge and the freezer for the ingredients for their concoctions. And what concoctions!  Readers will laugh and scream with disgust at the combinations the twins come up with to tempt Henry out of bed. Spinach and ice cream, pasta with sardines and hundreds and thousands, were amongst the creative recipes, but Henry was still unimpressed, hiding himself under the blankets.

They try all sorts of things, and it is only when they make a recipe using heart shaped cake tins, that Henry comes downstairs. He realises that he is loved and wanted and throws off the blankets to join the family.

Fabulous illustrations cover each page, some look like cameos, others full page spreads showing the family trying to help Henry to get back on track. Loads of humour will be found in the illustrations, amongst the incredible detail, shown in a different drawing style which is quite beguiling.

Fun, food and family are combined to give this funny tale its focus, as they all try to get Henry back with the family. The deeper meaning of inclusiveness, of being aware that some will be feeling out of sorts, that you can help them overcome their sadness, will hearten younger readers who perhaps see someone their family or friendship group feeling this way and now can see a way to help.

This disarming picture book will have wide appeal.  And what young reader will not laugh out loud at the combinations of foods described and think about what would get them out of bed.

Themes: Family, Depression, Food, Recipes, Humour.

Fran Knight