In this heroic and goofily inventive children's adventure, an unlikely hero takes center stage as Connor the superpowered Cornflake escapes the captivity of the cereal factory and teams up with an elite group of super-powered cereal allies. From the moment of his "baking" conception, Connor knows he is destined for something more than the fate of most cornflakes, even as he’s tossed out by factory-owner Colonel Cereal for being over cooked. Before Connor, in a radio-controlled toy truck, can get far in his quest for freedom, he’s attacked by a guard dog, Softie. Fortunately, being overcooked affords Connor some protection, and soon Connor has wildly unpredictable encounters with the Colonel's army of Krispies, Granny Granola—a motorcycle driving elder skilled at taking out Krispies with streams of milk—plus Wally and Whip, the undefeated Wheaty Wrestlers, and many more surprises, as Armitage (author of The Adventures of Connor and Sparky) fully commits to playful fun.

This fast-paced middle grade read is full of colorful characters and energized fighting sequences that will amuse young readers, though the storytelling and the colorful but garish art often lacks polish. Granny Granola introduces Connor to a secret team of Elite Cereals at her headquarters, the Cereal Box, offering Armitage ample opportunity to show off a fun, inventive world of superhero cereals that young readers will get a kick out of, especially as the characters, amusingly, resemble some real-life breakfasts. As the super-cereals come up with a plan to thwart Colonel Cereal, they realize they can't just rely on their superpowers, but they must strategize and work as a team.

What stands out most here is the bumper crop of truly funny characters, who parody both cereals and superhero narratives—and who ultimately prove bold and resourceful in their quest to "save the children of the world” from a future of boring breakfast. Young readers who love imaginative comedy will cheer on this story packed with action (and fiber).

Takeaway: Wildly playful story of superheroic cereals.

Comparable Titles:Kelly DiPucchio's Super Manny Stands Up!, Aaron Blabey's The Bad Guys.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: B
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: A-