Join a ragtag group of pasta as they complete the greatest escape of their lives in this hilarious new book by Miranda Paul! Since the beginning of their lives (which was earlier that morning), the pasta at the factory followed the rules. They stuck to their own kind. They stayed still in their packaging. And they never spoke to humans. That is, until they discover what it really means to be pasta: They will eventually be eaten by humans! Fettuccine is scared, Ramen is outraged, and Mac is just trying to keep the peace among all the pasta. Will they be able to work together to use their noodles and concoct a great escape? K-Gr 2—What would happen if the pasta at the factory suddenly realized that instead of going to a super (market) place they were going to be dinner instead? Disbelief. Discovery of evidence (it's right on the packages!). Fear. A poorly conceived plan ("But it means sacrificing the Ravioli. It's the only way."). Anger. A miracle (Angel Hair to the rescue.). And, finally, a good plan involving teamwork, in which they are all shipped to Super Awesome Island, a very super place indeed. And of course, the whole story is all wrapped up with noodle puns galore. The amusing text gives each type of pasta its own personality, and Joaquin's cartoony illustrations give those delightful personalities life. Intellectual bow tie pasta wears glasses, laid back Mac(aroni) has a bandana and shades, and Wagon Wheel Rotelle sports a cowboy hat and boots. All of the noodles have arms, legs, and extremely expressive faces, which, despite what you might be thinking, totally works. Add in picture thought bubbles, great colors, excellent detail (the pasta have shadows!), and plenty of action for a winning combination of text and illustrations. VERDICT A fun read-aloud selection and an introduction to the multitudes of pasta types. Includes a visual glossary of pasta shapes.—Catherine Callegari, Reston Regional Library, VA Miranda Paul is an award-winning children's author who writes serious nonfiction books and silly made-up stories like Trainbots , Blobfish Throws a Party , and this one. She loves using her noodle to play trivia and board games. Her favorite vacation spot is the island of St. Lucia, and her favorite pasta is penne. (Which is why she purposely kept penne out of this book and asks you never to read it aloud when they are around.) Visit her super website at mirandapaul.com. Javier Joaquin was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He discovered his love for illustration in early childhood. His inspiration comes from his acute observation of urban characters, architecture, and nature.