It’s time for the Small Rodents Competitive Cycling Championship Classic, otherwise known as the SRCCCC. While Cornbread is just looking to do his best and have a good time, competitive Poppy is focused on winning. She especially wants to beat Gerald (“Ugh, Gerald”), a cocky fellow who has won the race the last four years. Poppy has purchased the best gear—tight pants—for herself and, to his dismay, for Cornbread; and she has a “Master Plan,” a strategy that involves going “fast-but-not-too-fast” for all but the final lap of the race, when they will “punch it” and secure themselves a win. Race time arrives, and the various small rodent competitors are off. Mishaps befall several racers, putting Cornbread, Poppy, and Gerald in the lead until disaster strikes. Those cycling pants? Perhaps too tight. A dramatic pile-up leaves Poppy in the clear but Gerald on the ground. How can she leave him behind? After all, “friends matter more” than winning a race. Cordell’s expressive, scribbly illustrations underscore the humor in this action-packed, suspenseful, and empathetic tale.

PRAISE FOR CORNBREAD & POPPY (Book 1):

An IndieBound Bestseller • An Amazon Best Book of the Year • A 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book

★ "A rewarding choice for young readers."—Booklist, starred review

★"Cornbread and Poppy are endearing characters, poised to join the ranks of other memorable early reader sets of best friends old and new, including James Marshall's George and Martha."—Bookpage, starred review

★ "Delightful." — Kirkus, starred review

This book in Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell's bestselling early reader series tells a story about championship-level teamwork.

Poppy LOVES shiny new racing gear. Cornbread does not. Poppy ADORES top secret master plans. Cornbread does not. Poppy IS super competitive. Cornbread…is not. But Cornbread and Poppy are the best of friends, so when Poppy is determined to win the Small Rodents Competitive Cycling Championship Classic Cornbread agrees to train by her side. Cornbread has fun just spending time with his friend, but Poppy’s goal is scoring the Winner’s Cup. Is a finish line all these mice will discover at the end of their race?

Celebrating both partnership and the value of what makes us individuals, young readers will find this classic odd couple irresistible as they encounter relatable issues with humor and heart.

Cornbread & Poppy (2022), was an Indiebound bestseller and the recipient of more than a dozen best books of the year citations.

Publishing simultaneously in hardcover and paperback.

Don't miss the other books in the series:
Cornbread & Poppy
Cornbread & Poppy at the Carnival
Cornbread & Poppy at the Museum