Operation Cupcake: How Simple Machines Work is a scrumptiously entertaining book written and illustrated by Bambi Edlund. This witty adventure about two mice, Gingersnap and Macaroon, provides readers with an introduction to simple machines. The two pals are on a mission to retrieve a tasty treat. Although their mission is a bit complicated, they use simple machines to carry, leap, bounce and slide to get to the vanilla cream cupcake with buttercream frosting.

The colourfully illustrated book is perfect for reading aloud to your class, as it builds on background knowledge of levers, inclined planes, screws and pulleys, and includes definitions and “try it out” sections to inspire students to create and build. Additionally, it contains examples of levers in the human body to get students moving.

There are numerous connections to the Science curriculum. For grades 2 to 5, there are STEM skills and connections to strands A1.3 (“use an engineering design process and associated skills to design, build and test devices, models, structures and/or systems”) and A1.4 (“follow established health and safety procedures during science and technology investigations, including wearing appropriate protective equipment and clothing and safely using tools, instruments and materials”).

Specifically, for Grade 2, the book connects well to A3.1 (“describe practical applications of science and technology concepts in their home and community, and how these applications address real-world problems”). For Grade 3, strand C2.2 (“describe different ways a force can be exerted on an object”), and for Grade 4, strand D1.1 (“assess the impacts of machines and their mechanisms on the daily lives of people in various communities”). Meanwhile, Grade 5 students can explore how the story connects to strand D1.1 (“analyze the effects of forces from natural phenomena on structures in natural and built environments”).

Most importantly, Operation Cupcake gives students practical examples of how simple machines operate everywhere you look – a slide, playground, doorknob and even a toothbrush! I have no doubt that this book will be a great addition to your library.

Mandy Khabra is a member of the Peel Teacher Local.