But hey, desperate times call for learning the precise measurements behind baking, and as a fledgling home baker myself, that’s no idle matter.

For every “Artful Dodger” or “Bonnie and Clyde” there’s a “Laurel and Hardy” of the robber fraternity, and that’s the badge of dishonor these dogs wear. Their “Swag” bag often empty of loot, and as such short on money.As you read the story again children can join in by completing the rhymes or taking the part of Shifty, Sam or the neighbours. Talk about the story Shifty and Sam are off to Lapland to bake a festive feast for Santa and his elves. But there’s a Christmas crisis – the elves are unwell and can’t finish the toys! Does mysterious stranger and gadget queen, Flo Frost, really want to help? Or could she have her eyes on the most magical gadget of all . . . Santa’s flying sleigh?! It’s up to Shifty and Sam to race across the snowy slopes and save Christmas for everyone!

A wanted poster for Slippery Sam and Shifty McGifty or a poster advertising their new café Play a game Write a sorry letter from Shifty or Sam to the Scottie Dog about trying to steal Big Eared Bob Make a poster I really enjoyed the illustrations and the message behind this book. The illustrations are cute, fun and the characters are entertaining. I liked that the two dogs changed their tune and went from a life of crime to a better profession. Age 3-7 Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are robbers. The trouble is they are not very good at it and keep coming away empty handed. Thinking it might be easier to rob their neighbours than the bank or the zoo, they invite them all to a tea party so they can rob the empty houses. Unfortunately they are spotted and so fail yet again. The two hapless robbers, realising the error of their ways, decide to turn away from their life of crime and find a new career as café owners as their cake making proves such a hit. An amusing story with appealing characters and wonderfully detailed illustrations. The rhyming text makes it memorable and easy to join in with.Print off the rhyming pairs sheet and play a match the pairs or snap game with the cards B ake a cake See here for Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam’s special gingerbread recipe. And see here for more recipes Find out more Read another book about Shifty and Sam To Catch a Thief sees a robber show up in town and precious jewels are disappearing all over the place. When Lady Woofington’s cousin, Lady Penelope Poshington, visits from America along with all her fancy diamonds she is a prime target for the jewel thief. Lady Woofington knows just who to send to watch over her cousin and catch the jewels, and the boys find themselves in some dodgy doggy-disguises. Can they catch a criminal? SUMMARY: Two robber dogs are having a hard time finding success on the "job." The dogs come up with a scheme to lure their neighbors to their home for a tea party while they sneak out to rob their homes. But two things happen. First, the dogs really enjoy the baking for the party and second, the neighbors catch on and catch the dogs in the act. The dogs agree they need a better job that doesn't hurt others, but don't know what to do until a neighbor pipes up and suggests opening their own cafe. Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam begin a new life they are proud of.

He enjoys acting out the stories and choosing who will be each character. He asked his kitten (called Ruby!) if she was Ruby or Kitty LeClaw!You may find this to be reminiscent of The Grinch. So why do I feel better about the Grinch, than I do about these two thieving dogs? It's because the Grinch finds his heart and realizes what he has done is wrong BEFORE he is caught. I would have liked this story better if the dogs used their conscience and turned things around on their own. His younger sister Phoebe loves the book too. She enjoyed making cakes and biscuits with playdough. She created her own cake shop, and enjoyed being the shop keeper selling us cakes. Role play an imaginary conversations between Shifty or Sam and one of their neighbours Try tiptoeing like Shifty and Sam He enjoyed pretending to be Shifty, dressing as a baker, making cakes and decorating them – and eating them of course! Without spoiling the ending, let’s just say “Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam” bring a fresh spin on the often spoken adage “Crime Doesn’t Pay.”

These laugh-out-loud short stories will grab the attention of the most reluctant readers. Funny and fast-paced, readers will delight in Shifty McGifty and Sam’s adventures including playful pranks, a crime-caper and an argument over a box. The book is illustrated throughout with lively illustrations in shades of blue. The read includes gentle messages on friendship and teamwork. The two dogs get to work planning and cooking. They really enjoyed cooking, they didn't realize how much fun cooking could be. When the neighbors arrive, they really enjoyed the creations they made. As their guests enjoyed their food, they realized that now was the perfect time to visit the neighbors house. As they climbed out the window, they thought they were in the clear but were they?Operation: Trojan Tea Party” didn’t go off without a hitch, but that’s only the beginning of their problems…