With their new book, "Cupcakes, Cookies & Pie, Oh, My!," Karen Tack and Alan Richardson have lifted their creativity to new levels (and new types of  baked goods).

The creators of "Hello, Cupcake" haven't left cupcakes behind completely -- among the new book's cupcake-based creations are frogs, zombies and a Christmas tree. But pound cake, graham crackers, brownies and cookie dough also are called into play. They see a package of dessert shell cakes (the kind sold alongside strawberries in the spring) and think bumper car sundaes; they see a family-size Sara Lee pound cake and come up with a shaggy dog, complete with brownie paws and spice drop nose.

Pound cake is also the main ingredient in their clever "Piece of Cake" Cake Pops, along with a couple of pounds of frosting.

Tack and Richardson will be in St. Louis on Tuesday, Feb. 7, for a demo, discussion and book signing. It's scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Left Bank Books' Central West End store, at 399 North Euclid Avenue.