Total Pageviews

Friday, February 11, 2022

The Smart Cookie, written by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald. Harper, 2021. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 



"I couldn't sleep that night. 

But it wasn't because I was worried.
It was because I was excited. I felt
like I had really accomplished 
something. I felt ... smart."

If you and your kids are fans of the other books in this series (The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, The Cool Bean, and The Couch Potato), you will be happy to see that Jory John and Pete Oswald have added The Smart Cookie. This cookie lives in a supportive environment where 'life is sweet'. It has not always been that way. 

There was a time when the cookie didn't have the confidence to believe it was smart. It wanted more to give than it could. Uncertain about its grades, uneasy about being the center of attention and not knowing an answer, and not always living up to its own expectations caused problems. 

"I'd stay awake and 
stare out the window 
and worry. 

And it went this way, 
day after day after day.

Its teacher, Ms. Biscotti, made all the difference. Asking for her students to create something original, she gave the cookie a shot at showing its own strengths. That request sparked a terrific idea! After trying a variety of things, Smart Cookie decided to write a poem about its feelings, and called it "My Crumby Days". The following day students were encouraged to share if comfortable to do so. Scared but determined, Smart Cookie moved to the front of the class and read its very personal poem. 

Encouraged by classmates and Ms. Biscotti, its time at school changed for the better. After all, there are many ways to be smart. Humorous and filled with playful artwork, this book speaks to the power of confidence and accomplishment, no matter what your 'smart' is. 

No comments:

Post a Comment