BOOKIE AND COOKIE

Bookie and Cookie are two best friends who inhabit the facing pages of a book.

Brown-skinned Bookie lives on the left-hand page and pale-skinned Cookie on the right. True to their names, Bookie loves to read and Cookie is an accomplished baker. They spend lots of time together, but Bookie soon notices they always meet on Cookie’s side. Bookie invites Cookie over to his page, but Cookie resists, insisting his page is nice and there is no reason to change. When pressed, Cookie admits he doesn’t like Bookie’s page because it’s unfamiliar. Upset, Bookie storms off, leaving both sad and alone. Each friend tries to think up a way to get the other over to their side to reconcile. Bookie tries his hand at making his own batch of cookies, using a recipe from a book, of course, and the trepidatious Cookie decides to try something new—having a cookie with Bookie on the left-hand page. Bookie and Cookie demonstrate that conflict between friends isn’t a deal breaker, but rather an opportunity to deepen a relationship and practice flexibility. Illustrations are bright and charming, crafted from a delightful array of bold shapes that add playful details to the story. The book emphasizes that understanding and compromise are essential for resolving conflicts and strengthening friendships.

Social-emotional learning done right.