BEN YOKOYAMA AND THE COOKIE OF ENDLESS WAITING

Ben Yokoyama is back for another fortune-cookie–inspired week.

When Ben gets his hands on another fortune cookie, he can’t wait to discover what it says. This time, the fortune says, “Good things come to those who wait.” Mulling this over, Ben decides to start waiting patiently for all the good things he wants. At school, his third-grade teacher announces a partnered scavenger hunt for words. Ben waits rather than picking a partner right away, ending up with his ex-friend, Walter, the kid no one ever chooses. With five school days to answer seven word-related questions, he is excited to get started but remembers to wait. As the days pass, Ben wonders why he and Walter aren’t friends anymore—while becoming frustrated when Walter gives silly answers and talks too loudly. Ben struggles with being patient, being a good friend and partner, and just wanting to win. Filled with hilarious situations and shenanigans, this second book in the Cookie Chronicles series is as entertaining as the first. Readers will relate to themes of changing friendships and standing up for others. The black-and-white illustrations are woven into the text, creating an exciting visual experience. The book concludes with a funny about-the-author-and-illustrator section and amusing trivia about things you really do have to wait for. Illustrations and the family surname cue Ben as biracial, White and Japanese.

Endless amusement and laughter.