Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons

Title: Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrator: Jane Dyer
Publication Year: 2006
Website: www.whoisamy.com
Age Group: Preschool, Kindergarten, Early Elementary
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I had no idea what to expect when we checked out this book of “bite-size life lessons” from the library, but I figured my kids could use a few good life lessons. Honestly, I think this book is brilliant. It uses cookies (and who doesn’t love cookies?) to teach kids about important concepts such as modesty, compassion, greed, generosity, optimism, envy, loyalty, regret, and many more. I really didn’t expect my preschooler or even my kindergartner to be able to understand what many of these words meant, but in the context of cookies, they really get it.

For example, if my kids asked me what open-minded meant, I would probably give them some long-winded explanation about not being judgmental and being willing to consider someone else’s opinion even if it seemed to contradict what they thought would be true (see how bad I am at this?). However, in this book it says, “Open-minded means, ‘I’ve never seen cookies like that before, but, uh, sure, I’ll try one.'” See? Brilliant. Even my 3 year old knows when she’s being open-minded, at least in the context of food.

I remember the parenting books I read back when my oldest was young would frequently point out how important it is for toddlers to be able to communicate their feelings in order to avoid tantrums and violence. I always thought it was adorable when my 2 year old would say he was frustrated. This picture book reminds me of a bit more grown-up version of that concept. I think kids are capable of understanding the subtleties of emotion more than we give them credit for. I think it would be great if my kids could say, rather than just “I’m sad” or “I’m mad,” “I regret what I did” or “I’m envious of what she has.” If they could recognize when they were being pessimistic and make a conscious effort to have a more optimistic attitude, even better. This book is an excellent starting point for helping even the youngest kids understand some subtle emotions that all people experience.

On the other hand, my 3 year old wants to be “Mrs. Greedy Cat” for Halloween next year, so maybe she’s missing the point just slightly. :)

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