Cookie, the Walker

by Chris Monroe

Cookie the dog doesn't walk like other dogs. She walks on her hind legs, and what a sight that is! Cookie's walking catches the attention of a show producer, who turns her into a star. And with fame comes benefits: bacon, candy, a fanny pack, her own mini-fridge…





But the more Cookie walks, the more people expect from her. Cookie's old friend Kevin keeps reminding her about how great her regular life used to be. And Cookie's legs are getting tired. Will Cookie keep walking for fame and fortune? Or will she stand down and get her life back?

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Humor, Friendship

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2012

About the author

Chris Monroe's humor and intricate illustrations draw high praise from reviewers and bloggers alike. Chris is also the author and illustrator of Totally Uncool and the long-running comic strip Violet Days. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookie has the inside track to success, all because she learned to walk only on her hind legs. She is able to access many things otherwise out of reach, has wooed many people, and is handed numerous opportunities to further her career. However, when visited repeatedly by a friend, Cookie is left to wonder if all the glitz is a little too much for her. Her remedy is to go back to basics. Neo liked that Cookie was so successful, but wondered if there was a downside to all those animals in the circus that can do tricks. "Do they ever get bored and want their regular lives?"

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for you Cookie! ~ Very cute story.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Monroe's Monkey with a Toolbelt series utterly delighted my 3-year-old daughter, so I was excited to see her new book about a dog. This read did not disappoint! Monroe's unique style of illustration is super cute, and the story of Cookie pulled my daughter right in.
Why would a dog want to walk on her hind legs? Well, she can reach unattended bacon, and pull damp towels down from the rack in the bathroom. But when Cookie's special talent gets the attention of some fame-seeking profiteers, Cookie gets more than she bargained for. Will she choose fame, or go back to being a dog? You'll have a great time finding out!

[Alexandria · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book's premise is cute enough - a dog learns to walk on her hind legs and becomes so famous that she has to decide if she even likes the attention any more. The illustrations are also a bit odd, almost reminiscent of the old Rocco's Modern Life cartoons. But beyond that I really didn't enjoy it that much. The writing was split between dialogue and narration which can make reading out loud a little bit tricky. I found the dry humor amusing, but in the end I don't think it's one I would read again.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is very simple in format it gives us profound things to consider, like: striking a balance pursuing "the good life" and doing the simple things with family and friends that bring us pleasure.

[Lillian Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could possibly go wrong when a dog learns to walk upright??

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cookie is an adorable little dog that likes to walk on her hind legs. This style of mobility is very convenient for snatching candy and unattended bacon. She does it so much she gets the attention of everyone around her and as one thing leads to another becomes the star of her very own TV show. Throughout everything, her friend Kevin remains by her side encouraging her to take a break. Cookie just can't resist the attention and all the treats. Especially all the treats! Eventually she is so exhausted she asks Kevin how to stop the craziness that her life has become. Kevin simply says, "You could stand down". Cookie can't believe the simplicity of it and tries it. The results are everything she hoped for and life returned to normal. Don't worry, she still liked to stand on her hind legs now and again, she just made sure no one was watching when she did it.
What a sweet way to show that it's okay to be who you are and get attention, but it's also okay to call it quits when things get out of control and go back to a more simple life. The illustrations are cute and cartoony using speech bubbles and comic panels interspersed with typical picture book layouts.
By the way, I would actually give this a half star more if goodreads let me, though it's not quite a 4.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts
Cookie learns that walking on her hind legs earns her extra treats and a better view of the tables in her house. Out one day with her friend Kevin, she is spotted by Beatrix Havior of B. Havior Behavior Barn and is asked to be in their next dog show. Cookie rises to fame through a circus to her own TV show! Snacks are her deciding factor but there comes a point where not even a snack can make her truly happy. Instead she gets down on all fours again and resumes her normal life.
This is a cute book with funny illustrations and a great premise! Cookie is a sweet dog but lets fame and snacks go to her head. Tired and discontent she lets Kevin talk her into forgoing a walk around the world. Poor Kevin gets shoved out of the way as more and more people want to talk to Cookie but he is a good friend.
I would definitely recommend this one because it is cute, sweet, and funny!

[Romelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a dog who walks on his two hind legs and becomes famous for it. He later realizes that the fame and fortune as a walking dog is not for him. This is a quirky story that reads like a comic book with its speech bubbles. Its offbeat humor may attract a select crowd. I find this book more for independent readers. Not quite the read aloud story I'd recommend for little ones because its humor is geared towards an older child and the comic book feel could be a distraction. The illustrations are also quirky. They remind me of The Ren and Stimpy cartoons and all the other crass cartoons you see on TV these days. Nevertheless, I found this book quite hilarious because I am a goofball myself. :)

The moral of the story is to be true to yourself. Trying to be someone you're not has its price.

[Pidget Bobidget · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is in grpahic novel format. Cookie learns to walk on 2 legs, and is soon the star of the circus, and a TV show, because she can't resist being paid in treats. Her friend Kevin comes to visit, but is always being pushed around by her producers. Kevin makes Cookie realize that she can go home if she goes back to walking on 4 legs instead of 2. Sure enough, the producer fires her and she gives it all up to go back home.

This isn't really a good storytime book. It's written like a comic strip or a graphic novel. Jokes older kids might get, but not preschoolers.

[Great Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifically fun and funny read about a dog who decides to walk on her hind legs, just for her own reasons, like reaching the candy dish and conveniently pulling down damp towels...and how her life changes when she becomes and more and more famous and acclaimed for this skill, all the way to getting her own #1 rated TV show. Lots of great things to talk about regarding fame, choices and being yourself. A winner.




reviewer 6

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

cookie decides to try walking on two feet one day. he becomes a star but realizes he just wants to back to his simple life of being a dog. his friend, kevin (greatest name for a dog--ever!) keeps reminding him that he has a choice to stop walking on two legs. kevin is the hero of the story to my mind because he acts as a true north for his buddy--concerned about his health and reminding him that he's the master of his own destiny (didn't say "domain"--it's a kid book).

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookie loved walking on her hind legs, but things got of control. Before she knew it, she was the star of a pet show, a circus and a reality show. She was tired. Even all the extra treats didn't make up for it. Luckily her buddy Kevin was there and knew just what to do: go back to all four legs. She was immediately fired, but they went home happy.
Because friends don't let friends get exploited for their talents.

[Kifflie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookie the dog discovers that walking on her hind legs gains her all sorts of advantages, including cool treats! She becomes the star of the local dog show, then the circus, and finally ends up with her own TV program. But eventually it does all become too demanding, and Cookie decides to return to her old life, and her friend Kevin.

The story is fairly predictable, but there are some clever points, and the illustrations are quite lovely.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookie is a dog who walks on her hind legs. This attracts the attention of various humans, and ultimately results in Cookie getting her own television show. Cookie is at first glad of the attention, but ultimately starts to miss doing dog things with her friend Kevin (who walks on all fours). Can she go back to being "just" a dog? Entertaining, silly and sweet. I like Cookie!

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I am a big fan of Chris Monroe, and I own the first two Monkey with a Tool Belt books. I felt that this story was on par with those books. The main character is charming, the art is a quirky mix of cartooning and hand drawn illustration, and the story has a strong plot arc. And, my kids loved it, too.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have a reader who loves silly stories try Cookie the Walker. Cookie walks on 2 legs so she can reach unattended bacon and CANDY! Whe she is discovered by a talent scout and her career as a performer takes off. Best of all there are SNACKS! You'll have to read this to find what happens when Cookie achieves fame and stardom.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars
Cookie is a dog so special she walks on two feet like a human. This makes her a darling dog in the media who gets bigger and better opportunities. Eventually she realizes she just wants to be a normal dog and only walks on two feet when no humans can see.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can I not love this book? It's funny, it's charming, and Cookie looks just like my dog, Rosie. Who does stand on her hind legs a lot (especially when looking hopefully around for butter), but who does not yet walk on them.

[Sue Poduska · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit it. I’m a sucker for subtle, dry humor, and I’m a big fan of Chris Monroe. In the tradition of Sneaky Sheep, the new book will have second graders as well as grown-ups giggling and wanting more.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky story about a dog that learns to stand on his hind legs which ultimately leads him to his own TV show and all the perks and downfalls that mass popularity entails. Sophisticated language. Cute story.

[Sondra Eklund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, like Clever Cat, by Peter Collington, this book has the message that sometimes you shouldn't let the world know how smart you are -- or your life will be too complicated.

Cookie's willing to walk for treats, but things get out of hand....

[Becky Shaknovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! This books is like a beginner's graphic novel. A good way to prepare young children for the graphic novel format. Of course, I love anything about cute dogs. It also has a sort of anti-consumerist sentiment.

[Fjóla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn between three and four stars here. The illustrations are fairly unique, maybe not beautiful but pretty delightful. The story is a morality tale, although kids may not quite catch it. And the book's format is creative and original. The comic book style may appeal to reluctant readers.

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute! From the author of Monkey with a Tool Belt.

[❤Marie Gentilcore · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter picked this one out. It was in the format of a graphic novel. My 6-years old daughter and my 8-years old son enjoyed it. The story was unique and fun! Recommend.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pros and cons of walking on two legs and on four. Love the illustrations.

[Gwen the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very silly. I like it.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fame and busyness certainly aren't everything and Cookie learns that valuable lesson. Squiggly font. The ending feels slightly abrupt. I think the kids will like this more than I do.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing.