Ready for School!

Cookie & Broccoli #1

by Bob McMahon

The first in an early graphic novel series about outgoing Cookie and shy Broccoli as they navigate the ups and downs of starting school--perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly!

New best friends Cookie and Broccoli are as different as peanut butter and cheese, but that doesn't stop them from helping each other through the first day of school! Together they find the classroom and concoct silly secret greetings. When Broccoli discovers that Cookie is also nervous to meet new classmates, the two of them come up with the perfect solution--inviting everyone to join their Shy Friends Club!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Humor, Friendship, Graphic Novels Manga, Fiction, Picture Books

80 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2020

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was ADORABLE! It was cute and easy to read. I thought the illustrations, specifically the facial expressions, were really well done. This would be great for both shy and outgoing kids.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An odd couple type friendship between two opposites with lots of silliness. Great for beginning readers who want to read graphic novels, and also probably a good read aloud with younger kids who like a slightly longer story and are about to start school--it might calm some fears about starting school. Based on the high circ this gets at my library it has already found a good readership and I think lots of kids would enjoy!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for Ages 5-8. What makes this book accessible is the chapters, allowing emerging independent readers places to pause. The font is legible and large, as well as easy to follow on the page. And it’s funny! What’s not to like about two foods making friends on the first day of school? It’s an anxiety that is universal. Perfect for those kids who are graduating from beginning readers but aren’t quite ready to tackle a first chapter yet. Thanks to Penguin Kids for an ARC!

[pineapple tofu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hilarious. It's wonky. And it sure is a lot of fun. The first adventure for Cookie and Broccoli begins with Ready for School! From their "ker-bonking" meeting with each other to learning some secrets of one another, Cookie and Broccoli are ready for classroom 5. Cookie is outgoing, and Broccoli is shy, but meeting the other food characters helps Broccoli overcome its shyness. They learn to say hello, how to make friends, and end eventually end their first day at school.
Even though I read the third in the series first, this first adventure for Cookie and Broccoli can be read in any order. I enjoyed the quick read, the bright colors of sunshine yellow for Cookie and forest green for Broccoli. Their personalities are so vastly different from each other, but somehow they complement each other. A roly-poly adventure piece for all ages. And don't forget the side comments from Blueberry!

[Laura (Librarian) Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookie and Broccoli are headed to their first day of school! Both are lost and end up ker-bonking into each other while looking for their classroom. Even though Cookie is outgoing while Broccoli is shy, the two characters become fast friends. Cookie realizes they are opposites and can use their individual strengths to help each other with areas they each struggle (Broccoli is very Shy/Cookie is too loud & silly sometimes). Together they start a Shy Friends Club to help support the other fruits/vegetables/food.

**Really fun story of two friends experiencing the relatable issues of back to school nerves, not knowing how to make friends, and staying calm. Book has chapters which is nice to break up the story for those emergent readers. Would recommend to kids who like Pizza & Taco and Baloney & Friends.

[Runa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free unfinished ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I actually really enjoyed this one! It's a cute premise of a really outgoing cookie and a super shy broccoli becoming friends on their first day of school. Perfect for little elementary readers. I loved that seamlessly integrated into the story were quick little socioemotional tips (how to make friends, how to have conversations, how to feel calmer, etc) and the overall idea that your friends don't have to be just like you is always one we need to reinforce with young children. None of these messages hit you over the head, though, it's not at all a preachy book, it's all just part of the fun story.

[Nadina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knownthis is for kidss and yeah some may enjiy it, but it was very musch like other books out there already. In addition to that Cookie's question about how vegetables greet each other is a little annoying (exhausting?) to me, especially since Cookie wouldn't let up about it. Speaking German and being a victim of the "how do you say this?" or "say something in this language" question, it's very much a peer-pressure situation that makes you uncomfortable and I know Broccoli finds a way to make it funny, but it did have some repercussions.
It was an easy read, the illustrations weren't bad, the book as a whole was just not my cup of tea.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As they are both trying to find Room 5, Cookie and Broccoli ker-bonk into each other. Despite being complete opposites, they become friends by helping each other out. I hope the next one has Broccoli helping Cookie since this one focused on Cookie helping Broccoli be less shy. I want more food jokes and puns in the next ones. For fans of Baloney & Friends and Pizza & Taco.

[blueygurl2016 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to be the only 1-star reviewer but I just didn’t like this at all. I didn’t even know the genders of Cookie or Broccoli. I mean maybe if I was a kid I would like this but I think the plot’s been done before. Be yourself is definitely an overused theme in kids’ books. And all the weird mouth noises were annoying.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
Amusing start to a new series. Cookie and Broccoli meet each other on the first day of school. They are as different as two can be but they figure out how to become friends and balance each other. Younger readers will enjoy the humor throughout and connect with the various characters' experiences.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read these out of order. I saw the second one on a library display, and then we got this one later. My 7yo son and I really enjoy the characters and illustrations. My 3yo and 2yo sons liked listening along, too.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Cindy Kleback · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children’s graphic novel about an outgoing cookie and a shy broccoli who become friends when they’re in the same class at school. Very cute. I think kids will like it!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The silly mouth noises and high energy make this a sure hit for young graphic novel readers. K-2.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great early stage graphic novel about two very different characters finding common ground and becoming friends. Hope we see more of these two characters.

[Fiona Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and positive. Fantastic for early readers and fun each time.

[Beth P]

Cute early

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

[Angelika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outgoing cookie and shy broccoli become friends on their first day of school.

[Danica Romeyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kiddos loved it!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having a very animated 9 year old read this makes it fantastic.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly read aloud about new friendship that made my 5-yo and I laugh.

[Jj]

Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the review copy.

[Raena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little manic, but cute and fun with a few “twists”

[Jes Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not another buddy GN with a strange match-up! Only, this is hilarious!

[Abdulaziz Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

قرأت الكتاب باللغة العربية .. كتاب ممتع يتحدث عن كيفية التعامل مع الخجل و أنه شعور طبيعي .. بأسلوب ظريف و مضحك

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and funny story about two [edible] kids starting school. Good for kids who are nervous about starting. Nice little tips at the end.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter gives this one 5⭐️. She thought it was funny and she said it taught her how to make new friends.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great graphic novel series for early elementary kids. It focuses on friendship while overcoming different challenges kids face.

3.5 stars

[Blakely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books in the world. It is very funny. It would keep your kids busy if they like funny stories.