CookieBooky

Meeting Schedule - Howl's Moving Castle

2011-02-27T16:09:00.000-08:00

Project - Howl's Moving Castle

2011-02-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

We didn't do a project for Howl's Moving Castle. But here are some ideas for your book group project.
Make a wizard hat - http://familycrafts.about.com/od/costumeacces/a/wizardhat.htm
Make a magic wand - http://www.pacon.com/projects/MagicWandCraftProject.htm

Conjure up your own spell. Make a list of interesting items that would go into a spell and then try to make it rhyme. For example:
      What a wonderful spell this would be
      If I mixed sugar and a bit of tea
      Add some water and lemon drops too
      And let's find something that will make it blue

You get the idea...

Review - Howl's Moving Castle

2011-02-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a ride. From the start, Howl's Moving Castlegrabs you and takes you on a wild ride of magic, adventure, mystery and love.

At the beginning of the story, we meet Sophie, a plain young hat-maker. For some reason, the Witch of the Waste casts a spell on her and Sophie is instantaneously an old woman. She can't tell anyone about the spell and ironically sees the spell as an opportunity to set out on her own.

Tired and weary from a day of walking, Sophie must seek refuge in Howl's moving castle. Inside, she finds an unholy mess. She then meets the fire demon Calcifer, Howl's apprentice Michael, and eventually Howl.

Despite his reputation for evil-doing, Howl is not one to turn out someone in need. When Sophie tells him that she is the new cleaning lady, he allows her to be that and she sets to the task (barring a few limits which Howl has placed upon her cleaning.) The ragtag team of people in this 'household' become close.

Sophie learns about the ties that bind Howl and Calcifer. She learns much of the magic of the house and even comes to find out she has some magic herself. To no avail, she tries to help Howl elude the responsibility of finding the Prince and the Wizard of Suliman. She roots for Howl in his fight with the Witch of the Waste but she is still concerned over his womanizing and the inevitable heartbreak which will befall her sister Lettie.

So much happens in so many interesting places, I would do a disservice to say that this is a summary of the book. Suffice it to say, that I recommend that you read this book. Howl's Moving Castleis a fun-filled adventure that will leave you breathless.

Please note that the movie and the book are very different from each other. While we love Miyazaki movies, we thought the story in the book was better than the one told in the movie.

This book receives four cookies from us!

Discussion Topics - Howl's Moving Castle

2011-02-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

Why did Sophie think that Howl ate girls' hearts?
Was Howl good or bad?
Have you ever thought someone was bad and then when you learned more about them found that you were wrong?
What 3 other places would you want your door to open to?
What did you think of Sophie's response to being old? How would you have responded?
What did you think of Michael?
Why was Sophie afraid of Howl? Of the scarecrow? Of the dog?
When did you realize what Calcifer really was?
Why was Sophie nervous about breaking the contract?
Throughout the book, did Sophie like Howl? Did Howl like Sophie?
Why didn't Howl tell Sophie what he knew about her spell? About Miss Algorian?
What would your wizard name be?
For further discussion, you can find an interview with the author, Diana Wynne Jones, at the back of the book. Get Howl's Moving Castlefrom Amazon.com

"Cookie" Recipe - Tunnel of Fudge Cake

2011-02-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

OK, it's not a cookie but this cake is so chocolate-y and thick and substantial that it could be.

We chose Tunnel of Fudge Cake as our treat for Howl's Moving Castlebecause like Howl and his castle, it's dark and mysterious on the outside but sweet on the inside. We also skipped the glaze but you don't have to.

From Cook's Country: Tunnel of Fudge Cake (episode: Super Fudgy Cake) - Serves 12 to 14.

Don't use a cake tester or toothpick because it'll seem wet due to the fudgy center. Just take the cake from the oven when the sides begin to pull away from the pan and the surface of the cake springs back when pressed gently with your finger.

Ingredients

Cake
3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder , plus extra for dusting pan
1/2 cup boiling water
2 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups pecans or walnuts, chopped fine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon salt
5 large eggs , room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter , softened

Chocolate Glaze
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup light corn syrup
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate , chopped
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
1. For the cake: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 12-cup Bundt pan and dust with cocoa powder. Pour boiling water over chocolate in medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Cool to room temperature. Whisk cocoa, flour, nuts, confectioners' sugar, and salt in large bowl. Beat eggs and vanilla in large measuring cup.

2. With electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. On low speed, add egg mixture until combined, about 30 seconds. Add chocolate mixture and beat until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Beat in flour mixture until just combined, about 30 seconds.

3. Scrape batter into prepared pan, smooth batter, and bake until edges are beginning to pull away from pan, about 45 minutes. Cool upright in pan on wire rack for 1 1/2 hours, then invert onto serving plate and cool completely, at least 2 hours.

4. For the glaze: Cook cream, corn syrup, and chocolate in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Stir in vanilla and set aside until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes. Drizzle glaze over cake and let set for at least 10 minutes. Serve. (Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.)

Discussion Topics - Mother Daughter Book Club: Pies and Prejudice

2011-01-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

Was it 'fair to use audio books? Compare and contrast audio books with traditional books.
What did you learn about a woman's life situation in the late 1700s?
Which character are you most like? Why?
Is there another character you'd prefer to be like? Why?
The characters have so many interests. Name some of them.
Did this story inspire you to read Jane Austen? Why or why not?
Mrs. Hawthorne said Rupert Loomis "hadn't grown into himself yet." What did she mean?
You can find 'Queen Bees' or bullies like Annabelle Fairfax in real life. How should they be handled
Jane Austen was Mrs. Hawthorne's favorite author. Who is yours?

You can find more discussion topics at the back of the book. You can get the book Pies & Prejudice (Mother Daughter Book Club)at Amazon.com.

Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Cream Pie Cookie Bars

2011-01-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

It's the best of both worlds - cookies and pie!!
Chocolate Cream Pie Cookie Bars

Ingredients
1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

5.9 oz package instant chocolate pudding
cold milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a medium bowl, blend together softened the first three ingredients (butter, sugar, flour) until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8 inch square pan.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and golden. Let crust cool.

Prepare the chocolate pudding according to package directions. Pour over crust. Put plastic wrap on top and put in refrigerator to chill for several hours. When pudding is set, cut into bars and serve with whipped cream on top.

Yields 9 square bars (or more if you cut into small rectangles.)

Even better when served with a good book - Pies & Prejudice (Mother Daughter Book Club)at Amazon.com

Review: The Mother Daughter Book Club - Pies and Prejudice

2011-01-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

Because it’s the fourth in a series, I was worried that this book might be a disappointment. I need not have worried. MDBC:Pies and Prejudice was just as delightful, if not more, than the 3 stories that preceded it. The girls are growing up and it’s still fun to be a part of their diverging lives and then watch them come together for book club.

In this volume, Emma and the rest of the Hawthorne family move to England for a year for the father’s work. Emma is nervous, but excited that she and her mother will be able to visit all places Jane Austen. Her brother Darcy is not so keen on the idea but warms up to it eventually. The concern soon becomes what will happen to the Mother Daughter Book Club when they’re gone?

No need to worry. In this technological age, Emma and her Mom video chat into the meetings which are held at the Wongs (for technological purposes.) It doesn’t hurt that now everyone else can offer to bring food and Mrs. Wong won’t have to make any of her all-natural, tofu based ‘snacks’.

Outside of the book club goings-on, Megan is still into fashion and even starts a blog. Cassidy is playing great hockey and coaching a youth league. Emma has always known that she wanted to be a writer. In addition to missing Emma, seeing her friends with direction leave Jess worried because she hasn’t chosen a career path yet. Volunteer work with a wildlife rehab gives her renewed hope.

After Emma has a nasty encounter with a world-class queen bee, the MDBC ‘cooks up’ a way to brighten up Emma’s spring break by bringing her home. And a few months after Emma’s return to England, the group has the chance to come visit the Hawthornes there. These events tighten the bonds of friendship that have been built over the last three volumes. Sprinkled with some misunderstandings, a bit of romantic adventure and Emma’s publishing debut, this is a great read and a perfectly brilliant tie-in with Jane Austen and her writing. Loved it!

This book receives four cookies and a glass of milk.

Learn more about Pies & Prejudice (Mother Daughter Book Club)at Amazon.com

Review - The Mother Daughter Book Club: Dear Pen Pal

2009-11-30T17:13:00.000-08:00

This is another enjoyable book in a series of books that I have enjoyed so much. The girls in the book club are growing up and learning more about themselves and the world around them. This time they are reading books by Jean Webster. I haven’t (yet) read the Webster books but my interest is now piqued.

Jess is given a scholarship to the local private school where her greatest challenge is not the academics but a roommate that makes Becca Chadwick look like Miss Congeniality. Emma’s relationship with Stewart grows and she finds a new friend in an unexpected place. Megan explores her relationship with her mother through a visit from her grandmother. Cassidy learns about life as the Sloane-Kincaid family grows and changes.

In addition to everything that’s happening in Concord, the girls are reading Daddy-Long-Legs which is told through a series of letters. To broaden the experience for the book club girls, Mrs. Hawthorne sets up a pen pal for each girl. Their pen pals are from Gopher Hole, Wyoming and each has uncanny similarities to the girls in Concord. I would have liked to have focused a bit more on the pen pal idea. I've been thinking a lot lately about letter writing and how important it is.

Anyway, I try (but never succeed) to read these Mother-Daughter Book Club stories slowly so that I can ‘hang out’ with the group for just a little longer. I think that girls (and their mothers) reading these books can find a bit of themselves in each character. I look forward to the next in the series.

This book receives four cookies and a glass of milk.

Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Thumbprints

2009-11-21T08:37:00.000-08:00

Wallace Wallace was under a lot of pressure but he remained true. These traits made us think of chocolate thumbprints which are really good but have to withstand a little bit of pressure.

Chocolate Thumbprints

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1/2 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
2 cups flour

3/4 cup of Chocolate Ganache(recipe follows)

In small bowl, mix flour and salt. In mixer, cream butter and sugar on for about 5 minutes. Separate eggs then add yolks and vanilla to the butter mixture. Add flour and mix until just combined. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes then preheat oven to 350F.

Take the dough out of the refrigrator and roll into approx 1 inch balls. Hold in the palm of one hand, then make a thumbprint in the middle of cookie (but don't press too hard!) Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment.

Bake at 350F for 12-15 minutes. Check that cookies are a bit firm before removing from oven.Transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely (if thumbprints are gone, make them again noew while cookies are warm).

While cookies cool, make ganache.

--------------------------
Chocolate Ganache
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup chocolate chips

Stir cream and chocolate chips in double boiler on low heat until warm. If you don't have a double boiler, you can microwave for 30 seconds. If the chocolate doesn't melt, then try 30 seconds more.

When cookies are cool, spoon 1/2 tsp chocolate ganache (or more) into thumbprints

Project - Mother Daughter Book Club: Dear Pen Pal (Thanksgiving Place Cards)

2009-11-15T13:24:00.000-08:00

This project wasn't linked to any book but after reading the 3rd book in the Mother Daughter Book Club series, this seemed to fit.

We also wanted to let our readers know how thankful we are for them. We are also thankful for our books and for our blog. So this project seemed perfect for that reason and for this season. (If you think of a good Thanksgiving themed book to do a schedule for, please let us know.)

Supplies:

Scissors
Kraft brown cardstock
Green cardstock
Yellow cardstock
Grey cardstock
Orange/rust cardstock
Brown cardstock
Cream cardstock
Thin black marker
Ink
Cosmetic sponge
Glue stick

Note: we found a pack of autumn colored cardstock at the local Michaels which was perfect for this project

1. Download and print this template . Then cut the pieces for your place card. When you finish cutting, your pieces should look something like this:

2. Cut a piece 8.5"x11" kraft brown cardstock into quarters (each piece 4.25"x5.5"). Fold the cardstock in half, crease and open.

3. Use cosmetic sponge and ink to shade the edges of each piece.

4. Attach first green hill to the cardstock.

5. Attach second green hill to the cardstock

6.Attach pieces in the following order:

yellow legs
brown back wings
orange/rust wings
left green wing
grey turkey body
right green wing
cream head
yellow bill

--------------------------

7. Using a thin black marker, make the dots for the eyes and write in the name.

8. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Projects - How to Make a Paper Football (No More Dead Dogs)

2009-09-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

A good way to while away the time on a rainy day is making and playing with this paper football. You can decorate them anyway you want, too.

Supplies Needed:

- Piece of Paper
- Scissors (optional)

1. Fold a piece of paper in half vertically (long way). Tear or cut the paper along the fold.

2. Fold the remaining half in half again. Crease the fold well with the scissors or your finger nail.

3. Hold the paper vertically and fold the top corner down to meet the opposite edge of the paper, forming a triangle.

4. Fold the triangle over again and again until there is no paper left to fold.

5. Make a tab with the remaining paper and tuck it into the pocket of the paper.

6. Color or decorate.

Discussion Topics - No More Dead Dogs

2009-07-12T09:17:00.001-07:00

Why do you think the author gave the character the name Wallace Wallace?

Was Wallace a football hero? Was he a regular hero?

Why did Wallace never lie? Would you rather be in detention for having told the truth or out of detention with a lie?

How could you tell that Wallace liked Rachel? What did he like about her?

Name some of the ways Wallace improved the play. Would a teacher really let him do this? Should they?

Review - No More Dead Dogs

2009-07-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

This is a book about a boy, dogs, football and detention - not exactly my usual read. But I have to say I enjoyed it.

Wallace Wallace’s father never told the truth. So Wallace Wallace was driven to always tell the truth - even if it got him in trouble. And when he reviewed, Old Shep, My Pal for English class, that’s exactly what the truth did. OS,MP was a life-long favorite of Mr. Fogelman, the English teacher. Wallace Wallace panned it as “the most boring book I’ve read in my entire life.” So it’s off to detention with Wallace.

Unfortunately, the English teacher’s version of detention is drama club practice. So not only is Wallace serving detention, he is serving it in the gym where the drama club is preparing their production of Old Shep, My Pal. It couldn’t get any worse – or could it? Wallace refuses to re-write his review AND starts critiquing the play. When Mr. Fogelman asks Wallace how he would treat this classic differently, Wallace does what he always does. He gives his honest answer. And that’s when the trouble really begins.

Wallace can’t get out of detention, can’t return to football practice and his whole life changes. But is it really a bad thing? Wallace’s basic reputation was based on a lie and it bothered him to no end. In the end, he found his truth.

This is an enjoyable read and fun characters. It's light, yet interesting subject matter make it a good summer reading book. I highly recommend it for boys in the middle school grades – even reluctant readers will enjoy it. The text is not too advanced and the pace is good. I also recommend this for girls who don’t mind a little football thrown in the mix.

This book receives four cookies - woof!

Wendy Mass!!! Woohoo!

2009-07-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

We sent Wendy Mass an email to let her know how much we liked Every Soul a Star. And, today... we heard back from her! Totally exciting!!

Not only was she super-nice, she also gave us permission to link to her blog - see our Author Links list on the left. Like chocolate, a link is always better when it's doubled so here's another link - check out her blog, it's a lot of fun!

Want more Wendy Mass goodness? Keep checking back here because we'll be doing CookieBooky meeting ideas for other books by her including Eleven Birthdays and Jeremy Fink.

Projects - Make a Vision Book / Board (Every Soul a Star)

2009-06-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Bree’s “Book” was very similar to what we think of as a “Vision Book” which is another form of a “Vision Board”. In this busy world of radio, TV, iPods, cell phones, Internet, it is easy to get distracted from one’s goals. A vision book, or board, is a tool that people use to keep their dreams, desires and goals in the forefront of their thoughts.

It’s really a simple but effective tool. Several years ago, I made a vision board. My theme was fitness. I posted it right next to my desk. It reminded me to get in a little bit of exercise every day. Since that board, I’ve dropped 10 of those extra 15 pounds AND I’ve made exercise a more regular habit.

Vision books/boards should be a guide not the rule. Be flexible with your ideas. Remember in Every Soul a Star, Bree used her book to keep her ‘eyes on the prize’ as far as modeling went. Life threw her a bit of a curve ball in the form of going to Moon Shadow Campground. Do you think that her book would be as important once she’d been at Moon Shadow for a while? Maybe it won't be but we hope that it would. The book was a great example of her persistence towards achieving a goal. If her goals change, perhaps her book could ‘morph’ into something else too. Her persistence was an excellent quality and we wouldn't want it to change.

Do you have a goal or goals that you’d like to pay more attention to? Here is a way to make your very own vision book or board:

To make your vision book, you’ll need:
Notebook (use poster board or foam core for a vision board)
Magazines
Newspapers
Scissors
Glue or double-stick tape
Pens, pencils, crayons

1. Pick a theme – ours was cooking but yours could be anything. (Note: A theme is just a suggestion. This is your book, it can be just a general gathering of hopes or desires.)
2. Choose a notebook - maybe one that has a nice design on the cover or one that has special meaning to you.

3. Go through magazines, newspapers, and cut out pictures, titles, words etc. that are pertinent to your theme. You can also print photos and titles from the Internet.

4. Make a collage by placing these pictures on pages in your book (or on your poster board). You can also write notes or affirmations in and around these pictures.

5. Keep your book with you - you never know when inspiration will strike. Keep adding pictures, quotes and handwritten messages. Before you know it, your book will be full of inspiration. And if life throws you a curve ball, remember goals can evolve just as people evolve. Let your “Book” grow with you. (If you’re using a vision board, these same thoughts apply. Keep your board in view and try to look at it at least once every day. Update it as your goals and dreams come true.)

Cookie Recipes - Nutty Crescents

2009-06-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

These were the first cookies we thought of when we started planning a CookieBooky meeting for Every Soul A Star. First we thought of the moon shape of these crescent cookies. Also Nutty Crescents are very much like some of the characters in the book - they are enjoyably nutty but sweet and wonderful, as well.

Nutty Crescents are easy to make:

INGREDIENTS

1/2 c. butter (salted)
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour
1/2 c. pecans (chopped fine)
powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Image 1

Image 2

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment (if you smear a bit of butter on the pan it will hold the parchment better.)

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine butter and sugar. Mix until fluffy. Stir in vanilla. Slowly add flour, mixing until a dough forms (see Image 1). Add pecans and mix until they are thoroughly combined.

Scoop dough in heaping teaspoons (see Image 2). Form into log, then turn edges down in crescent shape. Place cookies on parchment-prepared pan. Bake at 325 for 20 - 25 minutes. When the cookies are light brown on bottom and look 'set', they are done. Let cool on cooling rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

Makes 18 cookies.

Discussion Topics - Every Soul a Star

2009-06-20T05:45:00.001-07:00

List some of the astronomic terms and concepts you learned.
What would be your favorite spot at Moon Shadow? The Art House, Alien Central, Mining for Gold, the Hot Spring? Would you want to live at the Moon Shadow Campground?
Why did Mr. Silver ask Jack to go on this trip?
Why did Jack think that Ryan was pointing out Ally as the pretty one?
What do you think happened to Ally, Bree and Jack after the eclipse? How would Ally do in 'civilization'? Bree at the camp? And Jack back to 'normal life'?
What was similar about the siblings - Kenny, Melanie and Mike? What was different?
Have you ever seen an eclipse? Would you want to see one after this story?
What did you think of the structure of this book? Different voices - Ally, then Bree, then Jack? Which character did you connect with most?
What are your impressions of Stella?

Review - Every Soul A Star

2009-06-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

When the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth covering the sun partially or fully that is a solar eclipse. According to Wikipedia, “At least two and up to five solar eclipses can occur each year on Earth, with between zero and two of them being total eclipses. Total solar eclipses are nevertheless rare at any location because during each eclipse totality exists only along a narrow corridor in the relatively tiny area of the Moon's umbra.”

As total eclipses are rare so is a book as delightful and absorbing as Every Soul a Star. The three main characters Ally, Jack and Bree are brought together by this solar phenomenon.

Ally has grown up at Moon Shadow Campground. She has never really been in contact with the outside world. Her life is the camp, the stars and her search for extraterrestrials. When Ally learns that her parents are moving them back to the city, she’s afraid that life as she knows it will come to an end.

Jack is an overweight, shy boy who lumbers through life clumsily. Instead of failing him in science, Jack’s teacher gives him the opportunity to come along on an eclipse tour. Reluctantly Jack agrees thinking that surely his science teacher has made some sort of mistake.

Bree is a self-proclaimed ‘fashionista’. Her dreams for the future rest solely on becoming a fashion model. She doesn’t understand her scientist parents or her sister – none of whom have any interest in clothes, jewelry or makeup. When Bree finds out that her parents are moving the family to oversee Moon Shadow, her world falls apart.

Each character has the opportunity to tell their story as the chapters are titled “Ally”, “Bree”, "Jack" and repeat. Before reading this book, I didn’t really concern myself with the sky, stars, eclipses. But the way in which Wendy Mass describes the event of eclipse watching changed all that. Ms. Mass showed how an eclipse can occur simultaneously in the sky and in someone’s heart. That is to say, she told the story of how – despite all odds against – people can change. Good can eclipse bad, courage can eclipse fear, confidence can eclipse shyness. You just have to have your eyes open to the eclipse.

I loved this book and highly recommend it to boys and girls alike. Every Soul a Star is about people and their lives. It is about looking upward and inward. It is a truly enjoyable book of the greatest magnitude.

This book receives four cookies and a glass of milk (with a little moonglow and stardust for good measure.)

Stirring things up!

2009-06-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

That's right, cookie dough isn't the only thing that we'll be stirring up around here!! We'll be mixing it up on our blog, too.

Yes, it's sad but true, we haven't been around here much. It's quite telling when we see that our last post was on Valentine's Day - eek! But all that's about to change. We've got lots of new meeting schedules, great discussion topics and fun crafts. So be on the lookout for a lot of new posts from us!!

Some of the books we've read include:
• Every Soul a Star
• Eleven Birthdays
• No More Dead Dogs
• Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

A CookieBooky wish of love for all the cookie and book-y lovers out there. Happy Valentine's Day!!

Discussion Topics - What The Moon Saw

2009-02-06T03:23:00.000-08:00

What the Moon Saw by Laura Resau describes life in a small rural village in Mexico - a place that few people have been. It also describes the inner world of a child - a place all of us have been or will go. This book opens up a new world while allowing people to discuss their own inner world, an interesting contrast. Perhaps your CookieBooky group can use these discussion topics to learn more about yourselves and each other.

Would you want to visit Yucuyoo? Why or why not?
Do you think you would be more 'comfortable' in Yucuyoo, Oaxaca City or Walnut Hill? Explain.
Did you understand any of the Spanish in the book? Which words?
Were you surprised to learn that there is a language called Mixteco?
What do you think of Abuelita's 'visions' and her healing powers? Also discuss the use of herbs and plants as medicine.
Carla drew in her sketchbook to express her feelings and to remember events? What is your creative outlet?
What would you do in a situation where you had to go 2 months without TV, internet or phone?
What did the title of the book mean?
Discuss the saying "we all eat from the same tortilla".
Discuss your heritage.

Review - What The Moon Saw

2009-02-05T05:18:00.000-08:00

What the Moon Saw is one of those books that I tried to read slowly. I didn’t want it to end too soon so instead of sitting down and reading several chapters through at a time, I’d read a chapter and then soak it in. I enjoyed it that much.

This is the story of a girl named Clara Luna (“clear moon”) who feels that she is out of place in her Walnut Hill, MD environment but she doesn’t know why. Sensing the girl’s restlessness across the thousands of miles that separated them, her grandmother sends Clara an invitation to her home in a small village in Mexico. Nervous, but curious, the girl agrees to go. A bit of the backstory is that Clara’s father had illegally immigrated from that Mexican village to America when he was in his late teens. He never talked much about his past with his American family and he had never visited his parents since his departure.

It took Clara longer to reach her grandparents’ home (one plane trip and three bus rides) than it did for her to feel comfortable there. She went for walks and learned quickly about how she could do her share for the family. She listened to her Abuelita’s stories about being a healer. In alternate chapters, the grandmother told her past and Clara told the present. Clara quickly became close with her grandparents. She even learned that she might be a healer like her grandmother. Clara met a boy goatherd named Pedro. They became close friends and talked and walked through the mountainside. Their encounters gave the greatest description of the beauty of the natural world in the village.

Clara felt hollow and misplaced in a world where value is placed on material things but found her spirit while living in a shack in a small mountain village. This book was very enjoyable for more than her story. It had a message that reminded the reader that life is about more than the things we own. Life is about the connection between people and nature. It’s about the lives and the spirits that we touch. The book’s language was beautiful in its simplicity and with some Spanish interspersed, it really evoked a sense of ‘being there’.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is not just a girl story. It is the story of the human condition.

This book receives four cookies and a glass of milk (I'd even add a little cinnamon to that milk because the book was that good!)

We're going south of the border

2009-01-30T18:40:00.000-08:00

First - an explanation. We haven't been able to schedule a meeting, so the next few books that we'll be discussing on this blog will not be the results of an actual meeting. Instead, they will be CookieBooky meetings in the planning stages.

We were so excited about the upcoming book that I had to come here and post a little teaser. One hint: the book is about Mexico. Can you guess what the title is from this picture?

Projects - The Mother Daughter Book Club

2009-01-25T14:54:00.000-08:00

Based on the story of Laurie and the March girls, we decided to make a birdhouse/letter holder. This was so much fun! And it really works to hold small envelopes. I wonder if anyone used theirs when they got home. It would be fun to play mailbox with a younger sibling.

Supplies needed:
Milk cartons
Scissors
Paper - white and/or colored
Crayons
Pens
Tape or glue

1. Save a few milk cartons - one for each member.

2. Clean out the milk cartons and allow to air dry for at least a day. Punch hole in top ridge CAREFULLY (a grown up should do this.)

3. Mark and cut the door of the birdhouse/letter holder. Only cut on three sides so you can use one side as a hinge.

4. Decorate. Ideas for decorating - cover with colored paper. Or with white paper and color with crayons.

5. Put string through hole and hang.

Discussion Topics - The Mother Daughter Book Club

2009-01-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

The Mother-Daughter Book Club read their book over the course of the year. What are the benefits of taking that much time with one book? Any drawbacks?
Which girl is most like you? Why?
Which girl would have been your best friend? Why?
Describe the characteristics of the mothers. Which of the mothers reminded you of your own mother? Why?
How do you think their participation helped the girls learn about themselves? About their friends? About their mothers?
What did you think about what happened with Megan Wong and the Fab Four?
Do you know a Becca Chadwick? How should Emma deal with Becca?
Concord, Mass. is a place of historical interest. Name and describe some of the historic places you've been.
Have you read Little Women (or seen the movie)? What did you think of it?

Review - The Mother Daughter Book Club

2009-01-20T15:47:00.001-08:00

I enjoyed this book immensely, so much so that I ordered its sequel – in HARDCOVER! If you knew me, you’d know that I never ever order a book in hardcover. I can wait for a lot of things but for the sequel to this book, I just couldn’t wait.

Now I know what you're thinking. You're thinking I enjoyed this book because it's about a book club. But, you're wrong! I actually didn't want to like this book BECAUSE it's about a book club. I think CookieBooky book clubs are the best and didn't know how one could hold a candle to our meetings. But I can tell you that I wouldn't mind bringing cookies and a game to one or two of this group's meetings.

The Mother-Daughter Book Club is the story of four girls from Concord, Massachusetts - Emma Hawthorne, Jess Delaney, Cassidy Sloane and Megan Wong. Three of their mothers are all in yoga class together and they decide to form a mother-daughter book club much to the chagrin of their daughters.

Actually, Emma Hawthorne, the daughter of the town librarian Phoebe Hawthorne doesn’t mind the idea of a book club too much, though. She is a bookworm and loves to read just like her parents. In fact she and her brother Darcy got their names from their parents love of all things Jane Austen. This family loves books so much that they have bookshelves in their dining room! Emma is sweet and kind-hearted, she has a slight weight problem and this makes her the target of jokes by the Fab Four – Becca Chadwick and friends.

Jess Delaney is Emma’s best friend. She lives at Half Moon Farm with her father and twin brothers. She is also sometimes the target of the Fab Four’s snide remarks (“Goat Girl”). Jess is a shy girl but she is beautiful like her mother and she can sing. Jess’s mother doesn’t live with the family because she is pursuing her dream of being an actress. Jess misses her mother and worries that their family is broken forever. It is difficult for Jess to attend the mother-daughter book club meetings without her mother but Mrs. Hawthorne has made her an honorary member. Because of her singing voice, Jess is encouraged to try out for the school play despite her shyness.

Cassidy Sloane is new to Concord, Massachusetts. Her ex-model mother, Clementine, moved the family from California back to Massachusetts after Cassidy’s father died in a car accident. Mrs. Sloane thought it would be best to live near her parents. Cassidy is sad for the loss of her father and having to move to a new town. She is a tomboy and loves to play sports. She is not into ‘girly’ things and is not a big fan of reading. She’s not happy with being in the book club and she’s especially not happy when she finds out they don’t allow girls on the ice hockey team.

Megan Wong was good friends with Emma Hawthorne in elementary school. They played Barbies together often. After Mr. Wong invented some popular computer gadget and made millions, Megan moved to a better part of town and started hanging out with Becca Chadwick. Yes, she is one of the dreaded Fab Four. Megan doesn’t want to be in the book club because she is not really friends with Emma anymore and she spends a good deal of their club time texting Becca Chadwick. Megan’s mom wants her to be a world-famous scientist working to save the earth but Megan’s dream is to be a fashion designer.

Mrs. Hawthorne has chosen the book Little Women for them to read for the year. The author makes very interesting analogies between what happened in Little Women and the distinctive personalities of the March girls in comparison with the four girls of this story. I enjoyed the comparisons as well as the way the story proceeded - each chapter from the standpoint of one of the four girls. The book shows how the group grows and how the girls learn and change as well. It was a very interesting book!

Discussion Topics - Clarice Bean Spells Trouble

2008-06-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

Who would play Clarice Bean in the movie?
Do you know any other characters created by Lauren Child?
Did Clarice do the right thing by taking the blame for the spray-painting?
Why did Carl stop talking to Clarice? Did he overreact? Was Clarice too harsh?
Which movie would you most like to be in? What would your Hollywood star name be?
Think of your own word like ‘exceptionordinarily’. Mix two words to make a bigger, better word.
A mnemonic is a tool that helps you remember something like "ROY G BIV" for the colors of the rainbow. Tell your favorite mnemonic or come up with your own for something you have trouble remembering.

Projects - Collage (Clarice Bean Spells Trouble)

2008-06-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Draw the inside of your brain. Then decorate it collage style. This project is good for the meeting when you discuss Clarice Bean Spells Trouble.

Supplies necessary:

paper
drawing materials
scissors
glue/gluestick
various and sundry items for decorating*
*Suggestions for other materials to use:

macaroni
feathers
magazines
stickers
ribbon

Discussion Topics - The Tail of Emily Windsnap

2008-06-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Shona used the word ‘swishy’. Come up with your own mermaid word for ‘cool’. And use it whenever you can!
Would you want to be half-mermaid or whole mermaid? Or no mermaid at all?
If you lived on a houseboat, what would the boat’s name be?
Mr. Beeston - evil character or just doing his job?
Would you have been able to stand up for yourself the way Emily did with King Neptune?
What should happen in the next book(s)?
Would you have been brave enough to go in to the sunken ship? The jail?
You find a locked treasure chest, guess three things in it.
Who are you most like - Emily (shy and reserved) or Shona (outgoing & studious)?
Would you want to live on a boat? Have you ever driven a boat? What would your boat's name be?
They had Rainbow Rocks - what place is special enough to you that you wouldn't be surprised to find a mermaid there?
Why did they put Jake in jail? Why did they let him out?

Projects - Mermaid Bookmark (The Tail of Emily Windsnap)

2008-06-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

SUPPLIES:
- blue and green cardstock
- white cardstock
- beige foam sheet or yellow cardstock
- markers
- ribbon
- glitter pen
- yarn
- double-sided tape or glue
- Some sample supplies are pictured in pic 1

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut white or blue cardstock to dimensions of a bookmark. You can use template found in the mermaid bookmark PDF file (pic 2)

2. Cut foam (or yellow cardstock) into the shape of a mermaid’s head, shoulders and arms. You can use template found in the mermaid bookmark PDF file. (pic 3)

3. Cut blue or green cardstock in shape of fin. (use template found in the mermaid bookmark PDF file)

4. Glue or tape foam piece to bookmark. * (pic 4)

5. Glue or tape to bookmark below foam. * (pic 4)

6. Use yarn for hair OR color hair in with markers. (pic 5)

7. Decorate with ribbon and glitter. (pic 5)

*Make sure glue and decorations dry before using bookmark in a book. If using tape, make sure there are no exposed surfaces of tape that could damage book.

Click on pictures to enlarge:

Discussion Topics - Poppy

2008-06-15T22:58:00.000-07:00

Which was your favorite character? And why?
Do you think Poppy would have done what she did if she hadn't met Ragweed?
Suggest names for Poppy's children.
What interesting facts did you learn about animals and nature from this book?
Discuss the differences in the ways the mice treated Ocax and the way Ereth treated him.
What have you learned about bullies from knowing more about Ocax?
Discuss Lungwort's response to Poppy when she returned.
What did Poppy learn from Lungwort, Ereth and Ragweed?
Would you have been as brave as Poppy was when she went with Lungwort to ask Ocax about moving?
Why did the author name the porcupine Erethizon Dorsatum?
Name some reasons that George the cat wasn't interested in eating Poppy the mouse.

Projects - Pea and Bean Mosaic (Poppy)

2008-06-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

A very colorful and easy project.

SUPPLIES: (pic 1)

dried peas and beans in various colors
cardboard squares (4" x 4" or 6" x 6")
market
school glue (white glue)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. On the cardboard, draw a mosaic-like pattern. Use squares, triangles etc. (pic 2)

2. One shape at a time, fill shape with glue then spread a single color of peas or beans over that shape. Gently pour beans over the glue and press down firmly. Then shake off beans that don't stick. (pic 3)

3. Repeat Step 2 with each section until complete. (pic 4)

4. Allow to dry. (pic 5)

NOTE: There is a lot of gluing in this project. Please get an adult if you need help with this.

ANOTHER NOTE: If you intend to keep this project for a long time, have an adult spray it with fixative spray.

Click on pictures to enlarge:

Discussion Topics - Pictures of Hollis Woods

2008-06-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

What was the name of the place Hollis Woods was born? Is it a real place? What place would you like to be named after?
What is your favorite color? Do you have a specific favorite crayon color?
If she was willing, should Josie be allowed to take in other foster children?
What one scene of a moment in your life would you like to draw a picture of?
Do you think having Hollis there made things more difficult between Steven and the Old Man?
Should Steven have told the Old Man that he knew Josie and Hollis were hiding at their summer house?
Do you think Hollis Woods really was a mountain of trouble?

Projects - Worry Doll (Pictures of Hollis Woods)

2008-06-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

These are also called trouble dolls. These are originally from Guatemala where it is believed that if a person can't sleep they should put a worry doll under their pillow. Then the doll will do the worrying for them while they sleep. In the morning, the worries will be gone having been taken away by the dolls.

Supplies needed:

ball-head clothespin (also called slotted clothespin)
permanent market
flat-head thumbtack (not pushpin)
wooden matchsticks (head removed with scissors)
scissors
low-temp glue gun (or tacky glue)
1. Draw a face with permanent marker on one side of the ball part on top of clothespin. Use red marker if you’d like to add in cheek blush.

2. Make a hank of embroidery floss by loosely wrapping floss around hand and then removing when you have enough for hair. Cut through end loops and use glue gun to top of clothespin for hair.

3. Cut a rectangle piece of fabric long enough to wrap around the worry doll’s neck once and wide enough to cover doll. Use thumb tack to secure dress at neck.

4. If you would like to add arms, cut matchsticks small enough for the doll’s arm. With micropoint or sharp scissors make small slits in dress where arms go. Add a dab of glue to ends of matchsticks and insert into slits.

NOTE: There is a lot of gluing in this project. Please get an adult if you need help with this.

Discussion Topics - Olivia Kidney

2008-06-13T03:57:00.000-07:00

Favorite character? Least favorite?
What clues were given about Branwell?
Christopher called the dolls effigies. Can you name other examples of an effigy?
Should George Kidney use his old toolbox?
Did the title and cover of the book give you an idea of the story?
Principessa Christina Lilli - exiled royalty or nutty neighbor?
Describe Olivia in three words.
How could Sidi use her powers for good purposes?
Seances and tarot cards - what are your thoughts about fortune-telling, ghosts and the supernatural?

Projects - Make Your Own Newspaper (The Landry News)

2008-06-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

This was probably one of our most successful projects.
SUPPLIES
newspaper template made from 8.5" x 11" white paper
old magazines, etc.
reference books - joke book, cookbook, nonfiction books
pencils or pens
coloring instruments - crayons, markers etc.
double-sided tape

INSTRUCTIONS
Print the newspaper template on 8.5" x 11" white paper. (pic 1) Print enough for everyone. Tell everyone the name of the project. It worked well when we asked everyone to start by coming up with a name for their newspaper and printing it in big letters over the top.

Then they were asked to fill in each block with a different article - examples would be:

- an upcoming event at home or in school
- community news
- recipe
- joke
- sports scores
- poll of friends
Then participants can fill in the squares. They can draw and color illustrations or cut out pictures from old magazines and tape them in place with double-sided tape. (pics 2-5)

When everyone's done, sit back in the circle and pass around everyone's newspaper. It really is a lot of fun!

Click on pictures to enlarge:

Discussion Topics - The Landry News

2008-06-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

Would you like to have Mr. Larson as a teacher? Why or why not?
Do you think that publishing the Guardian was a good idea?
Was publishing the divorce story a bad idea?
What job would you like to have if you worked on a newspaper?
What would you name your newspaper if you had one?
Would you have put The Landry News up on the wall like Cara did in the beginning?
Describe Cara in three words.
Dr. Barnes - right or wrong?
Do you think good newspapers actually have hearts?
What makes a good teacher?
What actress do you think could play Cara if The Landry News was made into a movie?

Discussion Topics - Half Magic

2008-06-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

Which one of their wishes was the best?
If you found a magic coin - with one 'half' wish - what would your wish be?
Sir Launcelot- haughty jerk or brave knight?
Would you have freaked out if you saw half-Martha?
Do you think Mr. Smith and the children's mom were "destined" for each other?
At the end, what did the girl wish for after she realized the charm's powers? Be creative...
What did you think of Mark making all Achmed's dreams come true?
Jane's accidental wish - did her father really appear or was it her own wishful thoughts?
When Jane belonged to the other family - might she have returned without the magic of the charm?
What makes a good grownup?
Make up a name for the sequel. (There really is a sequel. It's name is Magic By The Lake.)
Give the charm a name.

Projects - Sculpey Coin (Half Magic)

2008-06-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

SUPPLIES: (pic 1)
- polymer clay (we use Sculpey brand)
- rubber stamps
- pencil
- ink
- felt tip pen
- jewels or decorations
- glue

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Break off one section of polymer clay and roll into ball. (pic 1)
2. Flatten ball into shape of coin. (pic 2)
3. Decorate by pressing rubber stamp into clay or using a pencil tip. (pic 3)
4. With adult assistance, follow package directions to bake clay. (pic 4)
5. Use ink to tint edges and use felt pen to emphasize rubber stamp indentations. Attach jewels or decorations with glue. (pic 5)

Projects - Half & Half Creature (Half Magic)

2008-06-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

SUPPLIES
white paper
drawing utensils - pencils, crayons, markers, etc.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. For this project, you work with a partner. First fold an 8.5 x11 piece of paper in half lengthwise. Each partner will be drawing one half of the monster without seeing the other's half.
2. Open the paper, on the fold, make a line where the neck, waist and feet will be
3. Then on one half, you draw half of a creature. Half a head, half a torso, etc. Then fold your half back so your partner can't see it. She then draws her half of the creature.
4. When finished, open the paper and see what scary creature you've come up with!!

Discussion Topics - The Great Good Thing

2008-06-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

What one thing would you have changed about this book?
What would you call the sequel to this book?
Create a name for the land where King Walther and Queen Emmeline ruled.
Try to think of some of your memories that may have a little 'rust.'
Would you have liked the book to have illustrations?
Do you know any books that are so good that their characters almost seem to come alive?
If you were a character in a book, would you have been as brave as Sylvie and crossed over into Claire's dream?
Was Sylvie right or wrong when she looked at the reader?
What book would you like to step into? And what character would you like to have step out of a book?
Try to think of another name for the Disappointed Ones.

Projects - Paper Plate Crown (The Great Good Thing)

2008-06-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

SUPPLIES:
- paper plate
- pencil
- scissors
- crayons or markers
- hole punch
- various and sundry items for decorating such as sequins and ribbon

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Draw a line through the middle of the plate - leaving one inch at each edge. Then draw another line that crosses directly through the first line making an "X". Also leave one inch at each edge. (pic 1)
2. Now draw two more lines so that the plate looks like this:
(pic 2 & 3)
3. Color the plate with crayons or markers. (pic 4)
4. From the center, cut along the lines - REMEMBER to leave one inch or more at each edge. To start cut line, slightly crease one of the pencil lines and cut the perpendicular line. (pic 5)
5. Fold up the points and your crown is done. (pic 6)
6. If you'd like to add ribbon, punch holes near the edge of one triangle and thread ribbon (each piece about 24" long) through make a knot and allow to stream in the back. (pics 7 & 8)

Click on pictures to enlarge:

Projects - Storybook Mad Lib (The Anybodies)

2008-06-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

Storybook Mad Lib (The Anybodies)
Ask your friends to give you the following list of words then fill into the story below and read aloud to everyone. (NOTE: This is the first paragraph of The Anybodies)
ALTERNATIVE: make up your own story and make a mad lib out of it.
(last name 1) ________________
(same last name 1) _________________
(adjective)________________
(same adjective 1) ________________
(same last name 1) ________________
(plural noun 1) ________________
(plural noun 2) ________________
(same last name 1) ________________
(plural noun 3) ________________
(plural noun 4) ________________
(plural noun 5) ________________
(noun 1) ________________
(noun 2) ________________
(adjective 2) ________________
(plural noun 6) ________________
(plural noun 7) ________________
(plural noun 8) ________________
(adjective 3) ________________
(plural noun 9) ________________
(occupation 1) ________________
(occupation 2) ________________
(color 1 or adjective) ________________
(color 2 or adjective) ________________

Storybook Story
Fern (last name) ________________ knew that her parents Mr. and Mrs. (same last name) _________________ were (adjective 1)________________. Ridiculously (same adjective 1) ________________. Incredibly tragically (same adjective 1) ________________. Mr. (same last name 1) ________________ enjoyed discussing (plural noun 1) ________________ and (plural noun 2) ________________. Mrs. (same last name) ________________ collected (plural noun 3) ________________ , (plural noun 4) ________________, and (plural noun 5) ________________. They gave Fern birthday gifts like a (noun 1) ________________ or a (noun 2) ________________. They only liked (adjective 2) ________________ things such as (plural noun 6) ________________, (plural noun 7 ) ________________ and (plural noun 8) ________________ --- and not those cute (adjective 3) ________________ shapes and such, but informative (plural noun 9) ________________ from the (occupation 1) ________________, (occupation 2) ________________ and many from the firm where they worked, (color 1 or adjective) ________________ & (color 2 or adjective) ________________.

Projects - Bead Foam Fairy (The Anybodies)

2008-06-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

SUPPLIES
- 3/4" wood bead
- black medium tip marker
- pipe cleaners (neutral color) - cut to 6"
- 2 silk flowers - 1 large and 1 small
- white or pink foam cut to shape of butterfly wings
- small green twist tie

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Thread stem of large flower through hole in bead. Cut stem down to within 1/2" of head. Pull small flower off of its stem and attach with glue to stem sticking out of bead.
2. Cut wings from foam. Make small slit in middle of each wing. Bend pipe cleaner in half and thread through holes in wing until centers of pipe cleaner and wings line up.
3. Thread small twist tie along the same path as pipe cleaner. Use this twist tie to secure wings to the stem section of big flower just below bead head.
4. Draw face on bead with black marker.

This project would be good to do when you are discussing The Anybodies.

Discussion Topics - The Doll People

2008-06-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

Which was your favorite character? And why?
Did Annabelle do the right thing by putting her family at risk to save Aunt Sarah?
Do you know a family that reminds you of the Funcrafts? The Dolls?
Which one of your own dolls would you want to believe was alive/animate?
Who are you more like - Annabelle or Tiffany?
Do you know other books written by Ann M. Martin?
Name your own secret club.

Projects - Paper Doll Chain (The Doll People)

2008-06-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

SUPPLIES:
- 8.5" x 11" copy paper
- Double-stick tape
- Scissors
- Pens, markers and crayons
- Decorative materials such as scraps of paper and fabric, buttons, lace, trim, glitter, tin-foil, stickers, sequins etc.
Glue

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cut paper in half lengthwise (pic 1). Fold each piece in quarters accordion, then unfold. (pic 2)
2. Join the two strips together. Place double stick tape on the back of last panel on strip #1. Place this over the front of the first panel on strip #2. Re-fold this new long strip accordion style. This will give you seven 2.75" panels. (pic 3 & 4)
3. Then you or your child can draw a doll figure on the top panel making sure that the hand and feet extend all the way to the side panels.

Click on picture to enlarge

4. Cut around the doll being careful not to cut along the folds where the hands and feet touch. (pic 5)
5. Unfold doll chain and color or decorate. (pic 6)

This project would be good for a book group meeting about The Doll People.

Click on pictures to enlarge:

Fun Stuff - Comic #2

2008-06-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

by CookieBooky Kid Too

Click on picture to enlarge

Fun Stuff - Comic #1

2008-06-04T13:32:00.001-07:00

by CookieBooky Kid Too

Click on picture to enlarge

Cookie Recipes - World Peace Cookies

2008-06-04T13:19:00.001-07:00

If everyone ate them, there would be world peace. They're that good!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 11 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (we always use chocolate chunks)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Sift flour, cocoa and baking soda together.
2. With a mixer and its paddle attachment (or a hand mixer and large bowl), beat the butter until soft and creamy. Add white and brown sugars, salt and vanilla. Beat for 2 more minutes.
3. Turn off mixer. Pour in dry ingredients, pulse mixer 5 times (cover with a towel to prevent fly-away flour.) Pulse until flour is no longer on outside of dough. At low speed, mix for 30 seconds, just until the flour is completely incorporated — for the best texture, work the dough as little as possible at this point. Mix in chocolate pieces.
4. Turn the dough onto a parchment-covered work surface, make a ball and then divide in half. Shape each half of dough into a log that is 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. (Or up to 3 days.)

When it's time to bake:
5. Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
6. Using a sharp thin knife, slice the logs into 1/2 inch thick slices. Don't worry if the rounds crumble a bit - squeeze the crumbles back on.) Place rounds on cookie sheet about 1 inch apart..
7. Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 12 minutes — they won't look done, nor will they be firm, but that's ok. Transfer to a cooling rack and let the cookies rest until just warm. Then you can serve them or let them reach room temperature.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

This cookie would be good to serve when discussing the following books:
The Lightning Thief (Movie Tie-in Edition) (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)
The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2)
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3)

Cookie Recipes - Snickerdoodles

2008-06-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

Cute name, great taste - what more could you ask for in a cookie?!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

topping:
2 tbsp white sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.

2. Cream first 5 ingredients. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Shape dough by hand into 1" balls.

3. For topping, mix the 2 tbsps sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough balls in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove immediately from baking sheets.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

This cookie would be good to make when discussing the following books:
Clarice Bean Spells Trouble
Harriet the Spy
Amelia's Notebook

Cookie Recipes - Shortbread

2008-06-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

This is a great cookie when you're in a hurry - 4 ingredients!

INGREDIENTS:

Sugar
Dash of salt
2 1/4 c. presifted flour
1 c. butter (2 sticks)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease baking sheets.

2. Combine 2/3 cup sugar, salt, flour and butter together in mixing bowl, rub with hands until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Work with hands until pliable and smooth. (A little more flour may be necessary if weather is warm.)

3. Turn dough onto lightly floured board, roll out 1/4 inch thick. Prick surface with fork. Cut with floured cookie cutter; place on baking sheets.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until just golden.

5. Remove from oven, sprinkle with colored sugar (optional). Cool for 2 minutes.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

This cookie is good to cut out into shapes. It would work well when you want to use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Books to discuss with this cookie are:
The Doll People
The Meanest Doll in the World
The Tail of Emily Windsnap (a fish cookie cutter would be fun)

Cookie Recipes - Raspberry Thumbprints

2008-06-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS

Cookie dough

1 cup butter, still cold cut at tbsp marks
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raspberry jam (preferably seedless)

Glaze (optional)

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp milk

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in 1/2 tsp vanilla. Mix in flour until dough comes together. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Press a small hole into each ball with your thumb then fill the hole with jam.
Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool 1 minute on the cookie sheet then remove to wire rack.
For glaze: mix together the confectioners' sugar, 3/4 tsp vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm cookies.
ANOTHER OPTION: Wait until cookies cool, then sprinkle with confectioners sugar.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

This cookie would be good to serve when discussing the following books:
Olivia Kidney
Double Identity

Cookie Recipes - Pinwheel Cookies

2008-06-04T13:08:00.001-07:00

INGREDIENTS

1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. softened butter
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 square (1 oz.) unsweetened chocolate, melted then cooled

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Put sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in bowl of mixer. Mix at medium speed until creamy, scraping sides often. Turn off mixer. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Mix again until well combined.

2. Remove half of dough. Add cooled chocolate to dough left in bowl. Mix well. Shape each half into 4x5-inch rectangle; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for an hour.

3. Roll out chocolate dough between two sheets of lightly floured waxed paper to 12x7-inch rectangle. Repeat with plain dough. Place plain dough on top of chocolate dough and press together. Roll up like a jelly roll - starting at 12-inch side. Wrap again in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours (or until firm).

4. Preheat oven to 375°F. With sharp knife, cut dough into 1/4-inch slices. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until set. Remove from pan; cool completely.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

This cookie would be good to serve when discussing the following books:
Half Magic
The Penderwicks

Cookie Recipes - Melting Moments

2008-06-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 c. confectioners sugar

1 c. butter, room temperature

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

OPTIONAL: 1/4 c. semisweet choc. chips

1 c. confectioners sugar for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In medium bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch and salt. Set bowl aside.

2. With electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy (2 minutes). Beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture and mix until flour is incorporated. If using chocolate chips, crush them slightly and add to dough now.

3. Cover and refrigerate for an hour (or until firm).

4. Preheat oven to 350°F and place rack in center of oven. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

5. Form dough into 1 inch balls and put on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake for approx. 12 - 14 minutes (or until edges cookies start to brown). Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack. Let cool for about 5 minutes.

6. Put some of the powdered sugar on a plate. Place cookies on plate. Sift or sprinkle the rest of sugar on top of the cookies. OPTION: Just roll the cookies in the sugar.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

This cookie would be good to serve when discussing the following books:
Old Willis Place
The Great Good Thing
Among the Hidden

Cookie Recipes - Koulourakia

2008-06-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS

1/2 c. butter (softened)
1/2 c. sugar
3 egg yolks
1/4 c. half-and-half
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tbsps sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350° F**.
In electric mixer**, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add 2 of the yolks, one at a time. Mix in 3 tbsps of the half and half.
In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt then gradually add this to butter. Mix until blended.
Form dough into 1" balls. Then roll each into a strand about 6 inches long. Bring ends together and twist, so they look like twirled cookies.
Whisk remaining egg yolk and the remaining 1 tbsp. of half-and-half. Brush this on cookies. Then sprinkle sesame seeds on cookies.
Bake approx. 15 minutes** or until golden.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

Cookie Recipes - Gingerbread People

2008-06-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS

1 (3.5 oz) pkg cookable butterscotch pudding mix (not instant)
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

In a bowl, cream together the pudding mix, butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the egg. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon; stir into the pudding mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm (about 1 hour).
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to about 1/8" thick. Then cut into people shapes with a cookie cutter. Place cookies about 2" apart on greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, cookies should be golden at the edges. Cool on wire racks.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

This cookie would be good to serve when discussing:
The Doll People
The Meanest Doll in the World

Cookie Recipes - Cream Cheese Brownies

2008-06-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS

Brownie mixture

4 one-ounce squares German sweet chocolate
3 tbsp. butter
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2 eggs
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Mixture

1 pkg. cream cheese (3 ounces), softened
2 tbsp. butter
1/4 c. white sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F**.
Melt chocolate with 3 tbsp of the butter over very low heat**. Stir constantly until smooth. Allow to cool. (You can do this in the microwave - by placing chocolate and butter in a glass bowl and microwave for one to three minutes. When chocolate is shiny, you can take the bowl out and stir it until completely melted.)
Cream 2 tbsp butter with cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1/4 c. sugar. Cream until light and fluffy. Add 1 egg, 1 tbsp. flour and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Set aside.
Beat 2 eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually beat into them 3/4 cup sugar. Beat until thickened. Stir in baking powder, salt and 1/2 cup flour. Add to this the cooled chocolate mixture. Blend well. Stir in nuts and 1 tsp vanilla.
Spread HALF of the chocolate batter into an 8x8 inch greased baking pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top. Then by spoonfuls, drop the remaining chocolate batter over the top of cream cheese mixture. Swirl through batter layers with a spatula for a marbled effect.
Bake in a preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan. Cut into squares or bars.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

Cookie Recipes - Cut-Out Cookies

2008-06-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup butter, softened
1 (3-oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup your favorite jam (optional for jam sandwiches)
Frosting (optional, see recipe below)

INSTRUCTIONS:
In bowl of large mixer**, combine butter and cream cheese until creamy (1 to 2 minutes, scraping often with rubber spatula). Add in sugar, egg; beat until well mixed. On low speed, mix in flour, baking soda and salt and mix for another 1 to 2 mins. Split dough in half; shape each half into ball, flatten slightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour.

Preheat oven to 350°F**. On lightly floured surface, roll first half of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with medium-sized cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

OPTIONAL (for jam sandwiches): Before baking, place lightly spread 1/4 tsp jam on each cookie. Then top with another cookie, pressing edges to seal.

Bake 7 - 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool 1 minute, then remove from baking sheet and cool completely.

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FROSTING INGREDIENTS

2 cups confectioners sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Food color
Colored sugar or sprinkles

FROSTING INSTRUCTIONS
Combine cup butter, confectioners sugar and vanilla in small bowl of mixer. Beat on low, then add enough milk until you reach desired spreading consistency. Add a tint of food color, if desired; frost and decorate cooled cookies.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

Cookie Recipes - Brownies

2008-06-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

These are a drier, more cookie-like brownie. They're really good with the chocolate chip "frosting".

INGREDIENTS
1 1/3 c. flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c. butter, melted
1 c. cocoa
2 c. white sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F. (OR preheat to 325°F if using dark pan.)**
Grease 9" x 13" pan.
Stir together flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
In large bowl, stir together melted butter, cocoa, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Mix in this order so that the mixture is cool when you add eggs.
Mix dry ingredients into wet.
At this point add nuts if you choose. Then pour batter into a greased pan.
Bake a for 35 minutes or until it just starts to pull away from sides. (Keep an eye on them near the end so the edges don't burn.)
When finished, place pan on cooling rack. While brownies are still hot, put chocolate chips on top. Wait 5 minutes until chips melt and then spread gently for frosting.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

Cookie Recipes - Brown Sugar Nut Cookies

2008-06-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS

1 c. butter, melted
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
3/4 c. finely chopped pecans
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. semisweet chocolate chips (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°F.**
In a bowl, add melted butter, brown sugar, 3/4 cup of the pecans, and vanilla. Beat well. In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Stir flour into butter mixture.
Shape dough into 1" balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten dough slightly.
Bake for 10- 12 minutes or until firm.
Remove from cookie sheet to cool on wire racks.
OPTIONAL: In top of a double boiler or in microwave, melt chocolate chips, stirring frequently until smooth. Dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate. Let cookies set on waxed paper. **

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

This cookie would be good to serve when discussing the following books:
- Fairies of Nutfolk Wood
- Olivia Kidney

Cookie Recipes - Animal Crackers

2008-06-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 c butter, softened (half a stick)
1/4 tsp salt (if less salt desired, use 1/8 tsp)
2 tsp honey
1/4 cup buttermilk

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450ºF.

2. Grind the 1/2 cup oatmeal until very fine, using blender or food processor**.

3. In mixing bowl, stir together oats, flour, baking soda and salt.

4. With two butter knives (or pastry blender), cut in softened butter until butter is the size of small peas.

5. Stir in honey and buttermilk.

6. On lightly floured surface. Roll dough to 1/8" thickness and cut with animal cookie cutters.

7. Bake in preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until edges are lightly brown. Use spatula to move to cooling racks.

**NOTE: Adult assistance required when using oven or using sharp kitchen tools.

This cookie would be good to serve when discussing the following books:
- Poppy
- Ragweed
- I, Freddy

Cookies - Baking Tips

2008-06-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

Get permission to use the kitchen.
Parental supervision is highly recommended! (see this Better Homes & Gardens information about kitchen safety)
Wash your hands with soap and water before starting your kitchen preparations. Wash hands as needed like after touching the trash can or picking up items from the floor.
If you have long hair, put it up or cover it up.
Read and re-read the recipe several times before starting and while working.
Before starting, make sure you have all of the necessary ingredients and put them out on the counter.
Before starting, get out all of the equipment (pans and measuring cups, spoons, etc.)
Follow the recipe exactly. If it helps, make a copy of the recipe and cross of each instruction as you complete it.
Use oven mittens or pot holders when taking food in and out of the oven. Stand to the side as opening oven door.
Clean as you go along to make clean-up at the end easier. Then you can enjoy (and share) your goodies faster!

Discussion Topics - Solomon Snow and the Silver Spoon

2008-06-04T04:00:00.002-07:00

Many books by Charles Dickens are about orphans in bleak settins. The author was trying to emulate Dickens, did she do a good job?
Were you happy for Solomon in the end? Why or why not?
Was Prudence a likable character? How about Rosabella?
Many of the names in this book were descriptive of the person or place. What one adjective would you choose as a first name? What would you choose for the name of a town?
What would your circus name be?
Would a different cover have been more enticing?
Name the ways that Rosabella was helpful.
Would Solomon have been better off if Prudence never said anything?
Which character would you most want for a friend?
Who were the characters that treated children well? Who were the ones who didn't?

Discussion Topics - The Secret School

2008-06-04T04:00:00.001-07:00

Why did Ida insist that the students call her Miss Bidson?
Would you be able to learn if any of your friends became your teacher?
What traits make a good teacher? (Does age matter?)
Would you like to go to a one-room school?
Why did the children feel that they had to keep the school secret?
If you had to choose between going to school and pursuing your studies on your own or no school at all - which would you choose? Why?
Did Henry fail the test on purpose? Why or why not?
The radio was an all-new invention to the kids at the time. What machines are new and innovative for kids now?
Ida's father said she had a choice between hating herself and being scared. What did she choose? What would you have chosen?

Discussion Topics - The Sea of Monsters

2008-06-04T03:59:00.000-07:00

Why didn't Percy see that Tyson was a cyclops?
Discuss this effect and how people don't always see what's right in front of them.
Which cabin would you want to belong to?
How did Grover fool Polyphemus? How did Polyphemus figure out that Grover was a satyr?
With so many threats against them, how can Percy and Annabeth know who to trust?
Where is the Sea of Monsters? What modern urban legend surrounds this area?
C.C. (Circe) talked about other famous daughters of Athena like Amelia Earhart. What famous women would you think were daughters of Athena?
Hermes wanted Percy to save Luke but Percy wasn't able to. How do you feel about Luke? Do you think he thinks he's doing the right thing? Is this just an extreme case of teenage rebellion against parents?
The kids rode large seahorses to safety. Which sea creature would you want to ride to safety on?
Will Percy and Thalia be friends or enemies?

Discussion Topics - Princess Academy

2008-06-04T03:58:00.002-07:00

Miri is named after a flower. List some other flower names.
Why did you think Prince Steffan was acting strangely at the ball?
Should they have allowed Britta to be Princess even though she wasn't really a Mount Eskel girl?
What would you like to see happen in a sequel to the Princess Academy?
Why did Miri's father keep her from working in the quarry?
Olana - well-intentioned teacher or mean-hearted disciplinarian. What do you think?
Do you think there's really a place like Mount Eskel? Where would it be?
Were you disappointed that Miri did not become princess?
What are the rules of diplomacy? Do you think you could use them in your everyday life? How about the rules of conversation?

Discussion Topics - The Nobodies

2008-06-04T03:56:00.000-07:00

Who did you think the mole was? How about the Hermit? Why didn't they get along?
Corky Gorsky was really a good guy - why were Fern and Howard suspicious of him?
Why didn't Dorathea live in the castle? Do you think Fern would have preferred it to the 'house of books'?
What is another solution they could have come up with for what to do with the Nobodies? Can you name other characters that might have been Nobodies?
Mary Stern - friend or foe?
Why did Auggie frame the Bone? When did Fern feel the same the Bone must have felt when he was accused of something he didn't do?
If BORT was actually an acronym - what might it stand for?
What or who would you shake out of a book if you could?
Life is always in flux, always changing. Describe ways that you observe this in the world.

Discussion Topics - The Meanest Doll in the World

2008-06-04T03:55:00.002-07:00

Which was your favorite character? And why?
Is Annabelle's method of dealing with a bully (let her alone and she'll get in trouble on her own) a good way to deal with a bully? Does it work here?
What was the biggest mistake Annabelle and Tiffany made in their Exploration?
If your class made a sign like the "Pride" sign what important ways of treating people would you want to include?
Would you be a Funcraft or a member of the Doll family? Why?
Even after everything she did, do you think the dolls would have given Mimi a chance if she honestly tried to change?
Mean Mimi - think of other alliterative bully names (ex. Big Bad Bob)
If your dolls weren't exactly in the place you left them, would you notice? If yes, who would you think moved them?

Discussion Topics - The Lightning Thief

2008-06-04T03:55:00.001-07:00

When the Oracle told Percy that a friend would betray him, which friend did you think it would be?

Can you name some of the gods mentioned in the book? Do you remember what they were the gods of? (for example, Mr. D and wine)

What was another name for the Kindly Ones? Which character was one of the Kindly Ones? Why didn't they call them by their other name?

What were the twelve cabins named for?

What did you think of Percy's mom using the Medusa head against Gabe?

How does Annabeth explain Percy's troubles with learning?

What did you think of the gift that Luke gave to Percy before he left?

Which kingdom was in L.A. and which one was in N.Y.? What floor of the Empire State building?

Discussion Topics - Island of the Blue Dolphins

2008-06-04T03:52:00.000-07:00

Did Karana make the right decision about whether to leave the island or not?
What would have been more difficult for you - living alone, hunting your own food, making your own house?
Do you know who the Aleuts were? Hint: the island was in the sea off of California and the Aleuts came from the north (Russians/Eskimos from Alaska)
How much time do you enjoy spending alone? How long before you MUST be with other people?
Knowing what happened to her tribe, did you feel differently about Karana's life on the island?
Make up your own secret name.
Karana's people were somewhat superstitious. Name some of their superstitions. How did Karana overcome some of them?
(definition of superstitious: An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome.)
Should Chowig have told the Aleuts his secret name? What could they have done differently with the Aleuts to prevent so many getting killed?
Who would you like to have read this book next so you could talk to them about it?
Is there something in your life that doesn't seem so important now that you've read this story?
How did Karana and Rontu become friends? How did she know which dog was Rontu's son?

Discussion Topics - The Indian in the Cupboard

2008-06-04T03:51:00.002-07:00

If you were Omri, what would you have done differently in the end?
Why did Little Bear get emotional when he shot Boone? Think of a time you've gotten mad at someone and been sorry about what you did afterward. (Do you remember when someone was sorry for their anger another time in this book?)
Bright Stars got her name because of her eyes. What would your Indian name be?
How did Omri figure out which time each character was from?
If you could bring one character/toy to life which one would it be? What would you ask them?
Why was it easier for Little Bear to be comfortable with Omri than it was for Boone?
Discuss the friendship between Omri and Patrick.
Why didn't Little Bear want to live in the tepee?
If you were Omri, would you bring any of the characters back? Which ones and why?
Note of interest: The author's three sons are named Omri, Adiel and Gillon.

Discussion Topics - Fairies of Nutfolk Wook

2008-06-04T03:50:00.001-07:00

Do you think the book should have illustrations?
Do you believe that the Nutfolk were real?
Would you like to live like Hazel?
What one modern convenience would you miss if you lived like Hazel?
Rain (hot-headed), June (leader) or Plum (kind caregiver) - which one are you most like?
Willa said she was named after an author - do you know which one?
A wicket is a small door or gate, any thoughts on why the author picked the name Hazel?
Small and cozy house with few amenities or big house with lots of stuff - which do you prefer?
What would your fairy name be?
If you could use senzall to protect one part of your house or yard, where would it be?

Discussion Topics - Double Identity

2008-06-04T03:49:00.000-07:00

If you had a clone, what would their name be? What things would they do, foods would they eat or sports that they play would remind people of you?
Do you think that Bethany's parents did the right things to protect her? Name some reasons why they didn't tell her.
When Myrlie didn't know if she was allowed to tell Bethany about her family's past, she struggled with wondering if she was doing the right thing. Should she have told? When is it ok to not tell someone things that you think they should know?
Bethany seemed angry that she was a clone. Was she right in being angry? Or was it another emotion?
Imagine that your family had a secret life before you - what would you imagine it to be? Be creative...
If you found out your best friend was a clone, would you feel differently about them? Why or why not?
How did you feel about VanDyne in the end?

Discussion Topics - Caddie Woodlawn

2008-06-04T03:47:00.000-07:00

Would you want the Woodlawns to move to England?
Caddie Woodlawn was based on real life adventures, but most of the names were changed a little. What would your name be if you could change it slightly? Would you change your friends’ names?
Did you feel bad for Cousin Annabelle when Tom, Caddie, and Warren played those tricks on her?
What character are you most like? Age and looks don’t count.
Where did the mail come from? How did it get to them? How long did it take to get there?
Would you make friends with the Indians like Caddie did?
Did you think Uncle Edmund should have taken Nero?
Would you want to have your favorite food every day like the Woodlawns did?
If you made up stories like Tom does, what would one of them be about?
Do you know what important events were happening in other parts of the country at the time of this story - the 1860's?
The author of the story wrote this book as a retelling of her grandmother's stories. Do you know someone whose stories would make a great book?

The CookieBooky Exclusive Cookie Rating System

2008-05-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

CookieBooky ratings system (or who needs stars when you've got cookies!)

4 cookies PLUS a glass of milk - How happy can we be?!? This book was awesome. It rocked our world almost as much as 4 cookies and... a glass of milk.
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4 cookies - Great book! It just missed that special something for us.
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3 cookies - This was an enjoyable read. Perhaps the characters didn't grab us or the ending wasn't quite what we expected. But in no way was reading it a waste of time.
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2 cookies - Well... not really great. We read it all the way through but thought about giving up several times while reading it.
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1 cookie - Ugh! I'd rather eat broccoli than finish this. What were they thinking?

Books

2006-06-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

We currently offer full meeting schedules for the following books. We're always updating so check back often.

• The Mother Daughter Book Club
• The Tail of Emily Windsnap
• Poppy
• Pictures of Hollis Woods
• Olivia Kidney
• The Landry News
• Half Magic
• The Great Good Thing
• The Doll People
• Clarice Bean Spells Trouble
• The Anybodies

Shop Cookie Booky

2006-06-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Coming soon, you'll be able to buy CookieBooky book group kits, crafts, and more. Check back here again soon.

For now, you can use our search box to search at Amazon.com

If you'd like to know when we update our shop, please email us so we can notify you.

Welcome to CookieBooky!

2006-06-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Having your own book group might seem difficult. But with CookieBooky.com, it can be easy. We've had a lot of fun at our own meetings and we'd love to share our meeting ideas, experiences, secrets and successes with you!

On our menu, you'll find that we've got information on all parts of a CookieBooky meeting. We'll show you how to hold your own CookieBooky meeting - there are meeting schedules, discussion topics, project ideas, cookie recipes and more!

Now choose a good book, grab a cookie and gather some friends. Because with a cookie, a book-y and a friend, there's a lot of fun to be had!

Thank you for visiting CookieBooky. Happy reading!!

About Us

2006-06-18T03:46:00.000-07:00

We believe that two of the best things in life are cookies and books.

We wanted to share our love of cookies and books with friends so we started a book group. We called our group CookieBooky and it's been a wonderful success.

A few people asked us to share our ideas and that's how this website came about. We hope we've made it easier for you to enjoy having a book group as much as we have.

Thank you for visiting CookieBooky. Happy reading!!