Kid Konnection: Tough Cookie

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a picture book that's sure to get you in the mood for Christmas!

Summary: When a cookie discovers he does NOT taste delicious, he has to find a new identity in this clever picture book twist on a holiday classic.

Once upon a time, while Fox was visiting the land of Holiday Treats, a little cookie—still warm from the bakery oven—burst out the front door looking sweet and ready to be devoured. But, as it turns out, Cookie is not as fast as he thinks and when Fox finally catches him, they’re both in for a big surprise: Sugar Cookie does not taste delicious—and he’s certainly not fit to be eaten. What’s an unsavory cookie to do? Is there another option for this not-so-sweet treat?

This inventive story celebrates the joy of being accepted for who we are. -- Henry Holt

TOUGH COOKIE: A CHRISTMAS STORY by Edward Hemingway is a pretty terrific holiday picture book -- even the end paper is adorable with its cute characters. This book is a creative twist on the traditional holiday story of the gingerbread man, and it has a wonderful message for kids!

Fox decides to visit the land of Holiday Treats and he discovers a freshly baked little cookie. Cookie doesn't want to be eaten and thinks he can outrun Fox, but Fox is pretty darn fast. (Sound familiar?) But here's where the story takes a turn. When Fox takes a big bite of Cookie, he discovers that Sugar Cookie isn't a delicious treat at all -- he's not even edible! So Fox decides to help Sugar Cookie find his place in the land of Holiday Treats!

I absolutely loved TOUGH COOKIE. The story and illustrations are adorable, and I loved the surprise twists. I honestly wasn't expecting the story to go in the direction it went, and I found the characters and their reactions to be hilarious. I especially appreciated how the book ended with Tough Cookie figuring out exactly where he belonged.

Another thing I really liked about TOUGH COOKIE was that the picture book included recipes for various Tough Cookies. I don't want to give away the ending, but there are a few recipes that kids (and parents) will definitely want to make after finishing this book!

In summary, I loved TOUGH COOKIE from the characters, to the illustrations, to the message, to the recipes -- I could go on and on! Highly recommended!

Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this picture book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!