We are delighted to welcome ex-Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq to the blog today, whose illustrated series Cookie (available here) sees its third instalment published this week….
The Cookie series is much-enjoyed by children in Key Stage 2 for its light-hearted storyline, an authentically childish narrative voice and doodle-style line drawings and charts, holding an instant appeal to fans of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’. The science-loving main character also appeals to those looking for stories representing girls interested in STEM subjects.
Cookie is a 9-year old girl who invites the reader to access her innermost thoughts in a recount of a typical few months of her life in a London Bangladeshi family. During this time, Cookie details the quotidian ups and downs of her life as she navigates friendships, school, science competitions and the overwhelming urge to continue asking her parents for a pet.
Konnie stopped by our blog this week for a quick catch up about the latest book in the series…
What inspired you to write Cookie?
When I left Blue Peter, I was asked many times if I would write a book. I didn’t want to just a write one for the sake of it as there are so many great ones already out there, loads of which never even get discovered, 10,000 come out every year! I only wanted to write a book if it filled a gap in the market or did something new.
Can you tell us about the character of Cookie?
The Cookie book series is all about a girl who is a bit of an outsider. Cookie’s brain works a bit differently, but she appears to be a totally high functioning, regular nine-year-old at the beginning of the book series. Chaos follows her about; she is hotheaded but well-meaning.
How does the series use the character of Cookie to get across what you wanted to say to young readers?
Cookie is also into learning and knowledge. In the books, I have attempted to flip reverse traditional stereotypes – education is cool and to be embraced and superficial trends such as fast fashion and other popular culture fads are not as important as many young people deem them to be.
Your books have been a hit with reluctant readers in KS2 – is this something that you set about to achieve when you wrote the series?
I wanted the books to encourage reluctant readers to get reading and so comedic pictures and cartoons illustrate Cookie’s mind thoughts and there is plenty of humour throughout. The books also have an interactive element with an appendix at the back full of activities and fun things for readers to try out. Anything that can be a ‘gateway’ into reading for reluctant readers is really important. Diversity and inclusivity are hugely important themes in the books.
—————————–
Many thanks to Konnie for stopping by to chat about the Cookie series!
We couldn’t help but include these throwback pictures to Konnie’s science-tastic book launch when the first book was published back in 2019!
————————
Teacher Tea Break with Cookie!
Sit back and relax this National Teacher’s Day as legendary Blue Peter presenter and children’s book author Konnie Huq takes over your classroom for an hour of science experiments, STEM fun, and bookish activities!
Register now to receive your bundle of freebies (including tea, biscuits and special Cookie-themed classroom decorations) and get exclusive access to this free event on October 5th!
To register your class, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WiJ9AG5OTiusDSh7jXrDlg.
————————
> Order Cookie and the Most Mysterious Mystery in the World from BookShop.Org
> Order Cookie and the Most Mysterious Mystery in the World from Amazon
Where next? > Visit our Reading for Pleasure Hub
> Browse our Topic Booklists
> View our printable year group booklists.
> See our Books of the Month.
