Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom

January 1, 2021
Ben gets into all kinds of antics trying to check things off his bucket list. Eight-year-old Ben Yokoyama is "a big fan of wisdom." So when he opens a fortune cookie that advises, "Live each day as if it were your last," Ben takes it seriously. Fixated on the idea that today could be the last day of his life, Ben starts making a list: Goal No. 1 is to eat a piece of cake, which he immediately accomplishes by eating the very special cake his dad stashed in the freezer. Realizing his mistake, Ben must bake a replacement, plus do all the other things on his list, like perfect a scooter trick and jump over a neighbor's lovingly maintained hedge. As his parents, best friend, and others get involved, Ben decides to steal an apple from an eccentric lady's tree, makes a proper apology, consumes a bag of marshmallows, and more. This fast-paced book is filled with hilarious happenings as Ben gets himself in--and out of--trouble. Along the way, he realizes that sometimes taking risks or trying things that seem scary can lead to making new friendships and discovering fun activities. Joyfully silly illustrations add to the hilarity and action. Like the well-placed speech bubbles, the illustrations and text intersect to create a visually captivating story. Ben presents as biracial, with a Japanese father and White-appearing mother. Full of laughs and excitement. (fortune cookie facts) (Humor. 8-12)

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February 1, 2021

Gr 3-7-Noodle lover Ben Yokoyama is at a Chinese restaurant for the first time when he gets a fortune cookie that says, "Live each day as if it were your last." In Ben's eight-year-old mind this means, "Today might be the last day of your life. Seize the day!" He creates a bucket list that begins with eating a frozen piece of cake that his dad has been saving for a special occasion. Ben is impulsive but thoughtful, and he frequently gets sidetracked and edits his list to accommodate other people, with hilarious results. His other tasks end up including his best friend, sticky notes, a scooter, apples, and blue paint on a cat. As he crosses items off his list, Ben learns about himself and the people around him. The husband-wife team of Swanson and Behr have created a fun, quirky character who shows empathy, love, and an exuberance for life that is fun to read. At nearly 300 pages, the book may intimidate some chapter book readers at first, but the illustrations fill as much of the page as the text does. This book is the first in a series that is sure to entertain. VERDICT A good addition to any elementary school library. Highly recommended.-Julie Overpeck, Gardner Park Elem. Sch., Gastonia, NC

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