Snack Attack!
Cheese Doodle, Pretzel, and Cookie are delighted to have the afternoon to roam the house, until they find a note from Mom that directs her “Monster Kid” to the available snacks in the house. They brainstorm solutions to their problem, desperate to find a way to escape their fate of being cracked in half, dunked in milk, and swallowed in a monstrous gulp. Anticipation mounts as the trio attempts to hide, considers implementing the “five second rule,” and finally agrees to edit the note in a way that favors their survival. The author’s clever use of photography, wit, and suspense will keep readers engaged from the very beginning of this story right up to its delicious ending.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
In the story, Mom, Cheese Doodle, Pretzel, and Cookie wrote notes to share information with the “Monster Kid.” Writing notes is a way to let someone know you are thinking about them when you cannot be there. Adults can provide children with writing materials and encourage them to write a note to someone in their life. If the setting is classroom-based, consider leaving a friendly class note for a custodian or evening staff person. Another fun activity to try after reading this story is talking about favorite snacks. Adults can ask children which snack they would choose if they were the “Monster Kid” (Cheese Doodle, Pretzel, Cookie, glass of water, or an alternative).
This story allows adults to practice reading with humor and expression, changing their tone to build suspense and excitement at the pending arrival of the “Monster Kid.” Both adult and child can enjoy sharing a secret as readers, knowing more about the routines and eating habits of humans than the three companions in the book. Encourage adults to point out picture clues when reading to young children to help them make connections. For example, some young readers may not be familiar with the function of a cheese grater or the result when a cheese doodle gets wet. Pointing to pictures like these and asking open-ended questions allow children to build cognitive thinking skills. The lone pair of glasses and pink crumbs on the last page lead us to assume the worst; but it might be interesting for adults to ask their children what they think happened to Cookie.