As someone that grew up in a Japanese and Chinese family, I connected most to Matt's love of noodles and fortune cookies. It brings me back to Sunday lunch with my family at our favourite Chinese place. After finishing noodles, we would open our fortune cookies one by one and read what our fortunes were. We would then discuss how plausible each one is.

My favorite part of the book are the illustrations intermingled with the text as it reminds me of the manga I grew up with.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book as part of a book tour. As someone who grow up in a Chinese, and Japanese family, I loved the family scenes. It reminded me of my family. It reaffirms to me that representation in literature is important.

First of all, I want to seriously thank the author-illustrator duo of @writingmatthew and @drawingrobbi for creating such a wonderful book. This is the first time I laughed while reading a children's graphic book, and Cookie of Doom is a roller-coaster delicous journey of Ben Yokoyama, an eight years old boy who frantically tries to finish his wish list after he comes through the fortune of his fortune cookie, that says about living each day as if it was your last day. From eating his dad's cake to damaging the prizewinning hedges of Mr Hoggenweff, Ben goes his wish list in a single day. Add in it the troubles he gets himself into and the amazing friendship with Janet, this book has really gobbled a way in my heart. 🧁🧁
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The wonderful and again, delicious, illustrations of @drawingrobbi are the real deal for this book. I was so mesmerized by the illustrations, I can't put pages forward rapidly. The food ones were so much fun, I secretly wished for all the food in the book come out to me! 🧁🍪
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The writing is really great, and I found some lines really funny. The emotions portrayed by Patty and Eli were just legend-wait for it-dary - they were way too much Legendary!! The moments Ben and Janet go through together are really exciting! I really enjoyed this book and will surely recommend this book to all the readers, for a yummy and funny adventure trip awaits you! ❤️🧁

An adorably hysterical and heart-warming tale. Perfect for young readers and fans of the Junie B. Jones or Judy Moody series.

Ben Yokoyama's whole outlook on life is turned upside down when his fortune cookie tells him to "live every day like it's your last." So Ben decides to do just that and gets into a myriad of sticky situations, while also bringing his family and his neighbors closer together.

Serious fun--for readers who like Wimpy Kid or other middle grade series that still have illustrations, there is broad appeal from Ben Yokoyama. The story is one of fun and joy and adventure, and Ben and Janet will entertain readers from 2nd-5th. Teachers might find teaching opportunities in the lyrical language and plentiful similes. All around fun.

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" 𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 𝓸𝓯 𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓬𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓼, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓮 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓱 𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓻𝔂 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷, 𝓭𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝔀𝓮? "
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Title: BEN YOKOYAMA AND THE COOKIE OF DOOM
Author: Matthew Swanson
Illustrator: Robbi Behr
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This is the first book in the Cookie Chronicles series.
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𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪-
When Ben reads his fortune-cookie fortune which read 'Live each day as if it were your last',he's alarmed and inspired. Immediately, he begins drafting a bucket list of unfinished tasks and lifelong dreams (finish his 1000-piece model of the Taj Mahal, eat an entire cake, etc....). As Ben marches himself in and out of trouble, takes useful risks, and helps both his parents to see the bigger picture, readers discover how something that seems scary can instead be empowering--leading to friendships that might never have been made, neighbors that might never have been known, and apple pies that might otherwise never have been baked.
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Review:
When I signed up for the tour, I didn't know what exactly to expect from the book. And now after reading it I can definitely say that I loved it!! Where do I start, the book was so wholesome ♥️
🥠STORY: The book helped me revive my childhood days. The story was a very simple one but so beautifully presented. It helped me realise that happiness is always around us and we just need to look for it.
🥠COVER: The book cover is beautifully illustrated. It is perfect with the storyline of the book.
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The best part about the book was the ILLUSTRATION 🥺. The illustrations were visually appealing and went well with the story. Tbh the illustrations were the very main reason for me to be able to read the book in one go.
🌼The last few pages about the facts on fortune cookies were very knowledgeable.

Full of humor, delightful drawings, delectable cuisines, and hilarious jokes, The Cookie Chronicles had two fun, cheerful stories that left me wanting more. Although it was really light-hearted, and full of fluff, I loved how the authors added the coming-of-age aspect into the story. Seeing Ben grow, not only as a person, but his opinions, and his views on society as well, was so interesting.

Both the books in The Cookie Chronicles were a delight to read, and I will definitely come back for a re-read! It’s the perfect, coziest middle grade book I’ve read in a while. Something I loved seeing was the way Ben adapted to his surroundings, and understanding the greater meanings of things. Having read both the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and The Terrible Two as a child, I could definitely see the similarities between the characters and storylines. However, The Cookie Chronicles never felt “too similar” to any of these books at any point of time, and was a distinctly unique story.

I haven’t read a lot of middle grade books recently, and these two reminded me why I always went to middle grade for comfort. Though sometimes they tackle heavy topics, all middle grade never fails to make you happier, and this was no exception. I found myself laughing at every turn of the page, the jokes, and hilarious writing and illustrations making my day brighter. As I mentioned earlier, I practically binged both the books in one sitting!

Last but not least, something I noticed and appreciated was the diversity in this book. If you look at some of the most wildly popular middle grade series (lets just take the Diary of a Wimpy Kid for example), they’re all so whitewashed, and there is literally no diversity. Comparing YA to MG, I think a lot more readers of color feel represented in YA, which is why it was SO good to see some natural, and not at all forced diversity in a middle grade book.

This is the first book I have read from this author. After reading this book, I want to read more, especially involving Ben. He is an interesting and engaging character. I know that my nephews and niece will enjoy this book as well.

Ben living our his last day as if it really was his "last day" was so much fun. Him and his friend, Janet are great. I kept thinking what I would do, eat, and whom I would share my adventures with if it was my last day. It encouraged me to actually go out and do a few more things.

This book may be geared to the younger readers but adults a like will enjoy this book as well. In fact, this book could be a family affair. I will be picking up the next Ben book.

Imagine, I repeat IMAGINE, that today is the last day of your life. What are the things would you love to accomplish before you breathe your last? I am pretty sure that the list will be long and never ending.

Ben Yokoyama is facing a similar problem - today might be the last day of his life. How did he know? Well, a fortune cookie told him so!
(I have a soft corner for fortune cookies.)

Ben doesn't waste a minute and gets started on his bucket list. He wants to eat a whole cake (that is on my bucket list)- build a 1000-piece model of Taj Mahal and so many more things get a spot on his list. Get ready for a fun and thrilling adventure! This book will not only entertain but will teach you valuable lessons as well.

The simple language is perfect for all age groups and the illustrations added a flair to an already great book. Though written for middle grade readers,I enjoyed this book to the fullest. I laughed and cried at the same time. This book was so relatable. The author has beautifully uplifted the innocence, creativity and wild imaginations of a child. Recommended to everyone who loves/loved/will love The Diary of the Wimpy Kid.

What would you do if today was your last day? This is the question that Ben Yokoyama poses after he receives a fortune cookie with the message to live each day as if it was your last. He then ropes his family and friends into living their life to the fullest, albeit to some hilarious ends.

I loved reading all about Ben and his antics. It was funny and real and a total blast to real. My favorite part of this series is probably the illustrations, they intermingle with the text in a wonderful and visually appealing way that's sure to get young readers excited about the story.

Such a fun read but it can get very serious at times. Regardless of, I enjoyed it a lot. The writing was fun and the story picked up fairly quick. I see myself reading the sequel.

Ben Yokoyama, a crazy noodle fanatic inquisitive kid, is told by a "fortune cookie" that "Live each day as if it were your last." And the adventure begins. Now, like every kid, Ben wants to do everything he ever wished for because "It might be the last day of his life."(Isn't that true?🤔).

Cookie of Doom is a very fun, hilarious, and very enjoyable read. The storyline is hilarious in itself and the illustrations are the one that brings that story and characters life.

I'd like to share my thoughts while reading this book to tell you how much I enjoyed it 😎-
1. I have to try Fortune Cookie. YESS!!
2. No Ben, don't eat it. Daddy will be mad.🤦🏻‍♂️
3. Dumbles, what a "dumb" name. I love it😂
4. Ben's Dad is a scaredy-cat, OOPS! Sorry "Bunny"
5. That's a huge variety of faces (and their description), way to go Ben's Mom. Looks like all Moms are scary😰
6. Wow, I'm jealous of Ben's life now, that's a new low for me.
7. Heyyy...Are we going snow white here 😂 Enchanted Apples and A Witch.
8. Drat, darn, and dang! Damn you Mr. Hoggenweff and Lovely, and who names their cat Lovely, Cats are mean.
9. Obviously, she has to do it. Dumb Mona.
10. They are going to do the haircut..NOOO... OH! they did it 😂 Not Bad
11. Will he get through😬....... No, he couldn't🤦🏻‍♂️😂.
12. Mrs. Erza is not a witch, she's funny... and she plays piano and she's so kind-hearted. (Idiot Kids)
13. Ben is forgetting something 🤔 Oh! Yes!! Janet 😂
14. WOW, these illustrations are SOo Soooo amazing, and so funny.
15. It was so good, I miss having this crazy fun. Why God Why! We had a deal😭

Some recommendations for you guys:
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
2. Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon
3. Matilda by Roald Dahl
4. Geronimo Stilton by Geronimo Stilton

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Books through NetGalley.
Ben and his aunt start the book at a Chinese restaurant where he gets a fortune cookie that changes his thoughts and actions. Once he got the idea that the next day could be the last of his life, he decided to live every minute of it from 12:01am on. The adventures and misadventures expand to his family and friends as everyone starts to think about what they would do if it was the last day of their life. Readers will appreciate the humor throughout. More mature readers will also appreciate the message to celebrate life underneath the fun.

The Cookie Chronicles is one of those books which warm you up from inside like coming home. It was soo interesting and refreshing to read Ben’s narrative about his adventures! I don’t remember last time I had so much fun in my life… the best part about it was the reminiscing about things that we used to do and could do now if we believe that everyday is a last day and hence we should live it to its fullest! I never thought that I would read the book so quickly and be soo hooked up but somehow that was the case!

It’s mainly targeting the younger generation in terms of language, little quirks that it has and overall really friendly storyline. And still it gave out so many life lessons, I was amazed! There’s this whole thing about living your life to its fullest, not engaging in stuff which isn’t ours, not to make assumptions, get our act together and apologize for the things we did wrong, appreciating people who are present in our lives and so much more! It was exceptionally intriguing and heartwarming! The ending was also the most perfect one :'))

Trigger Warnings: Death of a loved one

I was provided an arc copy by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom was such a wonderful middle-grade read! I loved reading about Ben's adventures as he attempts to work through his bucket list of dreams after reading a fortune-cookie he takes literally. So many pieces of this quick read brought me joy, including the love and support of Ben's parents and I loved reading a Japanese American main character. Looking forward to sharing this story & the fantastic illustrations with the young ones in my family!

Super fun and hilarious story, perfect for middle grade readers and fans of books like Wimpy Kid, Captain Underpants, Origami Yoda, etc. Captures the middle grade mindset so perfectly. A fun new series to hook fledgling readers!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans are going to get a kick out of this new illustrated series following Ben Yokoyama as he navigated what might be "the last day of his life". With plenty of random moments, this book will certainly entertain. Also--diversity! YES!

I thought that this would be a good one to spark interest for a reluctant younger, reader, as it can be a bit hard to find something in the illustrated format with age appropriate subject matter that is not entirely silly.

When eight year old Ben Yokoyama opens a fortune cookie, he is advised is to "Live each day as if it were your last.". Taking the message to heart, Ben wakes up at midnight and begins to make a list of everything he wants to accomplish on what he know believes could be his last day.

Ben's literal reading of the fortune results in one mishap after another. When one of the items on Ben's "to do" list leads him to an encounter with an elderly neighbor whom Ben and cohort are convinced is a witch, she shows him that the message to be taken from the cookie is that it is important to live each day as if it is your last because it requires you to recognize what is important to you so that you can then try to accomplish those things each day.

I particularly liked the format of BEN YOKOYAMA AND THE COOKIE OF DOOM in that there is a good amount of written copy set out in chapter form, while the intriguing sketches keep the reader motivated throughout.

Thanks to NetGalley for access to this ARC! "Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom," is such a wonderful and fun read. Perfect blend of chapter book/graphic novel style for all reading levels. Can't wait to see more from this series!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book! My kids, especially my fourth grader really liked this book. Well done!

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Ben goes out to dinner with his aunt while his parents are paying the bills. He's a big fan of noodles, and although he has never been to a Chinese restaurant before, he has a good dinner. At the end, there is a fortune cookie for him that says "Live each day as if it were your last". Sure that he will die soon, he makes a list of activities he wants to accomplish. These include things such as finishing his model of the Taj Mahal... at 1:30 in the morning! He has to get the glue for it out of his parents' closet, waking them up, and his father comes up with his own list of things he wants to do, which includes asking Ben's mother to marry him again. The next morning, Ben's mother has her own plans, so she sends Ben's father off on a six hour round trip to get ice cream so that she can bake a cake. Meanwhile, Ben consults his friend Janet, who has her own list of things to accomplish, including getting a magic apple off of Mrs. Ezra's tree, and giving herself a hair cut. All along, everyone is surprisingly supportive of Ben's plans, although they also say that it seems unlikely that it really is his last day.
Strengths: Notebook novels are always super popular in my library, even when the characters are younger than middle school age (Ben is 8). The pages of this were particularly well formatted; usually, notebook novels just have page decorations, but this had pages where the whole page was a black and white picture with the text on top of it. Very nice, and rather unusual. Interspersed are pages with more traditional text, so there is still plenty of reading to do. This reminded me a lot of Parisi's Marty Pants, where Marty has all kinds of misconceptions that young readers probably find hysterically funny. I also love that the illustrator and Ben are part Japanese. I have had several students who would see themselves in this book.
Weaknesses: A tiny bit young, and really, who drives six hours for ice cream? (Not a serious complaint. Insert joking emoji.)
What I really think: My graphic and notebook novels took a big hit during the pandemic, and I'm afraid I might not be able to replace some of them. (Yes, Timmy Failure #3 might just not be in the library.) I was really impressed by the layouts and artwork in this, and the story was humorous enough that I think 6th graders will enjoy it.