COOKIE & BROCCOLI PLAY IT COOL

Eager to make friends, Cookie and Broccoli test their cool factor.

Seeing a poster at school, Cookie, Broccoli, and Garlic vie to join the “Cool Crowd.” Trouble is, there’s only one opening to replace Banana, who’s split. One by one, the anthropomorphic foods’ applications to join the “Cool Crowd” are declined. Garlic smells. Cookie’s rendition of the Hokey Pokey isn’t up to par. Broccoli barely even speaks before hearing a flat-out “NO!” This prompts Broccoli to make a speech about coolness that turns the “Cool Crowd” against their own leader, Cucumber. Elected as their new leader, Broccoli must decide what is cool and what is not—a task that is such “a big pain in the PATOOTIE” that Broccoli runs away. Can the “Cool Crowd” find their leader without losing their own cool? With nonstop silliness from start to finish, McMahon’s second series entry offers yet another affirming lesson for school-age readers. Following a similar formula to Cookie & Broccoli Ready for School! (2020), the book is made up of five sections: three chapters, a quiz, and an epilogue. The dialogue-driven story connects words to speakers with squiggly lines, typically only a sentence or two per panel. Expressive typography adds some colorful flair to predictable block paneling and mostly white, uncluttered backgrounds. The black-outlined cartoon characters are simply but recognizably drawn, especially the tiny blueberry who adds extra comic relief throughout.