Bookie and Cookie are two best friends who inhabit the facing pages of a bookBrown-skinned Bookie lives on the left-hand page and pale-skinned Cookie on the right. True to their names, Bookie loves to read and Cookie is an accomplished baker. They spend lots of time together, but Bookie soon notices they always meet on Cookie's side. Bookie invites Cookie over to his page, but Cookie resists, insisting his page is nice and there is no reason to change. When pressed, Cookie admits he doesn't like Bookie's page because it's unfamiliar. Upset, Bookie storms off, leaving both sad and alone. Each friend tries to think up a way to get the other over to their side to reconcile. Bookie tries his hand at making his own batch of cookies, using a recipe from a book, of course, and the trepidatious Cookie decides to try something new-having a cookie with Bookie on the left-hand page. Bookie and Cookie demonstrate that conflict between friends isn't a deal breaker, but rather an opportunity to deepen a relationship and practice flexibility. Illustrations are bright and charming, crafted from a delightful array of bold shapes that add playful details to the story. The book emphasizes that understanding and compromise are essential for resolving conflicts and strengthening friendships.Social-emotional learning done right.(Picture book. 3-7)

G&1;MEZ, Blanca . Bookie y Cookie . ISBN 9780593857502 . ea vol: illus. by Blanca G&3;mez. 40p. Penguin / Rocky Pond . Sept. 2024. Tr. $18.99. Toddler-PreS —In both English and Spanish editions, Bookie and Cookie are good friends who live in different apartments, where one enjoys reading, while the other one is fond of baking and cooking. They always spend time together at Cookie's place, shown on the righthand page. Bookie is tired of going there when they should also be hanging out together at Bookie's place, on the left. After a brief conflict, they learn about the power of friendship and reaching consensus, all with warm baked goods. G&3;mez's trademark illustrations and meta-textual narrative depict the individual personalities and apartments, as well as the connection between the two main characters. The book encourages readers to try new things, reflect before making decisions, and expand beyond their comfort zones sometimes—even outside the pages of the book. The bold illustrations with white backgrounds and its minimal text make this a good pick for beginning readers and an excellent read-aloud for toddler storytimes. VERDICT These characters will charm kids in both languages; a good purchase for picture book collections.—Sujei Lugo