Cookie

With beautiful words and illustrations, Cookie is a sensitive exploration of childhood depression and anxiety, and a tribute to the wonderful love between a pet and their person. “Because this story is told by the dog it features lots of funny moments” “opens up conversations of mental health to children” “A story about the healing power of friendship.”

EK Books are doing wonderful things with their publishing, creating ‘Books with Heart on Issues that Matter’, and I have loved every one of their books that take some very big issues and present them in a beautifully crafted, child-focused, and sensitive way. 

As with other EK books, the message in Cookie is delivered without being obvious or didactic. Looking at things from a dog’s point of view offers a different take on mental health, and is all the more authentic by being inspired by author Isabelle Duff’s own experiences, and her dog (a border collie like Cookie), who helped her through them. 

It is a timely reminder that young children struggle with down times with things like anxiety more and more a part of their young lives. Cookie is a rich opportunity to talk about the times when things don’t seem to be going right for young people, and giving them some strategies to respond to these feelings as and when they come up.

The presentation of the book is vibrant and unique. The exploration of things from the point of view of Cookie really adds a new dimension to the story.

“I don''t want people to think this is a negative and sad book in any way. It’s the most beautiful and gentle story. It''s a story of happiness that can be found in the most simple things. It''s beautifully told … a magical book.”

“A story book to try and encourage that conversation (about mental health) from a really young age. This book is not only adorable it has a fantastic message” 

“This month is Mental Health Month, so this morning in the Breakfast Show I caught up with young author Isabelle Duff about her book titled Cookie. Barely out of her teens, Isabelle has secured a global publishing contract with this story. Based on her own experience with anxiety, the gift of a puppy named Saffy inspired her recovery, and this new book.” 

“Timely, affectionate, and quietly affecting, Cookie will appeal to a wide audience, Border collie lovers notwithstanding and is highly recommended. “ .“A really important part of the message I wanted to get across is it''s not just important to educate younger kids about mental health and empathy because you might go through it yourself, but the chances are that as you go through life you’ll come a across a family member or friend you need to support and be there for”

“I don''t want people to think this is a negative and sad book in any way. It’s the most beautiful and gentle story. It''s a story of happiness that can be found in the most simple things. It''s beautifully told … a magical book.” 

“charming picture book Cookie (EK Books, Australia, 2021) which is focused on childhood depression and its effect on the whole family.”

“The voice in this story is fresh and unique. It speaks clearly to the reader and delivers a strong message about how love and friendship can help you cope with sadness.” 

“This is such a lovely book. It’s a sensitive exploration of childhood depression and anxiety and the importance of empathy. It provides a gentle starting point for big conversations with children who are troubled " “From the moment we opened Cookie, I couldn''t help smile, it really is a cheerful yet thoughtful and simple story for little ones whether your child has anxiety or not. It would make a delightful present that''s sure to become a favourite at bedtime.” ''Isabelle Duff tells the story in first person through Cookie and you can feel the reflection of her experiences in the story as it slowly unfolds. What a lovely book to help children unravel some of the tricky feelings around depression and help step into some bigger conversations when ready.”

Cookie the Border Collie loves lots of things, like smelling smelly smells, chewing chewy things, going for adventures and making friends. But most of all, Cookie loves Girl. Join this inseparable pair as they play together and learn how to make each other happy, even on the days when Cookie is the only one who can make Girl smile.

Cookie is a heart-warming story about the love between a pet and their person. It is also a sensitive exploration of childhood depression and anxiety, and the importance of empathy. With beautiful words and playful illustrations, it provides a gentle starting point for big conversations.

19-year-old author Isabelle Duff was inspired to write Cookie by her personal experiences with acute depressive disorder and anxiety, and by her wonderful dog, Saffy, who has been an invaluable support to her. The result is a valuable resource for reducing stigmatism around mental illness, and a tribute to the loved ones who are able to get you out of bed when nothing else can.

Anyone who picks up Cookie will find themselves learning something from this mischievous pup and his Girl. It is for children who have experienced depression and anxiety just like Girl. It is for kids who don’t understand why someone close to them is so sad. It is for child psychologists who need to talk to young people about mental illness. And, of course, it is for dog-lovers everywhere.

• | Author: Isabelle Duff, Susannah Crispe
• | Publisher: Exisle Publishing
• | Publication Date: Oct 06, 2021
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781925820959
• | ISBN-10: 1925820955