Cookie & Milk has been out in the world since October 2019 and it’s been a great ride. When I wrote this story I knew I had something special and when Jessica Gibson illustrated this story, I knew I had something extraordinary.  Cookie & Milk is a story about two little girls who look nothing alike and act nothing alike but they are best friends. It’s about Girl Power and diversity in friendship. Sometimes the people who are dissimilar from us complement us the most- like cookies and milk always taste better when they are together!  The story was inspired by two very important relationships in my life, the relationship with my best friend who is African American (we look nothing alike) and that with my older brother (we act nothing alike). 

Since its release, I have taken Cookie & Milk on the road to numerous classrooms, bookstore events and book festivals. When I tell kids what the story is about, it’s a joy to hear them say, “that’s just like me and my best friend!”  Teachers and librarians love this story not only because of the message, which is so important, but because of the authentic diverse representation in the book (it was important for me to have a black woman illustrate and Jessica Gibson did not disappoint!)  Kids also love that the story is written all in dialogue, much like a graphic novel.

If you pick up a copy of Cookie & Milk, I highly recommend checking out these crafts and activities- some of which were created by teachers using the story in their classrooms. 

Thank you for reading this little “behind the scenes” of Cookie & Milk, A Scientifically Stuntastic Sisterhood.

Happy reading!

Always remember, spread love and kindness, it’s contagious!

Best always, 

Michele McAvoy

Michele McAvoy is an inspirational speaker, award-winning children’s book author, and a children’s book publisher from New Jersey. As a child, she read Judy Blume and drew Garfield comics. For her 10th birthday, she asked for a pink typewriter. Michele always loved the smell of new books. Now all grown-up (typewriters near obsolete) she loves bringing joy to children through her own stories. Michele currently has four published titles with another on the way! Her titles include Willa the Werewolf, Buckingham Gets A New Shell, multi-award winning Cookie & Milk, The Gorilla Picked Me!, award-winning My Superhero Grandpa, and Toby Undone (coming 2024). Michele’s books are sold at bookstores across the country as well as online. Pick up a copy! You can find Michele on social media @michele_mcavoy (Twitter) and @michelemcavoy (Instagram.)