May I Please Have a Cookie?
Scholastic Reader Level 3 Series
on Goodreads (1,296)
What’s inside...
In this delightful story, Alfie, a young alligator, goes to great lengths to get a cookie. He tries everything from politeness to dressing up as a cookie himself! Will his mom give in to his sweet tooth? In this Level 1 Scholastic Reader, Alfie learns that the best way to get a delicious cookie is to say please! Alfie loves his mommy's cookies, and he wants one more than anything! But grabbing for one, fishing for one, and dressing up as a cookie inspector don't seem to work. His mommy says there is a better way. What is it? Beginning readers will learn proper manners with Alfie as his mommy teaches him to say the magic words.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Alfie felt when his mom said he couldn’t have a cookie?
What are some polite ways to ask for something you want?
Why is it important to say 'please' and 'thank you'?
Can you think of a time when you had to be patient to get something special?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, ensure you maintain eye contact and show genuine interest in your child's responses to foster open communication.
Use examples from the book to explain the importance of manners, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers or for recalling specific details from the book, which reinforces their understanding and appreciation of the story.
Encourage your child to think about how they can use polite words in their daily interactions, just like Alfie learns to do in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of politeness
Explanation: The main character, Alfie, learns that by politely asking for a cookie with the magic words 'please,' he is far more successful than when he tries to trick his mother.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using polite words and manners when they want something, facilitating respectful and effective communication with others.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Alfie tries different strategies to get a cookie, which shows his creative thinking and determination.
Real-World Application: Kids will see that sometimes their first idea might not work, and they might need to think of other ways to achieve their goals, promoting adaptability and perseverance.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Alfie’s initial attempts involve sneaky tricks that do not succeed, demonstrating that dishonest actions can have unwanted results.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have repercussions and encourage them to make honest and thoughtful choices.