Frank and Bert: The One With the Missing Cookies (Frank and Bert, #3)

FRANK AND BERT: THE ONE WITH THE MISSING COOKIES is a cute picture book about friendship, honesty, and forgiveness. In this story, Frank and Bert are going on a picnic - usually something goes wrong, but this time Bert has a surprise for Frank. When Bert settles down for his after-picnic nap, Frank can't resist and takes a peek - they are his favorite cookies! Frank has just one - or two - or accidentally all of them. He's worried about how Bert will feel, so he decides to say that the scary squirrel (or ten) came and ate them. After he tells the lie, he feels guilt that leads him to confess. Bert luckily forgives him. The next time they go on a picnic, roles are reversed.

What I loved: This is a great installment in a series about friendship with a bit of a quirky and funny story. Like the ones before, this will work best for older picture book readers who can appreciate the nuance and humor in the story. This one has a small lesson about lying/honesty, though there are few consequences, as the truth is quickly revealed.

The story itself is relatively simple and moves quickly, told from the conversational perspective of Frank. The humor will work better for some kids than others, particularly older ones who will get the joke at the end when the roles are reversed. The images are simple but tell the story well, and they capture the tone perfectly. A QR code on the back can be used to download the audio version, which is a nice touch!

What left me wanting more: This one can be a bit tough for young audiences who may need things spelled out a bit more. The lesson about honestly is very light, and the end seems to lead up to something similar but without resolution.

Final verdict: FRANK AND BERT: THE ONE WITH THE MISSING COOKIES is an overall cute story of friendship and honesty that will work best for older picture book readers.