MaiStoryBook Library

MaiStoryBook: Tough Cookie + *Tough Cookie Ornament* Craftivity

Introducing a holiday read aloud that celebrates the joys of being accepted for exactly who you are, featured in MaiStoryBook Library Collection:

“Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story” by Edward Hemingway

Book Synopsis and Review

*Run, run, as fast as you can! You can’t catch me, I’m the Sugar Cookie Man!* Sugar Cookie taunts Fox with his runaway chant as he leads Fox on a chase. However, Sugar Cookie isn’t as quick as he thinks he is, and Fox quickly catches up to him and snatches a bite — only to discover that *Ick!* Sugar Cookie does not taste delicious! Sugar Cookie is shocked; if he is not a delicious cookie… then what is he? Fox befriends Sugar Cookie, and together they embark on a holiday adventure through the land of Holiday Treats to help Sugar Cookie find out who he is and where he truly belongs.

This book instantly stole mai *holiday* heart with its festive illustrations. The end papers are decorated with a medley of adorable holiday goodies, and the full page colored spreads are decked with Christmas treats and decorations. The bright colors and cheer that emanate from the pages create the perfect festive mood to snuggle up for a holiday read aloud this season. Plus, for any gingerbread story fans, this is a fresh spin on the classic tale- with a surprise ending! Add it to any gingerbread read aloud collection, and it’ll make for great comparing and contrasting. Fox and Sugar Cookie make an exciting new character duo, and their adventures take you through the delicious land of Holiday Treats. Your imagination will be buzzing with dreams of this make-believe Christmas land. Clever, fun, and creative, this book has a definite spot on *mai* holiday bookshelf.

Vocabulary

  • resist (p. 5) stop yourself from doing something
  • stubby (p. 17) short and thick
  • seasoned (p. 17) experienced or an expert at something, able to do something very well
  • exhausted (p. 19) very tired
  • proper (p. 19) the right way

Themes/ Main Ideas

  • You will find the place where you belong. Everyone has somewhere they belong, where they are loved and accepted just as they are.
  • Friends help each other be their best selves. Friends bring out the best in each other and are always ready to lend a helping hand.

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “Tough Cookie” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

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*Tough Cookie Ornament* Craftivity

Tis’ the season for sweet baked treats, strings of lights, and tree decorating and ornament hanging. As a teacher, holiday festivities have been revived! I’ve always been a holiday enthusiast, but as I grew older and family members felt as though the extravagant decorations and and festivities weren’t as needed, some of the excitement dwindled. However, being back in the classroom with a bunch of littles giddy with excitement for the upcoming winter break and holiday season, I can once again be full-in invested in holiday cheer and activities. That means holiday themed crafts, read clouds, and student-made decorations galore! And the holidays are never complete without a sweet treat or too. So what better to combine holiday treats, decorating joy, and reading adventures, than with this perfect reading aloud of *Tough Cookie*?? It’s time to dim down the classroom, or bedroom lights, maybe light the fire in your fireplace at home, or project one on the screen in the classroom, snuggle together in bed or get cozy on the carpet, and indulge in your favorite holiday books! Then, extend the festivities with a craft inspired by the story. Check out MaiStoryBook’s *Tough Cookie Ornament* craft below, for a fun way to celebrate the holidays and themes in this Christmas read aloud adventure!

Materials

Directions

  • Choose a Christmas tree template: Color version or Black and White Version to Color.
  • If you choose the black and white version, use coloring utensils to color it in. 
  • Cut out the Christmas Tree Template
  • The writing prompt on the tree is from the end of the story : “Look, look, look at me! You can’t reach me, I’m…”
  • Next, choose an “outside” Tough Cookie to use.  There are color or black and white versions. Some versions are a replica of Tough Cookie from the story. Others have the face or are blank so that students can dress up their ornament to represent themselves or their own unique character.
  • If you want a blank inside, then print the “outside” sheet. If you want one of the ”inside templates”, print the outside and inside sheet double-sided on the same piece of paper. 
  • Cut out the cookie ornament. Leave the two pieces attached at the heads. DO NOT separate the two pieces.
  • Fold the cookie ornament on the head fold-line so that the “outside” is facing out.
  • You should be able to flip open the cookie to reveal the answer to the Christmas tree prompt.
  • Students will answer the prompt by flipping up the Tough Cookie Ornament template and filling in their answer. Students are encouraged to explore self-identity and express how they want to be known. Are they a “super artist filled with creativity” or “a kind friend who tells silly jokes”?
  • **Optional, tie a ribbon through the hole or string a pipe cleaner through the hole to create an “ornament string”
  • Glue the back of the cookie ornament to the tree, under the text on the tree.
  • Add any additional coloring.

Enjoy Your *Tough Cookie Ornament* Craftivity!

  • Use the craft to remind you to be proud of who you are this holiday season!
  • Share your Tough Cookie ornament craft to encourage others to express their true selves and be proud of who they are. 
  • Use your craft as a reading buddy as you reread the story, and share your own unique identity at the end as Sugar Cookie finds out his own identity. 
  • Hang up for festive bulletin board of holiday cheer!

*~Overall, cherish and enjoy some time with loved ones this holiday season, and share your *Tough Cookie Ornament* Craftivity to spread holiday cheer and joy for being surrounded by loved ones. I hope you and your little ones have a holiday season full of laughter, family, friends, and sweet treats!  – tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary, Twitter @MaiStoryBook  – or post on FaceBook to share your photos of your own *Tough Cookie Ornament* Crafts, and your own reading adventures! I’d love to hear from you!~*

*~Until next time, Happy Reading~*