Do you and your children fancy a morning of non-stop fun with Konnie Huq? We are incredibly excited to welcome the record-breaking Blue Peter presenter to Booka on Tuesday 6th of August to introduce us to Cookie, the star from her brand-new children’s book, Cookie and The Most Annoying Boy in the World, set to become a summer smash hit.
This is not your typical author event, ‘talk-talk, listen-listen’ with a few questions at the end. No, this is an action-packed morning of fun for all the family. There will be games, quizzes, and even audience participation. Don’t sit too close to the front if you don’t want to be picked to join in the fun! Have you ever seen live illustration? A simple piece of paper will come to life as Konnie draws her new characters live on stage! If that doesn’t sound exciting enough already – how about a live science experiment? We don’t want to give too much away, but we are sure you will leave loving science almost as much as Cookie herself. And who is Cookie? Let’s give you a sneak preview of the nine-year-old science-lover, set to become our latest hero.
Cookie’s life is over. Her best friend Keziah is moving to Solihull (which Cookie hasn’t even heard of!). How is she going to cope? Maybe a new pet would cheer her up? Especially the cutest kitten she has ever seen, currently in the local pet shop. Cookie has already called her Bluey. But her parents say NO, completely, absolutely no. Too messy and too expensive. While Cookie is still getting over the unfairness of this, she gets an unwelcome new neighbour. Enter ‘the most annoying boy in the world’ (AKA Jake). Not only has he moved in next door, and joined her school (how dare he!) but most annoying of all, he buys her Bluey from the pet shop, and called her NIGEL!
At least Cookie has the chance to make her dream come true – appearing on her favourite TV show Brainbusters. She has always wanted to be on it, and now has her chance. If she can only win the science competition at school, she might be picked to go on TV. Cookie loves science, and she’s quite good at it really, but often things don’t go quite how she planned. If she is going to have any chance of getting on the show, she will need to keep a calm head. Unfortunately, this is not her strong point, especially when she also has to deal with the most annoying boy in the world.
Don’t just take our word for it. Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World has already received rave reviews from fellow authors, Jacqueline Wilson, David Baddiel and Dawn French. Charlie Higdon, author of the Young Bond series, said that everyone would fall in love with Cookie. Bestselling comedian and children’s author David Walliams called it ‘smart, funny and full of warmth, just like its author.’ This is the first outing for Cookie, but once you have finished it, you will be hoping for another adventure with Cookie very soon.
On the surface, it seems as though Konnie Huq and Cookie Haque have a lot in common. They both grew up in London’s Bangladeshi community. Cookie’s loves science and so does Konnie, who did Chemistry, Maths and Physics at A-Level and went to Cambridge University. Both are unashamedly enthusiastic about science and self-confessed nerds. Konnie has inspired children everywhere with her passion for presenting and willingness to take on challenges. Cookie is sure to do the same to all her readers. Parents certainly do not need telling twice about the pressure on children and young people to conform and fit in. Cookie is a great reminder that children are happiest when they are doing what they love, whether that is science, reading or taking on the world.
This is Konnie’s first children’s book, but she is no stranger to the hopes and dreams of the nine-year-old mind. You will know her best from her recording-breaking ten-year stint with the long-running children’s TV show Blue Peter. Konnie joined the team in 1997 and left in 2008, making her the longest-serving female presenter, and third-longest of all time after John Noakes (1965-1978) and Peter Purves (1967-1978). However, her TV presenting days stretch back to her first role in 1993 on GMTV’s Eat Your Words, a children’s Saturday morning quiz show. Since leaving Blue Peter, Konnie has made guest appearances on numerous entertainment and news programmes such as The One Show and The Xtra Factor. She has also undertaken charity and ambassadorial work for the Red Cross, Prince’s Trust and British Asian Trust. Konnie will undoubtedly be a safe pair of hands for an exciting summer morning of entertainment.
Don’t miss the chance to get your tickets for what is sure to be a summer holidays highlight. Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World is aimed at readers 8-12, but keen younger readers will love it too. Tickets are £15, which allows entry for 1 adult and 1 child to the show, with quizzes, games and experiments, a signed dedicated copy of the book and the opportunity to meet Konnie and get your picture taken. Additional adult/child tickets are £5. Can’t make it to the show, but still want to get your hands on a signed edition? You can pre-order a signed book here.
Hosted at the Lion Quays hotel, the event starts at 11.00am with doors opening at 10.15. The main show is 45 action-packed minutes, with a Q and A session afterwards. At 12.00 there is book signing and photo opportunities. It’s going to be fantastic.
Hope to see you there!
