Review by Booklist Review
After the events of 2022's Cookies & Milk, Ellis feels like his life in 1970s California is in a great place. The family cookie shop is a roaring success, he has fantastic friends and a burgeoning crush, and he's growing in confidence as a blues harmonica player. He's even booked to be part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with his famous father! But after the parade turns into an embarrassing nightmare, Ellis bids adieu to his musical aspirations and returns home to a host of other changes: his divorced dad is dating again, and his DJ uncle has taken over his clubhouse. As Ellis schemes to undo these developments, complications arise that have him rethinking his resistance to change. It's a pleasure to return to Ellis' cozy, cookie-scented world and watch him navigate new, relatable challenges. The familial bonds are deep and affectionate, and the confiding, casual narrative style will easily draw in young readers. An eminently entertaining reminder that change should be embraced instead of feared--and that cookies always make life sweeter.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--6--Amos delectably continues his toothsome "Cookies & Milk" series "rooted in [his] own real-life childhood" as cookie legend Famous Amos's son. He's again his own extraordinary cipher, immediately displaying his impressive harmonica-playing musical skills with an introductory mini-performance just to announce credits and a bonus PDF. His bluesy harmonica is intermittently interwoven through the audio since his stand-in Ellis is, of course, also a gifted player, even if he isn't quite ready for his close-up. In 1970s Hollywood, Sunset Cookies is thriving with Ellis as his dad's right-hand man. Although being in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade turns out to be the most embarrassing--nationally broadcast!--day ever, Ellis has plenty of other strategies at home that demand his attention. VERDICT Amos's already delicious story, further sweetened by his narration, is another recipe for satisfying success.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Ellis Johnson returns in this follow-up to Cookies & Milk (2022): This time he's struggling to accept changes. In this sequel by the son of the Famous Amos cookies founder, it's time for Ellis to get serious--as his dad's right-hand man at the cookie shop and as a harmonica player. The 12-year-old Black boy growing up in 1970s Hollywood plans to be famous someday. Ellis has a plan to show everyone just how serious he can be--and put family business Sunset Cookies on the map. It all begins with their highly anticipated appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. On the way to New York, Dad has an instant connection with the pilot, Capt. Samantha Golden, which annoys Ellis. And after disaster strikes during the parade, Ellis gives up on his blues music dreams. Life gets worse when he returns--his uncle Wishbone has taken over Ellis' clubhouse, he has to share Dad with blond pilot Sam, and he can't escape the humiliation of the parade incident. Ellis has plans, but how much is he willing to risk to get things back to how they were? Simple sentences, clear first-person narration, and a relaxed pace allow readers to immerse themselves in Ellis' colorful world. The theme of change resonates throughout, reinforcing the idea that it's normal to be anxious about it, but that shouldn't stop you from pushing forward. Final art not seen. A heartwarming story of resilience. (author's note, recipe, how to play harmonica, playlist) (Historical fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
