That’s How The Cookie Chronicles Crumble

Get ready for a delightful dive into the world of storytelling with Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, the dynamic duo behind the beloved Ben Yokoyama book series! In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, the creative couple shares the story behind their final installment, “Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny.”
Matthew, a self-proclaimed easily confused writer, and Robbi, a talented illustrator with a design background, have crafted a unique approach to children’s books. Their series follows Ben, a literal-minded third-grader who gets hilariously tangled up in misinterpreted fortune cookie fortunes. This final book takes Ben and his best friend Janet on a cross-country road trip filled with typical Swanson-Behr hijinks.
What makes their books special is the incredible collaboration between Matthew and Robbi. They’re complete opposites – Matthew is deadline-driven and goal-oriented, while Robbi loves starting her day with an ice cream sundae and pushing deadlines to the last minute. Their complementary styles create magic on the page, resulting in beautifully illustrated books that help reluctant readers fall in love with storytelling.
The couple’s creativity extends beyond books. They spent an entire year traveling across the country in a bus, visiting Title One schools and giving away books through their Busload of Books nonprofit. Their mission? To bring books and creativity to underserved communities.
Their four children are a source of constant inspiration and entertainment. From their daughter Alden to their son Auggie, each child reflects a unique blend of Matthew and Robbi’s personalities.
While this might be the end of the Ben Yokoyama series, the couple is excited about future projects, including a standalone novel called “Life on the Moon.” Their passion for storytelling, collaboration, and connecting with young readers shines through in every word and illustration.
It’s a conversation that’s part interview, part comedy routine, and completely heartwarming – a true celebration of creativity, family, and the joy of reading. We als welcome our Dean of All Things STEM & STEAM, Jennifer Swanson, back to the show to celebrate her latest book, “Three Weeks in the Rainforest.” Jennifer shares the fascinating story behind her book, which explores a woman-led scientific team from the Field Museum conducting a rapid inventory in the Amazon. Inspired by an exhibit she discovered while visiting her daughter at Northwestern, Jennifer delved into the world of scientists who meticulously study biodiversity while working closely with indigenous communities.
The conversation highlights Jennifer’s lifelong passion for science, tracing back to her childhood science club and her ability to see scientific wonder everywhere. She vividly describes her interviews with scientists like Dr. Leslie de Souza, an ichthyologist who casually walks into waters inhabited by piranhas and anacondas. Beyond the book’s content, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of nurturing children’s curiosity, encouraging parents and educators to listen to kids’ questions and help them explore answers, not just through the internet, but through resources like libraries. Her infectious enthusiasm for science shines through, making the complex world of scientific research accessible and exciting for young readers.