Cookie Conundrum Cookie Conundrum
in the
Cookie Conundrum
By Zachary Fallon Illustrated by Jordan Jackson
This Book Belongs To:
Copyright © 2014 Authored by Zachary Fallon Illustrated by Jordan Jackson All rights reserved. ISBN: 0991486609 ISBN 13: 9780991486601 Library of Congress Control Number: 2014902162 The Fennel Seed www.diegodilemma.com
Table o f C ontents
For my family, for fun, and for inspiration!
Prologue Chapter I: Chapter II: Chapter III: Chapter IV: Epilogue
Diego Dilemma Learns a Lesson In A Dream The Morning After
P rologue There once was a boy named Diego Dilemma, A clever boy with a curious mind. If you asked his parents, they would likely say, “Too clever, too curious, but kind.” What follows is a tale almost too true to tell, Of Diego, a cookie, and all that ends well. A boy with spirit, living outside the bubble, Who found himself inside a few crumbs of trouble.
I : D iego D ilemma Diego Dilemma loved cookies. Whether crispy or chewy, savory or sweet, if it was a cookie, it was—he felt—for him to eat.
If Diego could have his way, he would eat cookies all day. But as far as he knew, there were only two ways to get a cookie: by being a good boy and by eating vegetables.
II: L earns a L esson One evening, Diego asked his father, “Daddy, may I The cookies came from a special jar located on top of the kitchen counter. It was a blue jar with yellow stars on the side. Blue was Diego’s favorite color, and
have a cookie before dinner?” His father replied, “You have to earn it first, and you can earn a cookie by eating your vegetables.”
the yellow stars reminded him of the stickers on his
Diego sighed. “Why do I need to earn them, Daddy?!
bedroom ceiling that lit up at night and watched over
Why can’t I just eat them?”
him while he slept.
“Cookies,” his daddy said, “are very powerful treats. If
Diego often stared at the special jar and thought,
you eat too many, you yourself can turn into a cookie.
When I am taller, I will be able to get the cookies myself. That will be a good day.
But if you earn a cookie, you won’t turn into a cookie.”
“Why?” asked Diego. “Because earning things requires effort. And whenever you make an effort to do something—whether its to eat your vegetables or not—you grow stronger. No cookie or treat, however sweet, can take that strength away from you. But sometimes we forget. Sometimes the thought of something we really want, like cookies, can begin to consume us. And if all we think about
His father continued, “When you earn that for which you yearn, you learn the power with which you burn.”
are cookies and all we eat are cookies, we can lose
Diego shrugged. “I guess earning is an important part
ourselves in the cookies. Earning things helps us to
of learning, or something like that.”
remember that we are more powerful than the things we desire . . . more powerful than cookies.” Diego wasn’t convinced.
Diego’s father smiled. “Something like that, yes.”
That night, Diego ate his broccoli with
III : I n a D ream
dinner and earned a cookie for dessert.
Diego entered a dream,
He felt strong and
A fanciful whim;
was happy.
A steady stream To teach him . . .
He ran off to bed and fell asleep with the stars glowing gently above him.
Diego was asleep and dreaming of being a big boy; so big that he could reach on top of the counter and eat cookies straight from the jar. He ate lots of cookies without earning them and felt just fine. He was still a boy—not a cookie—and he was happy because his belly was full.
He woke up with a smile, but soon began to wonder if what his father had told him about cookies was true. Perhaps nothing would come of eating unearned cookies. After all, he had eaten lots of cookies in his dream without earning or turning into a cookie. Diego was determined to get to the bottom of this cookie conundrum.
Diego stomped downstairs and begrudgingly ate his breakfast. When his parents asked him what was the matter, he glanced at the cookie jar, looked down at the table, and said nothing. “He must have had a bad dream,” whispered Mommy.
If you only knew, thought Diego. That morning, Diego was very naughty. He refused to clean up his toys and made a fuss while going off to school. Diego definitely did not earn any cookies.
He was naughty at school too. He did not share the classroom toys with his friends or pick up after himself, and he did not pay attention during story time or lessons.
When Diego returned home, he threw his coat on the floor.
Diego was alone.
His mommy scolded him, “Diego, I am going to go
He knew his behavior had upset his mom, and he
upstairs, and when I come back down I want this mess cleaned up. Your father will be home shortly, and when he gets here, we are going to discuss your behavior.” With that, she went upstairs.
didn’t like the way that made him feel.
He decided to be a good boy again. He picked up his coat and hung it on the rack. As he turned around, a yellow star on the special jar caught his attention. “Cookies . . .” he whispered. He stared at the jar, and then glanced at the stairs to see where his mommy was.
“What should I do?” asked Diego Dilemma.
I could have one now, and just earn it later, he thought. Or maybe I shouldn’t . . .
He pursed his lips and furrowed his brow, thought hard for a moment, then made up his mind. For the
“What should I do?” asked Diego Dilemma.
first time ever, Diego Dilemma was going to eat a cookie without earning it.
When he got to the top, he didn’t see any giants, so he crawled over to the jar and opened it. The warm scent of toasted sugar wafted up from inside. His tummy tickled and his mouth watered.
He pulled a stool over to the counter and began to climb. He felt like Jack climbing the Beanstalk.
Maybe the special jar has golden eggs inside? He giggled. Maybe there are giants on the countertop? His stomach grew queasy, but he took a deep breath and kept going.
He had planned to only eat a single cookie. But now that he was there, it seemed silly to eat just one.
Forgetting himself for a moment, Diego reached in and pulled out a handful of cookies.
He didn’t waste any time. He ate the first cookie with the speed of a frog catching a fly. Then the second, third, and so on and so forth . . . In a matter of seconds, the cookies were gone. His hands, smeared with chocolate, a countertop full of crumbs, and the special jar’s open lid were the only evidence that remained.
“What should I do?” asked Diego Dilemma.
“I’ve eaten the bunch!” he cried. Just then, Diego heard his father’s car pull into the driveway. Diego closed the lid, wiped his hands on his shirt, and dusted the crumbs from the counter.
He was about to climb down when he heard a strange rumble in his stomach and felt a pang in his side. “Ouch!” he said.
Diego’s father walked in. “Hello-oo?” “Is Diego down there?” Mommy called down the stairs. A strange sensation brewed inside him. The smell of
“I don’t see him,” said Daddy. “But it sure smells good
melting sugar, butter, and chocolate seeped from his
in here . . . I see you’ve been making cookies!”
skin. His arms and legs shrank. His belly grew.
“Cookies?” Mommy replied.
“What have I done?” he muttered, as his body folded
“Well, more like one huge cookie!” His father walked
here and bubbled there into a giant chocolate chip
over to the tasty lump on the counter. “How cute!
cookie.
This cookie has Diego’s eyes!” He pinched a crispy
The kitchen grew quiet.
edge.
“This is all my fault! I never should have left him down here alone. What can we do?” asked Mommy. “Ouch!” screamed Diego. “Don’t eat me, Daddy!”
“Diego?” gasped his father. “Daddy, help me! I-I-I ate too many cookies . . .” “What happened?!” yelled his mother, rushing down the stairs. “Oh no . . .” said Diego’s father. “He ate too many cookies.”
“We must act fast or he will stay a cookie forever,” said Daddy. “I have an idea . . .” Diego’s daddy ran to the refrigerator and grabbed some leftover broccoli. “Diego, you have to eat this.” “Why?” murmured Diego. “You need to earn all of the cookies you just ate . . . before it’s too late!” Diego wiggled.
“Now what?” asked Mommy. “He needs to rest,” decided Daddy. “Let’s put him to His parents took the broccoli and tried to gently place
sleep.”
it into the series of chocolate chips that made up
Mommy grabbed a large cookie sheet and some wax
Diego’s mouth, but he resisted.
paper from the cupboard. She made Diego a bed and
“Diego, you must try to eat!” cried his mother.
slid him inside.
Diego knew what he had to do. He braced himself and
Diego’s chocolaty eyes welled. “I am so sorry I didn’t
began to chew . . . and chew . . . and chew.
listen to you, Daddy. I am so sorry I was naughty,
“Milk,” Diego mumbled. “Please, I need milk.” “Milk,” said his father, rushing to the refrigerator. “Of course . . .” Sip by sip, and ever so slowly, chew by chew, Diego began to swallow the broccoli. And with the exception of a few green specks on his crispy cheeks, after several agonizing minutes, the broccoli was gone.
Mommy.” “Don’t worry about that now,” replied his parents.
Diego’s parents carried him upstairs and placed him on his bed. He struggled to get comfortable. His sides ached. His heart hurt.
His parents promised he would be all right. “After all, cookies are very well-liked . . .” Mommy mused. “Yes,” said Daddy. “I’ve never met a cookie I didn’t like. You will have a great many friends, I suspect.” “But only because they want to eat me!” said Diego. His parents couldn’t disagree. The Dilemma family sat quietly in the dark. Diego didn’t want to go to sleep, but he didn’t want to look at the stars on his ceiling either. They only reminded him of the special jar and his cookie condition. He wanted to be a boy again. He soon grew tired and fell asleep.
Diego opened his eyes and looked down. Much to his surprise, there, under the covers, was his body. His human body!
IV: The Morning After As morning broke, the stars faded. The sun poured in and Diego began to stir. He yawned and licked his lips. He tasted chocolate. “I’m still a cookie! The broccoli didn’t work!” Just then, his parents came into the room. “Good morning, Sunshine!” they said. “Are you ready for some pancakes?” asked Mommy. “Pancakes?” Diego responded. “I’m a cookie, Mom! How is a cookie supposed to eat pancakes?” “Cookie?” replied his father. “No son of mine is a cookie! Cookie monster, maybe . . .”
He felt his heartbeat, raised his arms, and examined his hands. He counted his fingers—ten! Toes—ten! He ran his fingers through his hair and touched his knuckles to his eyelids.
E pilogue This is how our Diego Dilemma did learn The power of earning things for which he did yearn. It did not change his love for the cookies and treats, Then, with a start, he jumped clear out of bed and straight into the arms of his mother and father.
But did teach him their place in the scheme of his feats.
“Mom, Dad, I’m okay! I’m okay!” he screamed. “I’m a boy, boy, boy, boy, boy, boy, boy! I am a big, messy,
And so, as this tale of a boy comes to an end,
happy, little boy!”
There is another lesson it means to portend:
“Of course you are!” Diego’s parents replied, laughing. “I’ll tell you what,” said Diego’s daddy. “Just this once—if you want—how about a chocolate chip cookie for breakfast?” Diego licked his lips, looked at his parents and shook his head. “How about some broccoli syrup for my pancakes?”
By broccoli or by effort, try to enjoy Inner strengths you discover when girl or when boy.
Cookie Conundrum
By Zachary Fallon Illustrated by Jordan Jackson
This Book Belongs To:
Copyright © 2014 Authored by Zachary Fallon Illustrated by Jordan Jackson All rights reserved. ISBN: 0991486609 ISBN 13: 9780991486601 Library of Congress Control Number: 2014902162 The Fennel Seed www.diegodilemma.com
Table o f C ontents
For my family, for fun, and for inspiration!
Prologue Chapter I: Chapter II: Chapter III: Chapter IV: Epilogue
Diego Dilemma Learns a Lesson In A Dream The Morning After
P rologue There once was a boy named Diego Dilemma, A clever boy with a curious mind. If you asked his parents, they would likely say, “Too clever, too curious, but kind.” What follows is a tale almost too true to tell, Of Diego, a cookie, and all that ends well. A boy with spirit, living outside the bubble, Who found himself inside a few crumbs of trouble.
I : D iego D ilemma Diego Dilemma loved cookies. Whether crispy or chewy, savory or sweet, if it was a cookie, it was—he felt—for him to eat.
If Diego could have his way, he would eat cookies all day. But as far as he knew, there were only two ways to get a cookie: by being a good boy and by eating vegetables.
II: L earns a L esson One evening, Diego asked his father, “Daddy, may I The cookies came from a special jar located on top of the kitchen counter. It was a blue jar with yellow stars on the side. Blue was Diego’s favorite color, and
have a cookie before dinner?” His father replied, “You have to earn it first, and you can earn a cookie by eating your vegetables.”
the yellow stars reminded him of the stickers on his
Diego sighed. “Why do I need to earn them, Daddy?!
bedroom ceiling that lit up at night and watched over
Why can’t I just eat them?”
him while he slept.
“Cookies,” his daddy said, “are very powerful treats. If
Diego often stared at the special jar and thought,
you eat too many, you yourself can turn into a cookie.
When I am taller, I will be able to get the cookies myself. That will be a good day.
But if you earn a cookie, you won’t turn into a cookie.”
“Why?” asked Diego. “Because earning things requires effort. And whenever you make an effort to do something—whether its to eat your vegetables or not—you grow stronger. No cookie or treat, however sweet, can take that strength away from you. But sometimes we forget. Sometimes the thought of something we really want, like cookies, can begin to consume us. And if all we think about
His father continued, “When you earn that for which you yearn, you learn the power with which you burn.”
are cookies and all we eat are cookies, we can lose
Diego shrugged. “I guess earning is an important part
ourselves in the cookies. Earning things helps us to
of learning, or something like that.”
remember that we are more powerful than the things we desire . . . more powerful than cookies.” Diego wasn’t convinced.
Diego’s father smiled. “Something like that, yes.”
That night, Diego ate his broccoli with
III : I n a D ream
dinner and earned a cookie for dessert.
Diego entered a dream,
He felt strong and
A fanciful whim;
was happy.
A steady stream To teach him . . .
He ran off to bed and fell asleep with the stars glowing gently above him.
Diego was asleep and dreaming of being a big boy; so big that he could reach on top of the counter and eat cookies straight from the jar. He ate lots of cookies without earning them and felt just fine. He was still a boy—not a cookie—and he was happy because his belly was full.
He woke up with a smile, but soon began to wonder if what his father had told him about cookies was true. Perhaps nothing would come of eating unearned cookies. After all, he had eaten lots of cookies in his dream without earning or turning into a cookie. Diego was determined to get to the bottom of this cookie conundrum.
Diego stomped downstairs and begrudgingly ate his breakfast. When his parents asked him what was the matter, he glanced at the cookie jar, looked down at the table, and said nothing. “He must have had a bad dream,” whispered Mommy.
If you only knew, thought Diego. That morning, Diego was very naughty. He refused to clean up his toys and made a fuss while going off to school. Diego definitely did not earn any cookies.
He was naughty at school too. He did not share the classroom toys with his friends or pick up after himself, and he did not pay attention during story time or lessons.
When Diego returned home, he threw his coat on the floor.
Diego was alone.
His mommy scolded him, “Diego, I am going to go
He knew his behavior had upset his mom, and he
upstairs, and when I come back down I want this mess cleaned up. Your father will be home shortly, and when he gets here, we are going to discuss your behavior.” With that, she went upstairs.
didn’t like the way that made him feel.
He decided to be a good boy again. He picked up his coat and hung it on the rack. As he turned around, a yellow star on the special jar caught his attention. “Cookies . . .” he whispered. He stared at the jar, and then glanced at the stairs to see where his mommy was.
“What should I do?” asked Diego Dilemma.
I could have one now, and just earn it later, he thought. Or maybe I shouldn’t . . .
He pursed his lips and furrowed his brow, thought hard for a moment, then made up his mind. For the
“What should I do?” asked Diego Dilemma.
first time ever, Diego Dilemma was going to eat a cookie without earning it.
When he got to the top, he didn’t see any giants, so he crawled over to the jar and opened it. The warm scent of toasted sugar wafted up from inside. His tummy tickled and his mouth watered.
He pulled a stool over to the counter and began to climb. He felt like Jack climbing the Beanstalk.
Maybe the special jar has golden eggs inside? He giggled. Maybe there are giants on the countertop? His stomach grew queasy, but he took a deep breath and kept going.
He had planned to only eat a single cookie. But now that he was there, it seemed silly to eat just one.
Forgetting himself for a moment, Diego reached in and pulled out a handful of cookies.
He didn’t waste any time. He ate the first cookie with the speed of a frog catching a fly. Then the second, third, and so on and so forth . . . In a matter of seconds, the cookies were gone. His hands, smeared with chocolate, a countertop full of crumbs, and the special jar’s open lid were the only evidence that remained.
“What should I do?” asked Diego Dilemma.
“I’ve eaten the bunch!” he cried. Just then, Diego heard his father’s car pull into the driveway. Diego closed the lid, wiped his hands on his shirt, and dusted the crumbs from the counter.
He was about to climb down when he heard a strange rumble in his stomach and felt a pang in his side. “Ouch!” he said.
Diego’s father walked in. “Hello-oo?” “Is Diego down there?” Mommy called down the stairs. A strange sensation brewed inside him. The smell of
“I don’t see him,” said Daddy. “But it sure smells good
melting sugar, butter, and chocolate seeped from his
in here . . . I see you’ve been making cookies!”
skin. His arms and legs shrank. His belly grew.
“Cookies?” Mommy replied.
“What have I done?” he muttered, as his body folded
“Well, more like one huge cookie!” His father walked
here and bubbled there into a giant chocolate chip
over to the tasty lump on the counter. “How cute!
cookie.
This cookie has Diego’s eyes!” He pinched a crispy
The kitchen grew quiet.
edge.
“This is all my fault! I never should have left him down here alone. What can we do?” asked Mommy. “Ouch!” screamed Diego. “Don’t eat me, Daddy!”
“Diego?” gasped his father. “Daddy, help me! I-I-I ate too many cookies . . .” “What happened?!” yelled his mother, rushing down the stairs. “Oh no . . .” said Diego’s father. “He ate too many cookies.”
“We must act fast or he will stay a cookie forever,” said Daddy. “I have an idea . . .” Diego’s daddy ran to the refrigerator and grabbed some leftover broccoli. “Diego, you have to eat this.” “Why?” murmured Diego. “You need to earn all of the cookies you just ate . . . before it’s too late!” Diego wiggled.
“Now what?” asked Mommy. “He needs to rest,” decided Daddy. “Let’s put him to His parents took the broccoli and tried to gently place
sleep.”
it into the series of chocolate chips that made up
Mommy grabbed a large cookie sheet and some wax
Diego’s mouth, but he resisted.
paper from the cupboard. She made Diego a bed and
“Diego, you must try to eat!” cried his mother.
slid him inside.
Diego knew what he had to do. He braced himself and
Diego’s chocolaty eyes welled. “I am so sorry I didn’t
began to chew . . . and chew . . . and chew.
listen to you, Daddy. I am so sorry I was naughty,
“Milk,” Diego mumbled. “Please, I need milk.” “Milk,” said his father, rushing to the refrigerator. “Of course . . .” Sip by sip, and ever so slowly, chew by chew, Diego began to swallow the broccoli. And with the exception of a few green specks on his crispy cheeks, after several agonizing minutes, the broccoli was gone.
Mommy.” “Don’t worry about that now,” replied his parents.
Diego’s parents carried him upstairs and placed him on his bed. He struggled to get comfortable. His sides ached. His heart hurt.
His parents promised he would be all right. “After all, cookies are very well-liked . . .” Mommy mused. “Yes,” said Daddy. “I’ve never met a cookie I didn’t like. You will have a great many friends, I suspect.” “But only because they want to eat me!” said Diego. His parents couldn’t disagree. The Dilemma family sat quietly in the dark. Diego didn’t want to go to sleep, but he didn’t want to look at the stars on his ceiling either. They only reminded him of the special jar and his cookie condition. He wanted to be a boy again. He soon grew tired and fell asleep.
Diego opened his eyes and looked down. Much to his surprise, there, under the covers, was his body. His human body!
IV: The Morning After As morning broke, the stars faded. The sun poured in and Diego began to stir. He yawned and licked his lips. He tasted chocolate. “I’m still a cookie! The broccoli didn’t work!” Just then, his parents came into the room. “Good morning, Sunshine!” they said. “Are you ready for some pancakes?” asked Mommy. “Pancakes?” Diego responded. “I’m a cookie, Mom! How is a cookie supposed to eat pancakes?” “Cookie?” replied his father. “No son of mine is a cookie! Cookie monster, maybe . . .”
He felt his heartbeat, raised his arms, and examined his hands. He counted his fingers—ten! Toes—ten! He ran his fingers through his hair and touched his knuckles to his eyelids.
E pilogue This is how our Diego Dilemma did learn The power of earning things for which he did yearn. It did not change his love for the cookies and treats, Then, with a start, he jumped clear out of bed and straight into the arms of his mother and father.
But did teach him their place in the scheme of his feats.
“Mom, Dad, I’m okay! I’m okay!” he screamed. “I’m a boy, boy, boy, boy, boy, boy, boy! I am a big, messy,
And so, as this tale of a boy comes to an end,
happy, little boy!”
There is another lesson it means to portend:
“Of course you are!” Diego’s parents replied, laughing. “I’ll tell you what,” said Diego’s daddy. “Just this once—if you want—how about a chocolate chip cookie for breakfast?” Diego licked his lips, looked at his parents and shook his head. “How about some broccoli syrup for my pancakes?”
By broccoli or by effort, try to enjoy Inner strengths you discover when girl or when boy.
