Alfie loves his mommy's cookies, and he wants one more thananything! But grabbing for one, fishing for one, and dressing up asa cookie inspector don't seem to work. His mommy says there is abetter way. What is it? Beginning readers will learn proper mannerswith Alfie as his mommy teaches him to say the magic words.

For kids just starting to read, this cheerful title in theScholastic Reader series is a combination of very simple sentencesand bright, clear, colorful illustrations. Alligator Mommy isbaking cookies. Alfie loves cookies, but when he tries to grab one,Mommy tells him to "think of a better way to get a cookie." Hecomes up with three funny tricks to get his treat, but it isn'tuntil he asks politely that Mommy gives him what he wants--alongwith a big hug. Kids will like the cozy story and the endearingalligator characters. They'll also enjoy the "Fluency Fun" page atthe back, with a list of rhyming words to read aloud and a list ofwords to look for in the text.