Also by The Sesame Workshop: Bert and Ernie Go Camping: Brand New Readers   Also illustrated by Ernie Kwiat: Bert and Ernie Go Camping: Brand New Readers   Cookie Monster's Busy Day: Brand New Readers by The Sesame Workshop, illustrated by Ernie Kwiat Ages 4-7 48 pages Candlewick February 2012 Hardcover     Children ready to read will find this an ideal picture book to practice their budding word skills. Four short stories featuring Cookie Monster and his pals offer a simple text that any youngster can master in no time at all. In the first story, Cookie Monster washes different parts of his body and then tries to share the soap with Oscar. Next up, the loveable big blue character joins Elmo as they consume different foods that feature different colors. There are carrots, blueberries, an apple, some peas and grapes. Of course, the last thing Cookie Monster pops into his mouth is a big cookie! The third story shows how Cookie Monster and his friends get around town in different ways. While one walks, another rides a tricycle or a skateboard. Big Bird uses roller skates, The Count rides a scooter, and Abby flies. Then they all get together to form a parade, Finally, in the last story, we find Cookie Monster preparing his bed. First the sheets go on, then the blanket and a pillow. When he’s finished, Cookie Monster is so tired he takes a nap. Large type, short sentences and repeated vocabulary make this a book any beginning reader should be able to handle with ease. The fact that the stories feature one of Sesame Street’s most likeable characters is just an added bonus.     web reviews   Bob Walch/2012 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)