If You Give a Man a Cookie: A Parody

by Laura Joffe Numeroff

#1 New York Times  bestselling author Laura Numeroff, author of the hugely popular children’s book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie , offers this hilarious parody of her own book for the man in your life.

If you give a man a cookie...he's going to want milk to go with it...God forbid he should get it himself.

If You Give a Man a Cookie is a woman’s commentary about her helpless man and the chain of events that leads him on a journey from the bed to the bathroom to the couch and back to bed at nightfall.

Genres: Humor, Picture Books, Adult, Childrens, Adult Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2017

About the author

Laura Joffe Numeroff is the NYT best-selling author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, What Mommies/Daddies Do Best and Raising a Hero. She was born in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Pratt Institute. Laura grew up as the youngest of three girls, surrounded by art, music, and books. An avid animal lover, Laura has always wanted to write a book about service dogs. She now lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Shai · Rating 4 out of 5]

If You Give a Man a Cookie is a 32-pages pure comic entertainment. Wives would be able to relate to the funny and — more often than not — annoying behaviors of their husbands that were narrated in this graphic novel.



This comics made me realize that (a lot of) women are indeed mature in thinking than men. Thus, we usually clean up their mess, both literally and figuratively, and take care of their needs as they behave like a child sometimes. Ending is both funny and it's like that the author was trying to convey a message: that women should not always try to pamper their partners.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Living through the childhoods of my son, his friends, and countless nieces and nephews, I have read all of Laura Joffe Numeroff's If You Give... books. They're just great books that make you smile. When I saw this title on netgalley for adults, I grabbed it immediately. Unfortunately, If You Give a Man a Cookie: A Parody didn't work for me. I found it stereotypical and frankly a bit mean. It felt like a disgruntled wife needed to get some frustration out, and if this was the case, there will be other women in similar emotional states that may eat this book up. I'm just not one of them. To be fair, it is clear that the very small storyline means no harm. It's meant to prompt laughter and like with much comedy in the world, it will only succeed if it meets the right reader. The illustrations are well-done and consistent in the whimsical and beautiful quality as the other If You Give... books. Take this review with a grain of salt as I was not the right reader for this parody.

Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of If You Give a Man a Cookie. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genres: Humor
Pub Date: 10 Oct 2017

[Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ · Rating 1 out of 5]

If this "parody" was written by a man and called If You Give a Woman a Cookie (with the female equivalents of the various masculine slurs found in this version), the author would likely be strung up from the nearest tree. #saynotodoublestandards

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations but the story didn't work for me. I get that this was a parody of the author's previous book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie but I didn't find it funny. I found the story clichéd and annoying. The man wants a cookie, then he wants milk, then he puts the empty milk container in the fridge, etc... I'm sure lots of people will love this book but it just wasn't for me.

I received an ARC from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.

[Hoda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the pictures.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great parody by Laura Numeroff! And it's 90% my husband. **sigh**

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many many moons ago, I worked at a local Barnes & Noble – which was the equivalent of putting a cat in charge of a patch of catnip. Between a 30% employee discount and the occasional availability of stripped books, my personal library redoubled. I had to touch basically every book in the place in any given week as we put shelves back together after a long day of customers tearing them apart – and the section in most need of attention, of course, was the picture book section. (It was not uncommon for the manager of the children's department to have to call in authorities, as parents would dump their kids off in front of the shelves and go see a movie at the theatre down the road. Of course, even theoretically supervised children did a lot of damage. But I digress.) It was while trying to restore order one evening that I came across If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and I was instantly completely charmed. I didn't buy myself a copy, though … I wonder why.

Now, almost thirty years after Mouse was first published, comes a new book from Laura Joffe Numeroff for all those folks who grew up with the mouse, the cookie, and the ramifications of giving one to the other, and who are now married. It's the same sense of humor, only now aimed squarely at the grown-ups: "If you give a man a cookie, he'll ask for some milk to go with it … God forbid he should get it himself!"

I'm completely in love with the vivid, adorable illustrations. The cookie-getting man reminds me of a much rounder Greg Proops, shown as exasperating and ridiculous without making him a complete buffoon. And it pays to pay attention to the dog, who appears in every picture with his master. (The man can't be as big a jerk as all that, introduced as he is playing with the dog. But he is a twit.) My only regret, and it's on me and not the book, is that for some reason it felt like this would be one of those picture books where close examination of the illustrations would turn up little visual puns or gags or other kinds of hidden surprises. It doesn't – except for the fact that the dog is the subject of every "photo" shown in the house, framed or hung on the fridge.But that's a quibble. If you give a woman adorable, she'll want puzzles too.

I love that this was targeted at adults without resorting to vulgarity or non-G-rated language (except for a non-equine use of "ass"). A child, attracted by the illustrations, could absolutely read it safely – but it would whoosh over his head.

I wonder if there will be a follow-up, like If You Give a Moose a Muffin. Because if you give a woman a book she likes, she'll ask for another one. (God forbid she should write one herself.)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all those times that, as a parent, I had to read If you give a mouse a cookie and the other books in the series that Numeroff came up with after that, this one is so perfect.

In the original series, if you gave a mouse a cookie, he was going to want a glass of milk to go with it, and then it went on from there. In this version the man wants a glass of milk as well, and the exasperated wife thinks to herself, "God forbid he should get it himself."

As with any parody, it helps if you are familiar with the source material, and because of that, it makes this all the more fun. Especially when at the end, when he asks for a glass of milk again, and she says "he can drag his sorry ass out of bed and get it himself."


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Angela Holtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was given a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Imagine my delight! Not only was this a parody of the If you Give a Mouse a Cookie books, but it's by that same author!!! To be fair, I wasn't looking that closely and I'm not great with remembering names.

It goes along the same line, but it's totally written for wives. "If you give a man a cookies, he'll ask for a glass of milk to go with it...God forbid he should get it himself!"

As a mom who has read all of her books a million times each, and a wife...I just about died laughing. My husband chuckled and my kids didn't think it was funny at all. But me, Mom, I laughed and laughed and then read it a few more times.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I best start off by saying that as I haven't read any of the children's books that this parody was based on, the parody element is completely lost on me, and therefore may affect my thoughts on this book. This is simply a woman's commentary on her husband's behaviours that irk her, and behaviours that no doubt many other wives and partners will recognise! This book is a collection of stereotypes of men from start to finish which some might take unkindly to, but it's done in a humour way and the illustrations are effective. As it's supposed to be a parody of a children's book, the layout reflects that really well. The only thing I never quite understand with these short picture books for adults, is what you do with them. You buy them, read them in seconds, and then what do you do with them?!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book provided by NetGallery. If You Give a Man A Cookie is a humorous send up of Numeroff's other "If You Give..." books, and the fact that she is parodying her own writing style is what makes this (very) quick read especially appealing. I suspect women will find many of the male geneder stereotypes relatable, and men, well, you'll be hard pressed to deny them. This could be a good gift book for husbands or dads of kids familiar with Numeroff's work.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny! A great parody by the author of the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too funny and great illustrations. A parody is the perfect description. A caricature of men folk that made me laugh hard.

[Rebekah Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This awesome parody of one of Numeroff's best selling children's picture books, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, deserves all the stars! The concept is just the same as it is in each of her other "If You Give" series books; however, this picture book is not geared towards children at all but rather towards adults. That's not saying it has questionable content, it does not! It merely indicates topically it's meant to be enjoyed by adults, most likely couples. Like in her classic series, the story progresses after the main character is initially offered some kind of treat- in this case the wife offers her husband a cookie. Of course, that leads to him to wanting something else, which yet again inspires him to request something different still, and on and on until eventually the story and requests go full circle.

Those with young children or who work with young children will likely enjoy this book most of all simply because they are probably already familiar with Numeroff's style. It's cute and comical with classically funny illustrations that again parallel the original books this parody is based on.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the early review copy and opportunity.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of If You Give a Man a Cookie. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Author Laura Joffe Numeroff has created a parody of her popular children's book that started a whole franchise. If You Give a Man a Cookie is a charming look at a wife who is exasperated with her husband, especially when he takes for granted the work she does.

I am not sure what audience would be the best for this book, but I liked the story, the illustrations, and the message. The drawings have a more mature feeling than the origin story "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie", but there is no mistaking that this book is meant to remind readers of that famous children's story. I can see a woman buying this book for her best friend, as a way to laugh about or poke fun at certain situations. If You Give a Man a Cookie was written to be a humorous look at relationships and the author has definitely accomplished her goal.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good parody, especially about things I grew up with. What makes If You Give A Man A Cookie so special is that Laura Joffee Numeroff is parodying herself! she is having fun with her own work and that fun is infectious!
In this parody, Laura asks what would happen if you gave a man a cookie? Hilarity and truth ensue! So many of the events in the book are my father, my brother and my coworkers. have done. Brian Ajhar's are illustrations are perfectly whimsical and add so much to the experience.
I recommend this gift to anyone who need a bedtime story for their "man child." lol

I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 1 out of 5]

The illustrations are wonderful but the text is more a rant than humorous.
Obviously, it's a parody of her children's books but it misses the mark by such blatant gender bashing.

[☘Tara Sheehan☘ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A household name thanks to enchanting children and their caregivers a world over with her “If you give” series that started innocently with a Mouse she has now turned her talents towards making women everywhere laugh, shake their heads, and roll their eyes at a relationship dynamic many know is rife for comedy.

I can only hope that in the current climate of taking offense at everything people take a break to see the humor and enjoy the lighthearted illustrations that bring her trademark wit to laugh.

It’s the perfect take on an aspect of monogamous relationships many of us have complained about to our friends while questioning the ability of our significant others to have ever made it out of childhood and to a point where they had to feed themselves and stop relying on mom to do it (hopefully or that’s a whole other therapy session).

Numeroff knows how to play up the seemingly helplessness of men, their remarkable ability to not see how selfish/childish they’re being, the extra work and strain they put on their partners and our tendency to enable it all.

This is THE gift to buy for someone who has gotten engaged, complains about her partner 24/7 or pretty much just any woman in a relationship or who is thinking about getting into one. Think of it as a warning of what is to come if you agree to get that cookie lol.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. I didn't find the humor in it. It seemed more like a rant than something that is enjoyable. This is a parody, but it is written by the author who wrote the original, so I was expecting great things.

I enjoyed the illustrations a lot more than the actual story. Maybe the humor was just too crude for me. This is definitely not a book to give to children to read. It pains me to write this review, but I will always give my honest opinion.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff
Publisher: Andrews McMeel
Publication Date: 10 October 2017

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It sure makes me glad I'm not married. Then I can eat all the cookies myself.

[Keeley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of sexist jokes right out of the gate, but these were low hanging fruit at best.

[Lghiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

For as long as I can remember, our family byword for “one thing leading to another” has been “if you give a…” We don’t even have to finish the title; we all know what it means. I’m sure a lot of my readers can identify with that as you grew up with If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as a storytime favorite. Or maybe you were one of the many adults who shared this book with children.

Laura Joffe Numeroff has since produced many variations on this children’s book, but now she has written one for adults: If You Give a Man a Cookie. In this humorous parody, a woman offers up a cookie to her husband and, to nobody’s surprise who has read the original, he asks for milk to go with it. The book progresses in this delightful fashion with lots of helpless husband scenarios that may seem familiar to patient spouses.

Whereas Felicia Bond is responsible for the sweet, funny, and appealing artwork in Numeroff’s children’s books, the illustrator of If You Give a Man a Cookie is Brian Ajhar. His style is very different with sharper lines in a more comic book manner, with more appeal to its adult target audience. Be sure to note the dog who appears on almost every page adding to both the story and the humor.

This book would make a fun, less serious gift for the woman who has it all, including a man with 24/7 needs. I think most men would even find the humor in it. Also, consider it for those contemplating marriage; they might have second thoughts!

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Andrews McMeel Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ellen Klock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who better to write a take off on the well known children's book, If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, than the original author Laura Joffe Numeroff, and she doesn't disappoint with her new picture book, If You Give A Man A Cookie: A Parody. The 32 pages of tongue in cheek stereotypical behaviors Is perfect for those who have a sense of humor and love all things absurd. Of course, if a man wants a cookie, he'll also need some milk and when he's done he'll simply put the empty milk carton back in the fridge and so on. The illustrator is Duane Ajhar who has created these comical adult oriented caricatures (as compared to the original artist Felicia Bond's whimsical drawings meant for children). Of note is the man's companion, a dog, whose antics are included in the story. Unfortunately, the jocularity is a little advanced for most small children, as this publication is geared towards a more mature crowd. While perfect as a bridal shower or gag gift, I don't see a huge audience for this title, and some men (or even women) might find it a tad offensive, especially when Numeroff suggests the man "drag his sorry ass out of bed and get it himself". What fun!

Four stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read.
ellenk59.wordpress.com

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'If You Give A Man a Cookie: A Parody' by Laura Numeroff with illustrations by Brian Ajhar is a parody based on something written by the same author, and it's a pretty funny one.

When my son was little, we read the book 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' so many times that I could recite it without looking at the pages (other parents know what I'm talking about). There were a whole string of these books about mooses and muffins, pigs and pancakes, etc. So it's only natural that the author would put out a parody of her own corner of the publishing industry.

A man gets a cookie from his wife, which sets off a whole chain of events, starting with making her get him some milk. There are wet towels on the floor, folded laundry (not by the husband), and falling asleep on the couch along the way.

This is a parody book for grown ups. It is probably best enjoyed by those familiar with what is being parodied. The art is pretty comical, as is the text of the book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Isaiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.

I got an ARC in return for an honest review on NetGalley.

I really wanted to love this book. Overall, the book was just ok. I was impressed that the author the original If You Give a Mouse a Cookie was writing a parody of her own book. From the description it sounded like it was going to be more than it was. The book did not go as far as the books I remember from Numeroff. I might be remembering the books as longer than they were as I haven’t read them in a decent amount of time, but this felt too quick.

The description of the book led me to believe it was going to be a book that Women and Women’s First would have had on hand. I didn’t expect it to go far enough to be like Hothead, but I wanted something more. I don’t have too much to really say, I guess my expectations were set too high for this book. The book itself isn’t bad, but I just didn’t fall in love.

I did like that the art made the story goofier than the words could have implied otherwise.

[Paul Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the long tradition of “For want of a nail” stories, this one is just what the title says, all the repercussions of what a man will want if you give him a cookie. It’s full of clichés (none of which fit me, thankfully), considering not every man has a mustache or likes fishing.
From a guy’s perspective, I have to ask why she’s wearing heels when making cookies and generally just walking around the house. I’m trying not to be mean-spirited here, but I can’t help but think that’s exactly where this story’s coming from, which was likely done as a catharsis for the author.
I think the only opinion that matters here is her husband; hope he laughed, because I didn’t find much funny here.
2.5 pushed up to 3/5

[Stella (NotAnEarlyBird) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley (thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing ) in exchange for honest feedback.

You can read all of my reviews at https://notanearlybirdblog.blogspot.gr

“If you give a man a cookie” tells in very few pages the story of every girl’s relationship with a man. It portrays in a cute way the not so cute ways men think and act. I kept shooting glances at my blissfully ignorant husband while reading it, because, well, you know, he is not an exception….The illustrations are beautiful, making the book even funnier.

It may seem a little “mean” to some, but, hey, don’t we all complaint about exactly these things when it’s just us, girls? And after all, it is a humor book and should not be taken too seriously.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy from a Goodreads giveaway.

I am torn between a 3 star and 4 star review...I am going with the 4stars because this book IS A PARODY. It is not meant to be a children's book continuing in the series of If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. It is an adult humor book. There are probably women out there right now who can relate to the man portrayed in this picture book - be it a boyfriend, husband, son, father, uncle, friend, etc. I mean, a few men came to my mind while reading it. I wanted to give it a 3 star review because I do not believe that it portrays the majority of men in today's society...this is simply my opinion. However, I reminded myself that it was supposed to be for laughs and that there are some men like the one in the book. So, for ha's ha's, I give it 4 stars.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

If You Give A Man A Cookie is about a wife and the annoying behaviours of her husband, the eponymous man. He has some stereotypical husband problems, like worrying about his hairline, and the wife has stereotypical wife problems, like her husband not noticing her household work. I really like the illustration here, though they don't look like the ones in her other books. A funny thing was the dog in the background, which just appeared throughout the book. The ending was a good one, humorous too.
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Pooja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC e-book copy of this book from NetGalley to review. The last time I read any similar children’s books was long ago and I’m not familiar with Numeroff’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” which is what “If You Give a Man a Cookie: A Parody” is supposed to be based off of. I found it a little funny, but too short as I was expecting a series of funny scenarios (short chapters even), though it might be due to it being a parody of a children’s book. It seems like it would make a great gag gift for spouses, but I didn’t find it to be as “hilarious” as it was marketed to be.