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4 stars!
Readers Favorite® Book Review, 5/21/18
Fortune Cookie Surprise! by Jacqueline Prata is the story of a young girl named Emily who is on her way to one of her favorite activities: eating Chinese food with her family. The addition of Chinese food at their favorite restaurant makes everyday life extra special, especially when there’s something to celebrate. Emily’s favorite part comes after the meal when the dessert of fortune cookies is served. Emily loves the light-hearted and sometimes profound messages to be found therein. As she and her family laugh together at the messages the cookies deliver, Emily realizes that she is like a fortune cookie—she’s the finishing touch to their family as the fortune cookies are to their special meal. She also sees how children everywhere are like fortune cookies—each one unique and having a special message of their own for the world.
Fortune Cookie Surprise! is a delightful story written by fifteen-year-old author and illustrator Jacqueline Prata. The message of the story is right on and the comparison between Emily and a fortune cookie—as well as the comparison of the cookies to other children—is clear and understandable and certainly has the potential to touch the hearts and minds of other young readers, and remind them that they are unique and possess extraordinary gifts worth sharing. The importance of the story is greatly enhanced and, in fact, celebrated through the attractive, absorbing, and adorable illustrations done by Ms. Prata. The story comes to life through her vivid illustrations, which perfectly match the story’s upbeat and delightful tone. Kudos to Ms. Prata for writing and illustrating such a wonderful story. Her talent is obvious and is certainly a gift to young readers!
— Stacie Haas, Reviewer
A Joy to Read!
Endorsement, 6/10/18
Fortune Cookie Surprise! by debut author and illustrator Jacqueline Prata is a joy to read. The story begins by sharing one child’s traditions within her own family. The child realizes that the love she experiences in her family is a gift that she can share with others. Readers are reminded that they themselves are special and that they add so much to their own families. Everyone can also make the world a better place through organizations like the ones listed. Prata’s illustrations are authentic, bright and bold, and bring the story to life. Fortune Cookie Surprise! is a reminder of the importance of family and the ways in which small actions can make a big difference.”
— Louisa Polos-Condon
A Great Message!
Endorsement, 6/17/18
“I always tell students to save whatever they write because you never know what you might want to use in the future, and Jackie's experience bears this out. And it also shows just how powerful an insightful metaphor can be in communicating complex, abstract ideas like love and family relationships. Fortune Cookie Surprise! is a great message for young children, presented in a way they can easily grasp.”
— Marc Maier, 7th Grade English Teacher
Delightful!
Endorsement, 6/17/18
A delightful read, filled with great lessons and loving reminders for children and families everywhere. Kids will enjoy sharing Emily’s adventure as she embarks on her Fortune Cookie Surprise and reminds us that every child serves a unique and special role in their family.
— Abigail Abrams, Artist
“I read the book to my 5 year old son. I didn’t give him any details about getting the book from work. Two days later at bedtime he says “I want to read this book again, I love it and I love Fortune Cookie Surprise.”
— Laura Saavedra, Editor Portal Magazine (first bilingual magazine in Westchester, NY)
I Love It!
Endorsement, 11/10/18
Impressive!
Endorsement, 11/18/18
I got the books today and was so impressed. It is awesome, I can assure you that the museum copy will be displayed prominently in the Wreaths Across America museum ... I knew when we first met Jacqueline was a young lady going places.
- Wayne Merritt, Vice Chairman, Wreaths Across America
My Kids Loved It!
Endorsement, 11/20/18
"My kids all loved Fortune Cookie Surprise!. We read the book two nights in a row. It is our daughter’s new favorite bedtime story. And she’s been talking a lot lately about all the love she has in her heart and how she gives it to everyone. She totally gets the message of Fortune cookie surprise and my sense is that the message of the book resonates on a very deep level with her. It’s kind of amazing. What a beautiful book and inspirational message. Jackie is simply remarkable!"
Emily Fontana, Mother and Children’s Book Author, “Echo Comes Home”
A Complete & Delightful Experience!
Reviewer, 6/20/19
“Life lessons await quietly all around us, and little Emily finds hers in her favorite restaurant. As she eagerly awaits the grand finish to her Chinese meal, Emily begins to realize people are much like that anxiously awaited cookie: Each one special, and holding a personal revelation to the one that takes it. She also realizes that she too is that special finishing touch to her parents, making it a complete and delightful experience.”
Darleen Wohlfeil, Midwest Book Review
Book Events
On July 21st, we had a very successful book signing at Elm Street Books in New Canaan, CT. It was a festive occasion with over 5 times the bookstores expectations were sold.
Even Ron Belmont the Mayor of Harrison, NY stopped by!
In the News
The book launch on July 21st was covered by both the New Canaan News and Greenwich Time. The article included an interview with Jacqueline and was highlighted on the front page.
Book Events
On August 11th, we had a very successful book signing at Womrath Books in Bronxville, NY. It was a great day signing books with sales exceeding over 8 times the bookstores expectations.
In the News
Jacqueline was featured in the September Edition of the Harrison Herald for receiving the Mayor’s Certificate of Achievement for Fortune Cookie Surprise at the August 16th Town Board Meeting. Jacqueline and Mayor Belmont were featured on the front page!
In the News
Jacqueline was featured in the September 21st edition of Westchester Rising including all of its affiliates throughout Westchester County. The article highlighted her writing Fortune Cookie Surprise and her volunteer work at Special Olympics, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and Wreaths Across America.
Book Events
On September 30th, we had a booth at Resurrection Enchanted Forest Book Fair in Rye, NY. It was a great day signing books and meeting all the wonderful children and families in Resurrection’s Parrish. Jackie enjoyed sharing her story with Monsignor Dwyer, Principal Fonte, and fair coordinator MariaAnna Burgess who were all so encouraging and inspirational.
In the News
Jacqueline was featured in Sacred Heart - Greenwich school newspaper, King Street Chronicle, highlighting her book Fortune Cookie Surprise. Jacqueline described the encouragement and support she received from her teachers and classmates while going through the writing, editing, and publishing process which started when she was in the 7th grade!
Book Events
On October 9th, Jackie was an invited guess speaker at Harrison Public Library - Children's Discovery Center Tween Tuesday. Jackie read Fortune Cookie Surprise and helped make fortune cookies for all the children. Thank you Mayor Belmont for attending!
Book Events
On October 17th, Jackie was an invited guess speaker at Parkway School - Greenwich Public Schools. She read Fortune Cookie Surprise! and answered questions from over 40 children, parents, and teachers about the book creation and publishing process.
“It was wonderful to have our students hear your story and learn how you took an idea from a school assignment, and with a strong vision and resolve, transformed it into a published book! Fortune Cookie Surprise truly captures the energy and enthusiasm of its creator” - Principal Mary Grandville
Book Events
On October 20, 2018 Jackie spoke to over 40 middle school students that are part of the outreach program, Saturdays at Sacred Heart (SASH). These children represent 28 public schools from Fairfield and Westchester counties. Jackie read and discussed Fortune Cookie Surprise! and conducted a raffle for her books!
Book Events
On November 10th, Jackie enjoyed spending the afternoon at Rye Ridge Shopping Center signing her book Fortune Cookie Surprise! Extra special thanks to Win Ridge Realty for hosting and coordinating. A special thank you to Dusty Rose women’s fashion clothing store, Learning Express Toys, and Totally Hott Salon. Excited to now have Learning Express Toys carry her book in their store! Thank you to Portal Magazine for stopping by and featuring an article in their Winter Issue. Jackie sold over 15 copies of Fortune Cookie Surprise, despite the brisk temperature including first snowflakes of the season!
Book Events
On December 5th, 2018 Jackie was part of a panel of authors speaking about the self-publishing process. She shared her experiences in the writing, illustrating and publishing process and at the same time gained some new ideas from fellow authors and self-publishers.
Interview with the International Literacy Association - The International Literacy Association (ILA) is a global advocacy and membership organization. Its mission is to empower educators, inspire students, and encourage leaders to make literacy accessible for all. The organization is made up of over 300,000 educators and researchers across 86 countries. They publish Literacy Daily a blog that posts on ILA news and recently interviewed Jackie for their “5 Questions With…” series. Notable authors including Megan McDonald (Judy Moody) and Tanya Lee Stone (Girl Rising) have been questioned in the past, so it was a real honor for Jackie to be included in their company.
In the News
On February 20-22nd 2019, Jackie sold copies of her book at the Sacred Heart - Greenwich Book Fair in Greenwich, CT.
Book Events
On March 1, 2019 Jackie visited with Harrison Girl Scout Troop 2464 and discussed her story.
Book Events
Silver Hill Hospital is a top psychiatric hospital for adults and adolescents located in New Canaan, CT. I was fortunate to be able to share my story and sign over 50 books for patients on March 21st and 24th and also participate in origami fortune cookie making! Thank you to Anne Romano, Director of Library Services, and volunteers Tracy Nguy, Jacqueline Sweeney, and Lisa Conlin. I could not have felt more welcome.
Book Events
In the News
On June 1st, Jackie will be featured in Booked Parties’ “Mini Movers and Shakers Showcase” featuring Westchester County’s Young Entrepreneurs. The event will allow visitors to learn about new and emerging businesses and how they got started.
On display at local bookstores in Westchester and Connecticut!
