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Butter and sugar are transformed into book cookies to celebrate the release of a brilliant new book.
My mom has tried to explain to me for years how quickly time passes as you get older. And with the exception of sitting in the lobby of the doctor’s office or standing four deep in line at a deli counter, she’s right. I feel I’m always in need of another hour or two of sleep or wishing I could stretch the day to tick another item off my list. And it seems as if I’ve blinked and those little moon-faced babies of mine are well on their way to getting smart mouths and body odor. But while time has sharpened their features and lengthened their limbs and I occasionally get nostalgic flipping through old photos, at least I know my boys have time on their side. This is not the case in the debut novel “Counting Thyme“, written by my friend Melanie Conklin.
“Counting Thyme” is the story of Thyme, a middle-school student and older sister to Val, a little boy recently diagnosed with cancer. Thyme’s family is uprooted and forced to move from California to New York so her brother can participate in a drug trial. But instead of focusing on Val’s story, the novel is told from Thyme’s perspective and demonstrates how the disease effects the whole family, not just the sick child. It’s both the story of Thyme, the girl, facing tumultuous changes at a tender age and time, and how we carefully measure it when we’re afraid there’s never enough.
Our local bookstore Words celebrated the release of Melanie’s book last week with a book reading/signing and a special bake sale benefiting Cookies for Kids Cancer. This is a fantastic organization that supports bake sales throughout the country benefiting pediatric cancer research and Melanie has partnered with them to host bake sales at each of her signings. My son’s school was the proud sponsor of this bake sale and he and many of his fellow 5th grade classmates eagerly sold the cookies and confections donated by family and friends. My contribution to the sale was iced, buttery sugar cookies decorated as books using my go-to recipe found here. The event was a great success with funds being donated to a very worthy cause as well as an opportunity for the kids to see the value of hard work and philanthropy.
Speaking of hard work, can I just say that I am in awe of Melanie and of so many authors after seeing what goes into creating a book. It takes putting yourself out there, being open to and accepting of criticism over and over again. You have to stand strong in the face of rejection, write and rewrite words that have become so precious throughout the process. I’m beyond impressed with the dedication and yes, the time it takes to produce and promote a book. Congratulations to Melanie on the launch of her first (though certainly not least) novel. I hope you’ll check it out and maybe swing by one of her events and buy a cookie. It will be well worth your time.
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Vivian | stayaliveandcooking says
Wow, these are so pretty! Love the creativity. (And butter & sugar: YES PLEASE!)
Cathy says
Thanks Vivian – you’re so kind! And yes, yes, yes to butter and sugar!!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Wow Cathy, these cookies are absolutely gorgeous! And for such a wonderful cause! I wish I had half your talent in the cookie decorating department. So glad to hear the bake sale was a success, and congrats to Melanie too!
Cathy says
Thank you Mary Ann! I have to put a decorated cookie on here from time to time, just to keep those piping skills in check. It was so great to watch the kids hustle at the bake sale…a bunch of future entrepreneurs for sure!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Beautiful cookies for a beautiful cause! Seriously, these cookies are perfect, Cathy! The look exactly like a book! So creative, girlfriend! I am adding “Counting Thyme“ to my list of must reads, because it sounds like a great book with a touching story. Cheers, friend!
Cathy says
Thanks Cheyanne! I have so much fun decorating cookies now that I don’t have to do it everyday. And you’re right, great cause, great read!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
Oh my goodness…these cookies are adorable! I completely know what you mean, though….the older you get, the faster time flies. There’s never enough time in the run of a day, never. I’ll have to check out this book 🙂 Thanks for recommending and for the delicious cookies!
Cathy says
Thanks Dawn! Truly never enough time. Thanks for stopping by!
rebecca | DisplacedHousewife says
Wow, my lady…you have some mad cooking decorating skills! Love your words here as well. Beautiful. xo
rebecca | DisplacedHousewife says
I meant cookie 😉
Cathy says
Thanks Rebecca! It’s more fun to decorate now when it’s for fun and not business. Gotta make those bins of cookie cutters earn their keep.