Cookie Format: Hardback

Cookie is a heart-warming story about the love between a pet and their person. It is also a sensitive exploration of childhood depression and anxiety, and the importance of empathy. With beautiful words and playful illustrations, it provides a gentle starting point for big conversations.

19-year-old author Isabelle Duff was inspired to write Cookie by her personal experiences with acute depressive disorder and anxiety, and by her wonderful dog, Saffy, who has been an invaluable support to her. The result is a valuable resource for reducing stigmatism around mental illness, and a tribute to the loved ones who are able to get you out of bed when nothing else can. Anyone who picks up Cookie will find themselves learning something from this mischievous pup and his Girl.

It is for children who have experienced depression and anxiety just like Girl. It is for kids who dont understand why someone close to them is so sad. It is for child psychologists who need to talk to young people about mental illness. And, of course, it is for dog-lovers everywhere.

Isabelle Duff is a farmer, author, and soon-to-be student at the UNSW, where she will study Advanced Science / Commerce. Cookie is her first book, written when she was just 19 years old. She is passionate about reducing stigmatism about mental illness.

Susannah Crispe is a Canberra-based illustrator inspired by a background in zoology and art history. She has been illustrating professionally for four years, producing a large selection of greeting cards, logo designs and wildlife artworks.