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25.01.2022 Always was, always will be. To celebrate this year’s NAIDOC Week, and the oldest continuous living culture on earth, our latest issue explores the ancient practice of cultural burning and its importance today. Our pre-teen reporters were lucky enough to interview Jessica Wegener King Mayi a director of the National Indigenous Fire Network and busy agent of change and to learn from her what happens when cool or good fire is added to the landscape.... This week especially, we pay deep respect to all First Nations people as the traditional custodians of this land that we love and are so grateful to live, work and learn on.

25.01.2022 Clap your hands and stamp your feet for the winners of this year's Poetry Object competition, whose writing caught the judges' attention among more than 2,000 entries! With special congratulations to the first-placed, highly commended and shortlisted primary student poets. Be sure to visit the Red Room Poetry website to discover all the vivid, moving and inspired poems that gained a place, and hear the winners read their work aloud in the online announcement ceremony (a real ...treat). Kookie is so proud to support this exciting creative writing initiative. . . https://redroomcompany.org/projects/poetry-object

24.01.2022 It’s the Persian New Year this weekend, and we’re marking it with another sneak peek at issue 14 (out next week). 'Irdabama's seal' by Ayesha Uddin is a gripping tale based on a real person from Ancient Persia: the formidable Irdabama, a wealthy merchant who lived 2,500 years ago. When her precious seal is stolen, twins Freni and Chamru leap into action to recover it. Lushly illustrated by Inbal Leitner, this new story shares a glimpse of a place and period in history when w...omen were highly regarded, enjoying power, influence and economic opportunity. Happy Nowruz!

24.01.2022 Don’t miss this! Illustrator Danni Belegris is sharing FREE ‘Drawing with Danni’ Instagram tutorials for primary-aged kids over the next six weeks, with families across Victoria especially in mind. Join in from 3 pm AEST every weekday, starting today (or catch up later). Visit @dannib_illustration over on Insta for more details. Danni's illustrations for our ever-popular embarrassing moments section in Kookie crackle with life and humour (think painfully public mishaps, untimely farts all the usual cringes). Here are some favourites. So you can see, it's sure to be fun drawing with Danni.

24.01.2022 ‘I feel something peculiar. The slight loosening of my shoe, my foot being given the opportunity to breath. I glance down and my stomach falls away. The laces have been undone. I stare at Mirren’s smirk, hear the gunshot and freeze in shock as every runner except me sets off.’ Who doesn’t have a school sports day drama that still stings? ‘Race to the finish’ describes a reckoning on the running track, inside the latest issue of Kookie. Author Elle McNicoll's tale of unexpecte...d triumph lushly illustrated by ViolaWang was written especially for Kookie readers. If you hurry, there’s still time to subscribe from issue 11 and catch this gently upbeat short story. Our talented contributors have recently published debut books. Be sure to check out Elle’s novel ‘A Kind of Spark’ and Viola’s picture book ‘Rabbit Bright’ (more on both linked below). . . www.kookiemagazine.com.au/store/ . https://autisticandunapologetic.com//a-kind-of-spark-revi/ . https://readitdaddy.blogspot.com//rabbit-bright-by-viola-w

23.01.2022 And we’re off. Our latest, greatest issue is making its way to subscribers, with friends Belene and Sasha gracing the new cover. Open up issue 14 and you’ll find champion pavement artist Jenny McCracken interviewed by Anjuli (one of Kookie’s cheekiest readers). Plus two special stories. ’Every word is a mess’, a comic about living and thriving with dyslexia by Patricia Eckerle. And ‘Irdabama’s seal’, a gripping tale set in Ancient Persia by Ayesha Uddin, illustrated by Inba...l Leitner. Then there’s ‘Get bizzy!’ by Kristin Wishart (Wishart Creative), an exciting feature on starting your own business that’s packed with practical advice. ‘Give it a go’ is all about the brilliant sport of breaking, with tips from bgirl Baby V (We Are The Lavers). ‘Hero of history’ introduces readers to mathematical genius Shakuntala Devi, in a graphic life story by Madeleine Karutz Illustration. ‘Rad kids’ features Imani The Author, a writer and booklover on a mission. ‘The web’ explores the truly captivating world of fungi. Our new debate topic asks, ‘Does texting hurt or help communication?’ (with opinion divided). There are more much-loved embarrassing moments with Danielle Belegris and a bright new poster from Holly Thomas. Also a recipe, new craft, another fun quiz, fresh problems answered by Cathy, book reviews by Kookie readers, beloved pet pals and, YES, even more! Head to the Kookie website now to subscribe and receive hours of screen-free, ad-free, pre-teen entertainment. With thanks to ViolaWang and Amanda De Simone for another striking cover. And to those behind the scenes who helped to create this issue for you, including Amy Potter and Ella Poolman. . . www.kookiemagazine.com.au/store

22.01.2022 Seeing Kookie in the hands of happy readers is the best. Every issue is a labour of love, and it couldn’t be more thrilling to hear from those who get why we do it Introducing Imani (14), an author and agent for change featured in our latest issue, with their fabulous take on the magazine. Repost Imani The Author... Look what arrived today! * Here's 5 things I love about Kookie magazine: * 1: the cover has two awesome kids, being awesomely themselves. Not coated in makeup, not plucked, waxed and Photoshopped to unatainabe perfection, not forced to pose seductively... just Being perfectly real!! * 2: No ads means no manipulation, it's a break from the constant bombardment of being told what products we're expected to waste our money on to change the way we look or to make us more popular or cooler. * 3: The embarassing moments section is super cute and wholesome. A gorgeous reminder that we ALL have awkward moments. * 4: they share great advice for real life issues, taking the focus away from appearance and shifting it to things like goal setting, starting a business, dealing with tricky situations etc. These are the things that can help girls into adulthood too. * 5: stories about inspirational and diverse women are shared, empowering girls. * Great mag! * Image description, the first image is me, holding two copies of the magazine by my face. I have a funny look on my face because my mum was making me laugh. My hair is green and face is pale. The second image is an off centre picture of the page that I'm featured on, along with two amazing girls, doing awesome things. . . Thanks so much Imani! X . http://www.imanitheauthor.com

21.01.2022 GALACTIC GIVEAWAY! Our friends at Talu Tales are giving away a copy of their new book to the Kookie crew. Lucky you. Tag a friend below, follow Talu Tales, and email your name and address to Kookie for the chance to score this beautifully illustrated hardback AND a sticker pack. [email protected]... ‘Diary of an Astronaut’ came to life when creators Annabel Blake and Deborah Ho learnt that very few best-selling children’s books feature female leads (less than a fifth). Their fun and colourful friendship story introduces kids aged 3+ to an astronaut named Luna, as well as all the planets in our solar system (yes, and Pluto too). Just like Kookie, ‘Diary of an Astronaut’ was launched via a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign. Let’s give it up for all the independents who publish with passion for purpose.

20.01.2022 Come behind the scenes and meet our new cover girls, Asal and La’keisha. Kookie covers feature actual readers, and Asal and La’keisha get to enjoy the magazine in their school library. The girls contained their excitement and stayed still just long enough to capture a super shot for the next cover, to be revealed soon. Yep, issue 12 is due for release mid-September. Oh and three cheers for school libraries! ... . . www.kookiemagazine.com.au See more

20.01.2022 Hey! Here's Asal and La’keisha, welcoming you all to Kookie issue 12. Inside, our pre-teen reporters explore ancient ways of managing fire and the importance of cultural burning today in their interview with Jessica Wegener from the National Indigenous Fire Network. ‘Mirrors’, a manga comic by Queenie Chan, is set in a magical kingdom, far, far away, where citizens must undergo a coming-of-age trial when they turn 12.... Short story ‘Rain’ is about a brave escape based on real events by author Michelle Aung Thin, illustrated by Lylet Soliven. There’s a feature on how to be YOU and grow up fearless. Readers debate whether parents really know best. Discover orienteering in ‘Give it a go’. And meet our latest ‘Rad girls’ all cool, creative makers. We look at how a plant-based diet is good for the planet, with top tips from Sustainable Table. And get to know freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, who helped so many escape slavery, in a graphic life story by Madeleine Karutz Illustration. Discover your inner animal in our new quiz. Cringe over some truly embarrassing moments. Learn how to make macrame plant holders. Pull out and hang up the new poster, ‘Hello sunshine’, by Lemon Chicken Por Favor. Plus pets, riddles, advice from Cathy and even more. Issue 12 is flying through the post to smart cookie subscribers everywhere. To be part of the Kookie crew, head to our store and check out some great new subscription options. Join us for hours of enriching, unplugged fun. . . www.kookiemagazine.com.au/store/

17.01.2022 It’s spring! A small selection of fun and fabulous artwork by Kookie readers to celebrate this loveliest change of seasons. With thanks to Olivia (11), Kate (11), Madison (9) and Millie (9) for their entries to our quarterly ‘Showcase’. Kids’ art is the best. . .... www.kookiemagazine.com.au See more

16.01.2022 LOCKDOWN GIVEAWAY! Do you know a pre-teen back in lockdown in Melbourne or Mitchell Shire who might need some screen-free, ad-free, uplifting entertainment? Let’s share the fun. Ask them to email their name and postal address, plus your name, to [email protected] before 8 pm tomorrow (Monday 20 July), and we’ll send a complimentary girl-powered Kookie back issue. . .... Offer open while stocks last. Thanks to Madeleine for her awesome artwork, featured in Kookie issue 5. . https://kookiemagazine.com.au See more

14.01.2022 New Kookie crew coming through! Our magazine is about giving pre-teen girls a rounded and optimistic sense of who they are and what they could become. How? By avoiding narrow stereotypes, reflecting and respecting girls with all kinds of interests, backgrounds and strengths. We love welcoming new tween-agers to Kookie, and can’t wait to see where our readers go and what our readers do after they venture off into their teens. They’ll always be Kookie crew, with the whole Kooki...e community backing them all the way. . . Big thanks to Richard Hedger for sharing this photo of his smart cookie. . www.kookiemagazine.com.au See more

14.01.2022 True or false? Kookie is delivered to pre-teen readers in Alice Springs, Auckland, Bondi Beach, Bordertown, Broome, Chifley, Cootamundra, Cottesloe, Glenelg, Hobart, Hong Kong, Indooroopilly, Murwillumbah, Singapore, St Kilda, Tauranga, Tennant Creek, Townsville, Warrnambool and Wellington (to name a few). All true. We’re so stoked that our growing community includes smart cookies in every state and territory around Australia (in the bush, the inner city and everywhere in-bet...ween), plus lots of places across the ditch in Aotearoa and even around the world. Hello everyone! Waiting for the first Kookie reader to become an astronaut and take our girl-powered magazine even further afield. Just a matter of time. . . www.kookiemagazine.com.au

13.01.2022 We’re with the tree huggers on Schools Tree Day (31 July) and National Tree Day (2 August). If you can’t plant a tree this weekend, you can still celebrate the hope that these special days represent by finding ways to connect with nature -- and then sharing a photo using #hugatreeforntd. Be sure to visit National Tree Day for more Tree Day activity ideas. . .... This peaceful, tree-filled picture by Suzie Mason illustrates ‘The park’, an uplifting short story about grief and healing written by Gumbootspearlz - June Perkins for Kookie issue 8. See more

13.01.2022 GIVEAWAY! Sydneysiders, we have a treat for you. Rising Stars Basketball is holding its first-ever camp exclusively for girls next week, on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 April. Coach Al has been inspiring kids with his passion for basketball for 10+ years. At this school holiday camp he will help participants hone their skills or just start learning how to play the game in an environment that’s fun and challenging for all.... SHARE this post and TAG a friend, and you will BOTH be in with a chance to attend the camp for 1 day for FREE. Winners will be picked randomly on Saturday night (10 April). Go on, give it a shot. And good luck! . . www.risingstarsbasketball.com.au

13.01.2022 Big congratulations to Emma Reynolds Illustration, whose first picture book, ‘Rescuing Mrs Birdley’ by NYT-bestselling author Aaron Reynolds, has just been published. This rising star created the gorgeous illustrations for ‘Perfect Prue’, a short story by Dimity Powell Author featured in Kookie issue 6. Emma is also the founder of KidLit4Climate, a campaign bringing together thousands of children’s illustrators and authors in solidarity with youth climate activists (be sure t...o follow the campaign on Instagram). Hop over to Emma’s page to discover more about her and her gem of a book. ‘Rescuing Mrs Birdley’ is out now, and available from Kookie stockists Booktopia and Readings. Go Emma!

10.01.2022 We’re often asked why Kookie is print, not digital. This flashback to our very first issue helps to explain a big reason why. Because pre-teens LOVE to hold a magazine receiving it in the post, filling out quizzes, following how-to instructions, colouring in pictures, reading stories on the page actively immersed in content (without a device in sight). These sweet photos were sent in by parents, who wanted us to see brand-new Kookie readers enjoying our launch issue back... in December 2017. One new reader didn’t even stop when the power went out in her street at the end of the day. Yes, the pictures still give us so much pleasure! #weloveprint . . PS, receiving Kookie in the post addressed to yourself is half the fun. New subscribers, be sure to include your pre-teen reader’s name in the shipping details. www.kookiemagazine.com.au

07.01.2022 Kookie turns three years old at the end of the year. This lovely, generous interview describes the who, how and why it all started. Thank you HoneyKids Asia for sharing our story.

07.01.2022 Meet Te Ana, our first ‘Kookie girl’ from Aotearoa, featured inside the latest issue. Jana, Belle, Shariah, Catelinh and Paige from across Australia are here with her too, all sharing a glimpse into their lives. This regular profile is one of our favourite parts of the magazine, giving Kookie readers around this beautiful big continent and region a sense of what it’s like to walk in another child's shoes building community, understanding and respect.

06.01.2022 Did you know that 70% of all agricultural land in the world is used for raising animals? In our latest ‘Change it’ feature, we look at how moving towards a plant-based diet is good for the planet, with top tips from Sustainable Table. For tasty, kid-friendly plant-based meal ideas, download Sustainable Table’s ‘small but radishing book of meat-free staples’: https://sustainabletable.org.au///Get_your_veg_out-1-1.pdf... Sustainable Table is a not-for-profit working hard to make ethical eating easy.

06.01.2022 ‘Rain’, by Michelle Aung Thin, tells the story of a group of orphan girls who trek over mountains and through jungle to reach safety in India. It’s a beautifully written slice of adventure, revealing actual events that took place in Burma during monsoon season in 1942. Last year, Kookie reader Ella reviewed Michelle’s debut novel ‘Hasina: Through My Eyes’ for issue 8. We all loved the book, and it was a dream come true to commission Michelle to write an original short story f...or our magazine. And now here it is! With lovingly crafted illustrations by Lylet Soliven bringing the words to life on the page. ‘Rain’ is waiting to be discovered inside Kookie issue 12. Be sure to check out ‘Hasina’ too, an exquisitely produced title from Allen & Unwin Books. Happy reading! . . www.kookiemagazine.com.au/store/

06.01.2022 Another exciting shout-out. If any Kookie readers remember Audrey O’Conner’s interview in issue 7, they will be as thrilled as we are to learn that this talented young actor and filmmaker is now starring in a new movie. Congratulations Audrey! ‘Not a Wallflower’ premieres at the Melbourne International Film Festival, which is online this year and streaming Australia-wide from 6-23 August. See you there.... . . For more on the brilliant work done by Bus Stop Films, including the launch of their Inclusive Filmmaking Toolkit, head to www.busstopfilms.com.au See more

05.01.2022 Here. Comes. Issue. 12. Filled to the brim with absorbing, unplugged pre-teen fun. Head to our website and sign up today to start (or renew) your subscription from this brand-new issue. . Print nerds might like to know that our cover is produced on this oddly. Mesmerising. Digital. Printer. Inside pages spring to life on a traditional inky, noisy press. . Cannot wait to share our latest girl-led content with you. ... . . www.kookiemagazine.com.au/store/ See more

05.01.2022 ‘It’s okay to start from wherever you are. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t be shy if you’re interested, ask silly questions until you understand. That’s how you learn.’ Marita Cheng shared this wonderfully encouraging advice with Kookie readers who might want to get into robotics and coding. (But really, it could apply to anything and everyone.) Marita is the engineer, inventor of robots, founder of Robogals and Aubot, advocate for women in technology and all-round ...inspiration we interviewed back in issue 5! To celebrate National Science Week we’ve made Marita’s Q-and-A with pre-teen Kookie reporters Ella and Hiromi available on our blog. Issue 5 recently sold out, but we didn’t want anyone to miss her wise words. Inventor Macinley Butson’s brilliant conversation with Charlotte (pictured) and a really fun kitchen science project are still available on the blog too. Enjoy! Then head to www.scienceweek.net.au for all the online events, virtual tours and stay-at-home science experiences on offer this week. . . kookiemagazine.com.au/blog/

04.01.2022 ‘In a magical kingdom, far, far away, all citizens must undergo a coming-of-age trial when they turn twelve ...’ Queenie Chan’s latest six-page manga takes our young hero through a hall of mirrors. What will she name it? A story of self-discovery and confidence for Kookie readers (inside issue 12). Don’t miss Queenie Chan's free online tutorial, ‘How to draw manga face’, for Kingston Libraries. Available until the end of November! ... https://bit.ly/3nA8DAq

04.01.2022 Our next interview with Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan woman and Firesticks director, Jessica Wegener King Mayi, promises to be a treat. Firesticks, the National Indigenous Fire Network, is busy working to help us all understand cultural burning. That’s the way First Nations have managed fire for thousands of years to keep the land and its people healthy. Jess will be talking with us about this ancient practice and caring for Country. We’re calling for curious questions big and small..., serious and fun, from Kookie readers for Jess. How does cultural burning help to prevent big bushfires? Can anyone do it? Did you help to care for Country when you were a kid? What scares you? Who inspires you? What would you like to change about the world? Email them all to us by 10 am on Tuesday 4 August (along with the reader’s name and age). We can’t wait to hear from you! . . [email protected] For more about Jess, Firesticks and cultural burning, follow the links below. Photo by Vera Hong. https://bit.ly/3f5LkKj https://ab.co/336TwaZ

04.01.2022 Yep, it’s National Tree Day! Who doesn’t love trees? Our friends at Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Australia share tips for promoting healthy forests (and tackling deforestation) with Kookie readers in our latest issue. 1) Make sustainable shopping choices. 2) Plant trees. 3) Create nest boxes. 4) Speak out for trees. 5) Recycle your old phones. There’s more on this and lots about truly tree-mendous trees inside issue 11. But first, today’s the day to #hugatreeforntd. ... . . www.kookiemagazine.com.au See more

03.01.2022 Did someone say, school holidays? Subscribers, your new issue hits the mail next week, landing in your letterbox for the Easter break. Here’s a peek at our latest cover shoot with Amanda De Simone, and great mates Belene and Sasha. Cannot wait to share more! . .... www.kookiemagazine.com.au/store/ See more

02.01.2022 Hey, our website now offers 1, 2 and 3-year subscriptions, providing savings of up to $42.40 and a unique, enriching gift. With no advertising, fashion or make-up, Kookie is all about giving readers aged 7 to 12+ a rounded and optimistic sense of who they are, and what they could become. Featuring actual readers on our covers (like great mates Lola and Saskia here), this is a magazine that respects and includes kids with all kinds of interests, backgrounds and strengths.... A girl-led magazine for smart cookies everywhere. www.kookiemagazine.com.au/store/