12 OCTOBER 2025 By Sherry Sklar Books & Cooks might sound like exactly what it is: a class that blends reading and hands-on cooking to help kids nurture a love for both. With the release of her debut children’s book, “Mr. Cook’s Books,” founder Jenna Harden drew on those class experiences to weave a rhyming tale that shows how creativity fuels imagination. Harden began Books & Cooks in 2017 after noticing that her three children, now in middle and high school, had no elective options that focused on the essential life skills she had learned in home ec classes. When she noticed an unused kitchen at Prince of Peace Preschool, where her youngest was enrolled, she asked the director if she could teach a cooking class. To her delight, the answer was yes. That fall, she taught one class with six students. Interest grew and word spread. “The program was in such high demand that the next semester had two classes, which then expanded to three, and eventually the kids aged out of the school,” she said. “Parents would tell me, ‘We love your program. We want it at our school.’ Now, I’m at eight schools and teach 15 classes, all of which are in Arcadia.” Her background as a caterer and teacher helped shape the curriculum, while her love of reading – something she shared with her children – guided her book choices. The program also gave her the flexibility to balance family life. “I worked in Los Angeles before my kids were born, which is a very fast-paced field. I loved it, but I knew it would take away my nights and weekends,” she said. “The most important thing is family and sitting around the dinner table. We still do it now, even though the kids are older.” Harden noticed that storytelling and cooking brought people together in natural ways. Books guide the menu at the classes: “When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree” inspired homemade lemonade, “Grumpy Monkey” led to cinnamon-sugar monkey bread, and Frank Asch’s classic “Popcorn” became a popcorn-making session with toppings of every variety. “My students love watching the air popper machine as we explore various sweet and savory flavors,” she said. Her new book brings that same spirit to the page. “Mr. Cook’s Books” follows the story of a school café cook whose nose is always buried in a book. His reading habits unleash chaos in the kitchen as he whips up bug fritters and frog-shaped burgers straight from the pages of his imagination. Eventually, admin steps in to restore order, teaching him to balance his love of stories with the responsibilities of his job. The book reflects the lessons that Harden hopes to instill in her students: that learning can be messy, joyful, and always worth sharing. Managing all aspects of publishing, Harden discovered just how complicated it can be. Researching the printer, publisher, graphic designer and illustrator was no small task. She researched children’s book illustrators by visiting Instagram groups and selected her artist after whittling down her pool to a handful of candidates. Lou Derkalikova, the illustrator, lives in a small Slovakian village. Although they are continents apart, they have managed to build a productive working relationship. Harden shared the narrative and feedback with Lou using Google Translate, and both lobbed numerous emails to complete the book. Whimsical artwork complements the story, bringing Mr. Cook’s antics to life. Harden hints that although there may be more stories to tell here, the focus remains on her classroom. She credits her students for igniting her journey. “I would like to bring this joy to everybody,” she shared. “Those families are our community, and I am grateful to everyone who has supported me. They’re my biggest fans.” booksandcooksclasses.com Mr. Cook’s Books: Valley mom serves up stories and skills PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNA HARDEN Harden’s favorite critics with Mr. Cook’s Books, which will launch at a celebration on November 8 at Pitch Pizzeria. GRAND OPENING Phase 2 Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of Arcadia’s Premier New Community. ENTERTAINMENT LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS RAFFLE GIVEAWAY Saturday, November 22, 2025 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 4220 N 32nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85018 Tour Our New Luxury Model Homes and Enjoy A Festive Morning! Interest rates are introductory and subject to change. Contact our sales team for current rates. * You’re Invited! You’re Invited! Let Us Know You’re Coming! 3.25% Exclusive Interest Rates *

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