This Cookie Will 

Make Your Kid Smarter

Not because of the recipe.

Because while kids bake, they practice focus, patience, sequencing, problem-solving, resilience, and confidence.

The skills children need later in life are built much earlier than most people realize.

After 20 years in consulting, I saw firsthand how many smart adults struggled with things like prioritization, persistence, emotional regulation, and independent problem-solving.

Those skills don’t suddenly appear in adulthood.

They’re built through small everyday experiences starting in childhood.

And now, with constant distraction, instant gratification, smartphones, and AI doing more of the thinking for us, building those skills early matters more than ever.

That’s why I created the Allegra Bakes series.

To help kids build executive function skills through baking, storytelling, creativity, and play.

The cookie is just the beginning.

School & Community Events

Interactive children’s programming designed to help young kids build executive function skills through baking, storytelling, creativity, and play.

Created by Melissa Curmi, author of Allegra Bakes a Cookie, former Managing Director at a global consulting firm and finalist on the current season of The Great American Baking Show.


Official book launch of Allegra Bakes a Cookie at McNally Jackson


An exclusive Allegra Bakes a Cookie reading event at Space Club Dumbo for members


Designed for Ages 3-7

Each event combines storytelling, movement, sequencing, collaboration, and hands-on participation in a format that feels playful and engaging for children while reinforcing foundational executive function skills through:

  • Planning

  • Sequencing

  • Focus

  • Patience

  • Problem-solving

  • Collaboration

  • Resilience

Ideal for

  • Schools & Preschools

  • Montesorri Programs

  • Libraries

  • Family Clubs

  • Luxury Residential Buildings

  • Bookstores

  • Community Spaces

  • Parent Events

  • Museum Family Programming

Event Format

Interactive Book Reading

A live reading of Allegra Bakes a cookie, an illustrated children’s book centered around baking, creativity, and learning through everyday experiences.

“Build a Cookie” Sequencing Activity

Children work together to organize the steps of baking chocolate chip cookies in the correct order using oversized visual cards and group participation.

Optional Workbook Activities

Schools and organizations may also include activities from the Allegra Bakes & Thinks workbook, designed to reinforce executive function concepts through puzzles, drawing, sequencing, and creative play.

Book signing and fireside chat.

Booking Information

Schools and organizations simply purchase the children’s book (Allegra Bakes a Cookie) or workbook (Allegra Bakes & Thinks) for participating children.

Events can be customized based on age range, group size, and format.

Available for programming throughout the New York Tri State area.

About Melissa

After a 20-year career in consulting in New York, most recently as a Managing Director, Melissa Curmi expanded the Allegra Bakes series to help young children develop executive function skills through baking, creativity, and storytelling.

Melissa recently appeared as a finalist on the current season of The Great American Baking Show.

Bring Allegra Bakes to Your Community

To inquire about programming availability, partnerships, or private events, complete the form or contact:

melissa@whatshouldwebake.com

The Books


The Allegra Bakes Series

Children’s books + activities designed to help kids build executive function skills through baking, creativity, and play.

Recently launched at McNally Jackson Seaport and featured at SPACE Club in DUMBO.

Yes, there are recipes involved.

Yes, your kitchen will get messier.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTION

LET THEM FAIL

READ MORE