Make Reading Time Extra Fun For Kids

I love reading children’s books almost as much as my kids do, so I decided to try out a couple of recipes for them that seem to jump right from the pages of their favourite stories. My kids love these snacks, and like to eat them whether we are reading or not. These little recipes also provide a good activity that brings the family together and allows us to spend a little more quality time doing something fun. Try making some of these with your child!

 Edible Spiders from The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly

Just in case you swallowed a fly, you might want to try swallowing a spider!

You will need:

• Peanut Butter
• Ritz Crackers
• Pretzel Sticks
• Raisins

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter on one side of a Ritz Cracker. Put a Ritz Cracker on top of that, so that the peanut butter is in-between the crackers.
2. Take stick pretzels and stick them into the peanut butter—in-between the crackers. These are the spider's legs.
3. Using peanut butter as “glue,” put two raisins on the top of the cracker for the spider’s eyes.

 Sweet Apple Cider from The Giving Tree

Make some apple cider as sweet as the giving tree itself!

You will need:

• 3 Red Delicious Apples
• 1 Granny Smith Apple
• 1 Blender/Food Processor
• Coffee Filters
• Clean Jars

Instructions:

1. Cut the stems off of the apples, along with any bruised or unsavoury parts.
2. Cut the apples into manageable pieces—at least quarters.
3. Put the apples into the blender/food processor and puree.
4. Filter the juice into the clean jars using the coffee filters.
5. Keep the jars refrigerated, under 40 degrees Fahrenheit, for 2 weeks.

 Fruit Caterpillars from The Very Hungry Caterpillar

You don’t have to eat as much as the very hungry caterpillar did just to enjoy a good meal. Try this healthy approach.

You will need:

• 1 Lettuce Leaf
• 1 Banana
• 1/2 Red Pear, cut into thin slices
• Raisins
• Pretzel Sticks

Instructions:

1. Lay the lettuce down on a salad plate.
2. Cut little v-shaped slices out of the banana, about every inch or so.
3. Fit the thin slices of pear into the v-cuts.
4. Break the pretzel sticks in half and press them into the banana for legs.
5. Use raisins for the eyes.

There are always ways to mix it up and add your own flair to these snacks. Experiment a little bit and make these recipes your own, or the next time you're reading a children's book, come up with your own creative ideas!

Click here for some of the children's books that we love reading!