Mouse Cookies & More

Whenever I see a collection of stories by a favorite author, it almost always ends up on my shelf. It's great having all of the favorites together and I love it when they include information about the author and illustrator. Emmy recently discovered my collection of Laura Numeroff stories titled Mouse Cookies & More A Treasury and it is now an absolute favorite. The book comes with a wonderful CD that includes the first four stories in the series and some great songs. Emmy asks for this CD to be played every time we get into the car and with my mom recently visiting, Emmy was able to follow along with the stories and songs in the book as her Yaya turned the pages.

As you read through the collection you learn little known facts about the author, Laura Numeroff and the illustrator, Felicia Bond. Laura began writing stories and drawing pictures to go with them when she was nine years old and the little girl in the story If You Give a Pig a Pancake is Felicia Bond who wished she had a pet pig. Emmy loves pancakes for breakfast, lunch or dinner so she really enjoys the story If You Give a Pig a Pancake. Her favorite page is when the pig gets all sticky and wants to take a bath. Emmy is particular about her pancake. It must be cut into triangles with syrup on the side for dipping. Another fun fact is that Mouse has quite a few pairs of boxer shorts - polka dots, candy cane and plaid!

Also included in this treasury are recipes and activities. Emmy wants to try the recipe for a Pancake Party Bowl with Berries and Cream. It sounds delicious! Maybe you will want to give it a try as well....

*1 cup flour

*1 tablespoon sugar

*1 1/4 cups milk

*2 eggs

*1/4 teaspoon salt

* 4 cups mixed fresh fruit (or two 12-ounce bags mixed frozen fruit, defrosted)

*1/4 cup sugar

*1 tablespoon melted butter

*3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar

*whipped cream

1) Thoroughly butter a 9-inch pie plate.

2) Combine the flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, milk, eggs, and salt ina bowl and whisk until bubbly, about one minute. Pour the batter into the pie plate. Bake in a 375 degree oven until the edges rise and the center is still soft.

3) While the pancake is cooking,

toss the fruit and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. When the pancake is finished, remove from the oven. Fill with the fruit. Sift confectioner's sugar over the top. Serve immediately with whipped cream.

Emmy would also like to make sock puppets which is the suggested activity after the story If You Give a Moose a Muffin. Emmy just laughs at Moose as he attempts to put on a puppet show from behind the couch, but his antlers stick out!

Emmy and I hope that you come across this collection as well. It is a wonderful treasury with well thought out songs and activities to go with the stories. Visit Laura Numeroff's website to learn more about her and her books.