When Peter Cottontail’s cousin comes hopping down the bunny trail this Easter he’s sure to leave behind a smorgasbord of sugary treats, much to the delight of your children… and their dentist.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with indulging in a few Easter goodies, parents may want to supplement their kids’ saccharine-laced haul with a couple of holiday treats that won’t cause cavities.
Easter-themed books starring popular children’s literary characters are a wonderful alternative to gigantic jelly beans, colossal chocolate creatures and marshmallow menageries. What’s more, you won’t have to go into debt purchasing these fun-filled page turners that are priced under $10:
There’s nothing quite like watching a family of cats hunt like dogs for a bunch of colored chicken eggs. Still, your kids will have no trouble relating to Mia’s Easter celebration and the conundrum that arises when the youngest cats are let loose to track down a very special bunny.
Like many human families, Mia’s entire extended clan comes together to celebrate the holiday. The highlight of the cat crew’s Easter Eggstravaganza is the hunt which features a huge chocolate bunny as the grand prize. Mia has been waiting an entire year to get her hands on the sweet treat. Only, just as she spots the hidden high-calorie hare, Mia eyes her little cousin Sophie who’s nearly in tears because the older kittens are snatching up all of the eggs. Mia is torn between snagging the prized chocolate bunny and helping Sophie collect at least a few eggs before the hunt ends.
Author Robin Farley does an excellent job painting Mia’s predicament in a way that young readers can contemplate their own solutions before revealing a surprise ending. The enchantingly illustrated picture book not only gets kids thinking, but also offers them a vehicle to channel their creativity with an entire page of stickers that can be used to create an Easter scene all their own.
Marley and the Great Easter Egg Hunt
Who needs Cadbury Creme Eggs and Peeps when you’ve got Marley?
Reading a book featuring the rambunctious dog gets your heart rate up faster than downing a basket full of Easter treats in one sitting.
Marley and the Great Easter Egg Hunt is no exception.
The story starts with Marley’s family frantically chasing after him en route to the town’s annual Easter egg hunt. Once they get there, Marley is determined to help owners Cassie and Baby Louie find a slew of colored eggs, in addition to an extra-large ovum the mayor has hidden.
Marley fails at collecting eggs, but has no trouble tearing up the town in the process. Your kids won’t have time to get bored reading this high-octane book. Pages will fly as your little bookworms follow mischievous Marley as he rips through the grocery store, bakery, and party supply shop during a wild chase that ends with the Lab looking like a decorated Easter egg himself. But, that’s not the only eggstra special Easter surprise author John Grogan has in store for Marley fans.
To find out what happens to Mia the cat and Marley the dog in their vibrantly illustrated holiday reads, head to your local book store or visit HarperCollins’ website.