Sugar High

So the term "sugar high" is not really something most parents advocate; it implies kids bouncing off the walls and multiple dental visits (although there's really no scientific evidence for the former). But Toad begs of you to make an exception for this cookbook.

First off, teaching kids the proper way around a kitchen is a great thing, a skill they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives (you're teaching them to feed themselves, after all). And what better way to pique interest than with dessert? Children are little sugar cravers, and a bit now and then, for the purpose of kitchen knowledge, is permitted. This cookbook is amazing, chock full of really yummy recipes that kids will want to make and parents won't mind eating, either. The recipe for the New York, New York Crumbcake alone is reason enough to gift this book to a deserving child (this cake will blow your diet and blood sugar sky high, but it's soooo worth it).

Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey Desserts for Kids really does deliver for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get ready to watch the flour fly and your waistband expand. Find it at www.chroniclebooks.com. And keep the goo flowing.

Thinking Out of The Box

Parents are desperate. There, I've said it. They are desperate for stuff to occupy their children so that they might have a somewhat civilized lunch or dinner out, or converse with a non-child owning friend.

The problem is, of course, that parents end up toting the world around with them in order to care for and entertain their kinder. This might be good for the super-sized tote companies, but it's bad for backs and convenience. Why not think outside the box? Like this Matchbox Theater by Leafcutter Designs. Each Matchbox Theater comes complete with tiny puppets fashioned from non-operational matches, an explanation of the characters, and a script. It's ideal if you have older children, who can direct as the younger kids demonstrate their puppet chops.

There are many rather intellectual and quirky productions to choose from, or you can design your own. Order one today at www.leafcutterdesigns.com, and carry an entire theater in your pocket.