Mama’s Day Surprise!

The Berenstain Bears and the Mama's Day Surprise (First Time Books) The Berenstain Bears and the Mama’s Day Surprise by Stan & Jan Berenstain

I need to start off by saying I have never been a fan of The Berenstain Bears. When I was teaching second grade, the Berenstain Bear section was the area some of my students headed to first. While the books can teach some good lessons, such as not watching too much TV, not eating too much junk food, and not getting the “gimmies,” I never thought of these books as being good literature for children. But I do have to admit they encouraged my reluctant readers to read, and that is a good thing.

Enter children of my own.

For my first Mother’s Day, my husband gave me several books about Mother’s Day, including The Berenstain Bears and the Mama’s Day Surprise. As soon as Lily was old enough, she would take this book off the shelf and ask me to read it. I would protest; she would insist. Once again I would read the story of bumbling Papa Bear and the cubs preparing a breakfast surprise for Mama, that of course is not really a surprise. Mama sees all, makes sure all the supplies are in the kitchen, and pretends to be surprised when Mother’s Day finally dawns. The true surprise at the end of the book is that Papa and the cubs present Mama with a completely clean kitchen.

So why did I share a book with you that I gave a less-than-glowing review?

Well, over time, while not actually liking this book, I can tolerate it. And both the girls love reading it. Every household has a few books that a child loves and the parents dislike.

Plus, it gave me an opportunity to share a fantastic recipe with you! Papa Bear and the cubs made Mama Bear “Honeyed French Toast with Blueberries”. The following recipe comes from Every Day with Rachael Ray. I make it for lunch, not breakfast, and it is one of the girls’ favorite things!

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Sticks

1/2 cup peanut butter
8 slices sandwich bread
1/2 cup jelly (any flavor) (We didn’t have jelly, so we used honey instead. Doesn’t that fit the bear theme better, anyway?)
5 large eggs
1/3 cup milk
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 T. butter
1/2 cup maple syrup

Spread the peanut butter on 4 bread slices and the jelly (honey) on the other 4, and combine to make 4 sandwiches.

In a wide, medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. When the butter is almost melted, dunk two of the sandwiches into the french toast batter and let the excess drip off. Place in the pan and cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 2 sandwiches. Let cool slightly and cut into sticks; serve with maple syrup.

For more Mother’s Day books, visit Janna at The Adventure of Motherhood by clicking on the button below!

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14 Replies to “Mama’s Day Surprise!”

  1. My books of hate were those giant Richard Scarry books. There were about 100 things to talk about on each page….and my kids ADORED those dumb things.The recipe sounds so good!

  2. You are so right! You know which books I hate that my son loves are "Junie B Jones". He thinks they are hysterical but I think they are just bad grammar. Not that my grammar is the best mind you but it's better than hers! :)Also, thanks for the recipe!

  3. My boys love the Berenstain Bears. I guess I've never really paid that close attention to the value of it, but then again, my boys are only 2 and 4.The recipe sounds soooo good!

  4. Thanks for stopping by my blog and recommending My Crayons Talk…I've already requested a hold on it at our library and I'm sure my son will love it!I totally know what it's like to have that book that is less than enjoyable but is requested regularly. The things we do for our kids 🙂

  5. Yeah, Jude has always loved those B Bears. And I guess they do teach good values, etc. so I too tolerate them. I'm hoping for breakfast in bed on Sunday, but considering Jimmy never gets up until 9, I doubt it! Actors!

  6. lol – My initial thought was "oh, I hate Berenstain Bears" and almost didn't read your post. 🙂 Glad I did… that looks like one yummy (or should I say 'yum-o') recipe!

  7. I remember I used to LOVE "The Wreck that was Hesperus," and I don't think either Mom or Dad loved to read it to me. . . but of course they did it anyway!

  8. I always loved the B Bears. I haven't found any books that I can't stand reading to my son. The only thing is that he wants to read the same 2 every night night no matter how hard i try to introduce new one. Happy Saturday Sharefest.

  9. Great post! I just enjoy your take on things and that recipe oh my! It sounds delish!I collecte B&B books but now as an adult I don't really care for them either. 30+ of the same characters get a little redundant. They are great for children learning English as well.

  10. How funny, when I was teaching, I never wanted to read Berenstain Bear books, I still don't care for them. My boys don't have strong feelings about them, so I guess I'm lucky.Loved the recipe. My oldest doesn't like PB, so he had cream cheese in his. So good!

  11. That may just end up being Princess Nagger's favorite recipe once I make it for her…tomorrow! 😉

    Happy Mother's Day! 🙂

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