Usborne’s activity books have simple step-by-step instructions, enabling young readers to produce delightful results quickly and easily. Children (and parents) find these books very attractive because of the gorgeous graphics and photographs. Most importantly, the books are FUN and help parents get kids involved in activities away from the television.

A great example is the What Shall I Do series. What Shall I Cook? is specially designed to be quick and easy, using simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. Stunning photographs of the tasty results will entice any young cook (ages 7 and up) into the kitchen.

Sunshine toast

Note: this recipe involves use of a microwave and oven. Please do not let children cook without adult supervision.

You will need:

1. 1 slice of bread
2. Melted butter
3. 1 medium egg
4. Large cookie cutter
5. Cookie sheet
6. Aluminum foil or a non-stick silicone baking mat

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. If you are using aluminum foil on your cookie sheet, spray the surface with a non-stick cooking spray or grease well with butter. If you are using a silicone baking mat there is no need to grease the surface.
3. Use your microwave to melt some butter. Make sure to use a microwave safe bowl.
4. Brush the melted butter on one side of the bread with a pastry brush. Then take the cookie cutter and press it hard into the middle of the slice of bread. Wiggle it back and forth slightly while pressing to make sure you’re cutting through the bread.
5. Carefully lift out the shape you have cut out. Lay both pieces of bread on the tray with the butter side up.
6. Break the egg into a saucer and remove any pieces of shell. Carefully slide the egg into the hole you have cut.
7. Bake for seven minutes on the top rack of the oven, or for a little longer (about 10 minutes) if you don’t like a runny yolk.
8. Lift the pieces of bread carefully off the tray. Season with salt and pepper. Eat it while it’s still warm. Use the toast shape to dip in the egg yolk.

Variation: If you like cheese with your egg, sprinkle grated cheese on your egg before placing in the oven.

Other books in the What Shall I Do series (all books are for kids ages 5-12):

• Big Book of Things to Do – this title combines activities from all the books in the series
• What Shall I Be? – This title features exciting dressing-up ideas. The book is illustrated with stunning photographs and step-by-step instructions and are very simple to create using everyday clothes and face paints.
• What Shall I Do Today? – This exciting book is bursting with imaginative answers to the familiar question, “What shall I do today?” Each activity uses quick and easy techniques specially designed for a short attention span.
• What Shall I Draw? – Step-by-step instructions show simply and clearly how to construct the pictures from basic shapes and there are inspiring suggestions for adding to and changing the drawings. The end results are sure to boost any child’s confidence.
• What Shall I Grow? – Easy step-by-step instructions and bright photographs will instantly encourage budding gardeners to try out their green-thumbs.
• What Shall I Make? – This exciting book is packed full of bright ideas which have been specially designed for a short attention span and little fingers. Each idea uses very quick and easy techniques and everyday things that you’ll find around the house. The end results will surprise and delight any young artist.
• What Shall I Paint? – This book is bursting with ideas for pictures to paint, such as a line of colorful trucks, a family of penguins or a dragon in a haunted wood. Clear and simple step-by-step instructions show how to create each picture using simple painting techniques and there are lots of ideas for adding to and changing the pictures.

Finally check out Usborne’s activity books.

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