Are your kids ready for back to school? I've partnered with Disney Book Group to show you an adorable Dinosaur Bento Box inspired by our new favorite book, We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins.
Back to school season can be filled with anticipation and excitement, but it can also cause a little anxiety for some kids. My 6-year-old is absolutely brimming with joy to enter first grade and see all of his friends after the summer break, but my 3-year-old daughter isn't taking this transition quite as well. She's switching preschools and will be joining her big brother at his school and I'm afraid she's a bit nervous.
I've been stocking up on back to school books and letting her watch fun cartoons about going to school and our favorite one so far has been We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. This darling story follows Penelope Rex to her first day of school. To her surprise, all of the students in her class are human! That's quite a conundrum for her since humans are delicious.
This hilarious story goes on to show how Penelope learns a valuable lesson about respecting others and "The Golden Rule."The story is aimed at children ages 3-5 and is perfect for little ones starting preschool or Kindergarten. We Don't Eat Our Classmates is really a super cute story with wonderful illustrations that keep my kids engaged and laughing each time we read it.
Even better is that my 6-year-old is just getting his footing when it comes to reading and he's gotten some great practice reading We Don't Eat Our Classmates to his little sister.
I just love that they both seem to enjoy this book so much. To remind them of the story and the lessons within the book, I decided some cute Dinosaur Bento Boxes were in order for back to school.
Here's how I made our Dinosaur Bento Box
First, you'll need a container to hold your food selections. I love our stainless steel boxes, but you could also use a plastic container and cupcake wrappers to divide your different foods.
For the main dish, I used a dinosaur-shaped cookie cutter that just so happens to look like Penelope! Just whip up your child's favorite sandwiches and cut. My daughter loves turkey and cheese but my son is a peanut butter and hazelnut spread kind of guy. Anything goes here!
I laid our little dinosaur on a bed of lettuce because my daughter gobbles up salad. I added some fresh broccoli that look like miniature trees and some tomatoes for color with some ranch dipping sauce (that she can also use with the lettuce).
To make a dinosaur egg, I simply used a hardboiled egg and used a marker to create to make spots. Her teacher will help her peel the egg and I know she'll love it. I laid the egg on a bed of trail mix as a little nest. Adding some fresh fruit gave this dinosaur bento box a little more color, and I know that helps since we also eat with our eyes.
I also wrote my girl a little note that her teacher will read to her. I can't resist a good pun! I hope this reminds her of the book we've read and eases her back to school jitters a bit.
Isn't this dinosaur bento box super cute?!
I think it will definitely remind my daughter of Penelope.
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