*This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PerfectLunchbox #CollectiveBias
Back to school is almost here for us. Even though my girls know the drill, it still is quite an emotional day for all of us here.
See it was almost 4 years ago that my oldest started Kindergarten. Back then, she was most definitely excited, but a little nervous, too. So, was I though in all honesty.
I still recall taking my girl to the library to take out books about what to expect starting kindergarten and full-time school for the first time.
And upwards she went to kindergarten…
We read quite a few books together in all honesty on this topic back then. But our favorite was The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn and Ruth E. Harper.
If you haven’t read this book and are sending your little one off to school for the first time, I highly recommend it.
Why?
Because the story of Chester Raccoon and his mom, Mrs. Chester is the perfect read for kids and parents who will entering school for the first time. The book’s concept is quite simple with Chester’s mother kissing his little hand only to send him off to school with the knowledge that her kiss lives on all during school there. See all he has to do is press his hand with this kiss to his cheek, if he misses his mom to feels the kiss’ warmth still right there.
The concept fascinated my older daughter at that new, exciting and challenging time in her life.
So wouldn’t you know it, but my younger daughter also took to this book the following year for kindergarten, as well.
Off to kindergarten #2 went…
Both girls are now well ensconced in elementary school with my oldest going into 3rd grade and my younger daughter heading into 2nd grade. They even read chapter books all by themselves now.
Yet they both still asked if we could read The Kissing Hand together the night before school starts.
So of course I will be doing this with them.
But, I also decided after a recent grocery store trip to my local Stop and Shop to buy supplies to make a special PB&J sandwich to celebrate that first day of back to school for them.
Using Jif® Peanut Butter, which is not only so creamy, but also has fresh-roasted peanut taste, too. Plus, I couldn’t resist adding Smucker’s Grape Jelly, which is made from high-quality fruit juice that will make their PB&J sandwiches that much more fruitfully delicious.
And of course no back to school meal would be complete without a tasty juice pouches. Our favorites are Mott’s®. See this mom loves Mott’s, because they are 100% Juice. And my kids love Mott’s, because they are 100% Yum. See Mott’s juices not only taste good, but are good for my kids, too. A win-win for us! Now, Mott’s are available in a NEW 6.75 oz. juice pouch just perfect for all those back to school lunches.
So what is the special Back to School Treat that I’ll be making now?
Peanut Butter and Jelly Kissing Hand Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches!
See the recipe below now…
Peanut Butter and Jelly Kissing Hand Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
• 2 Slices of White Bread
• Jif Peanut Butter
• Smucker’s Jelly
• Heart in Hand Cookie Cookie Cutter
Directions
1. First, on one slice of bread put peanut butter and jelly on the other slice.
2. Next, put the two slices together..
3. Then, use the cookie cutter to cut out hands and heart.
4. Fourth, make sure to keep the heart shaped cutouts, as well.
5. Last, send this to school with extra love for your kid to have the perfect back to school lunch.
PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY KISSING HAND SANDWICH RECIPE
A kid-friendly and back to school sandwich recipe inspired by the children's classic novel, The Kissing Hand.
Ingredients
- 2 Slices of White Bread
- Jif Peanut Butter
- Smucker’s Jelly
- Heart in Hand Cookie Cookie Cutter
Instructions
- First, on one slice of bread put peanut butter and jelly on the other slice.
- Next, put the two slices together..
- Then, use the cookie cutter to cut out hands and heart.
- Fourth, make sure to keep the heart shaped cutouts, as well.
- Last, send this to school with extra love for your kid to have the perfect back to school lunch.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 220
Want to make this Peanut Butter and Jelly Kissing Hand Sandwich for your kids?
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* Buy 1, Get $0.75 Mott’s Fruit Pouches (8 pk.)
Have you read The Kissing Hand?
How do you celebrate Back to School with your kids?
Now, tell me in the comments….
Meredith Spidel says
What a sweet idea! I love this!
Janine says
Aw, thanks so much Meredith!! 🙂
Kathy Radigan says
I love the Kissing Hand book, all three of my kids did that in their kindergartens!!! This sandwich is so cute I’m seriously thinking of dong if for my son’s first day of college though he will make fun of me!! xoxo
Janine says
Aw, I hope you do this for Tom and seriously I still love this book so much for all kids going to school. Plus Jif and Smucker’s to make this sandwich is absolutely perfect! 🙂 xoxo
William Holland says
The first day of school differs so much around the country. I’m always so surprised that some schools start in early August….what the heck is that nonsense????? Ours start the first week of September, thank you very much, like schools should. LOL Have a great Monday, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, Bill ours also starts back after Labor Day in September here. So, I am with you on this, as well. That said, Happy Monday right back at you, too!! 🙂
Tamara says
Twins!
Also, these are SO cute and SO inspired. I’m going to try them. I have all three ingredients at home, it just so happens!
Janine says
Awesome and yay to having the ingredients, too!! 🙂
Bri says
Such a sweet idea! Love that book.
Janine says
Thanks Bri!! 🙂
Diane Roark says
Hey Girl,
I love seeing your adorable girls over the past 4 years growing up. It is hard to believe they are getting so big but again it is hard to believe this year I will be celebrating 6 years of blogging.
Growing up I tried hard to write my kids a note on a napkin for their lunch box. They always talked about it and told me they loved reading my messages. Hopefully, they still remember it today. I will have to ask them. You are doing the same thing with this adorable sandwich. I screens I LOVE YOU from MOM.
Thanks for sharing,
Diane
And by the way, Jiff peanut butter and Smuckers Grape Jelly are still my family’s favorites.
Janine says
Aw, I bet they still do recall those notes and seriously you are an awesome mom, too Diane!! 🙂
Adriana Lopez Martin says
What a cute idea of making a kissing hand sandwich and reading with the kids. Loved your pictures too. Thanks for participating in this shop ~ client
Janine says
Thanks Adriana and truly enjoyed participating in this shop, too!! 🙂
Echo says
Awww, the Kissing Hand! I love it and those sandwiches are so cute! I can’t believe school is already starting and that I have a 1st grader and a 6th grader this year!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Echo and I know can’t believe summer is winding down here already, too!!
Mary says
Peanut butter and jelly is my jam. I’ve always loved the combination but I have to admit I don’t get to eat it as often as I like. I’ve heard that the Kissing Hand is a great book, I actually still read some children books because they have changed so much over the years and I’m trying to stay current. I would devour this kissing hand sandwich, it’s sooooo cute.
Janine says
Aw,Mary I know so many newer books, especially since I was a kid, too. But this happens to be one of my girls’ favorites still and was so happy to share along with our Kissing Hand sandwich, too 🙂
ShootingStarsMag says
Going back to school – or going for the first time can be very scary. I know my oldest niece was scared this year and I felt so bad for her!! I love this idea. How cute.
Janine says
Aw, thanks and so sorry to hear about your niece. I hope she is OK now and I know from my two that it can totally be a big adjustment and scary, too.
Anesa Doyle says
First of all, The Kissing Hand is one of my FAVORITE books to read! Especially this time of year :). This is such a great idea to carry over to lunch time when your school age child is transitioning. Thanks for sharing this amazing idea.
Janine says
Aw, thank you Anesa and I can’t help it, but The Kissing Hand seriously is still such a favorite here, too 🙂
Rea says
Aww love the story of that book. Also, the sandwiches are so cute! Perfect way to start school once again. 🙂
Janine says
Aw, thanks Rea and seriously is such a fun way to start out the school year now!! 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
Those are such fun designs for the PB&J sandwiches! I want some too! Always a winner with the PB&J and apple juice! Yumxxoo
Janine says
Aw, thanks and would love to make you some, too!! xoxo 🙂
Jen says
I LOVE this! That book is a favorite around here. can you believe it, but this year Anneliese goes to preschool?! I think she will need these 🙂
Janine says
Wow, I can’t believe Anneliese is going to pre-school. She is growing up so quickly!! Hope you can make these for her now, too 🙂
Jennifer Bly says
I love this book and what a sweet idea for a lunch to accompany it!
You’re so awesome. <3
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much, Jennifer and you are awesome, too ? Xoxo
Leslie says
How precious! I haven’t heard of that book, but with one heading to Kindergarten this year, it sounds like the perfect time to try it out. And I know my kids would love the sandwiches. PB&J is always a fave. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Janine says
Aw, so happy to share and truly hope you can try to make these now for your kids, too Leslie!! 🙂
Kelly Kimmell says
Cute idea, my daughter has always loved the Kissing Hand book. I found this on the Thursday Favorite Things, I’m #64 on the list, hope you’ll stop by and say Hi. Have a terrific day.
Janine says
Aw, thanks Kelly. Have just visited and commented back on your WW post. Now, also wishing you a wonderful day ahead, too 🙂
AnnMarie John says
This is just too cute! We love making shapes with our sandwiches here too and I’m loving the hearts and hands. I don’t think we’ve heard of this book, but may have to check it out for story night for Madison.
Janine says
I hope you do check this book out for Madison as I think she would love it, too 🙂
Bev says
Aww, these are so cute!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Bev!! 🙂
Mrs. Motivated Mommy says
This is the sweetest thing 🙂 I absolutely love reading this book to my son, it’s one of our favorites! I will definitely have to keep this in the back of my mind for when he is old enough to go to school!
http://www.mrsmotivatedmommy.com
Janine says
Aw, thank you and do hope you can try when your son is a bit older and goes off to school for the first time, as well now 🙂