The tough part: He may think his critter is too cute to eat.

FRECKLE-FACED BEARS

1 10-oz. pkg. refrigerator biscuits
1/4 cup sesame or sunflower seeds
36 raisins

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Roll six raw biscuits into balls, roll in seeds, then flatten slightly on the cookie sheet to form the bears' heads.

Roll small pieces of dough to form ears and noses, and use raisins for eyes. Use leftover dough to create letters, monsters, faces or pigs. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 6 bears.

PENGUINS

8 large dates, pitted
1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened
1 thin slice cheddar cheese
16 chocolate sprinkles, for eyes

Slice dates open and stuff with cream cheese. Stand up the dates and add two cheese triangles for feet and one for a beak. Add two sprinkles for eyes. Makes 8.

ZOO FOOD

Let the kids make their own three-dimensional zoo, using animal crackers. Give the kids three crackers of the same animal.

Have them spread jam or peanut butter to make three-layer cracker sandwiches. Stand the crackers up and parade them across the table.