I walked into Winco today and was met with a bit of nostalgia. I haven't seen these childhood oh-so-my-favorite-treat since I wore French braids and ribbons.
The boxes have lion, seal, hippo, elephant, and koala cookies, not pandas unfortunately. (Percy the Panda is happy to model anyway.) They were a treat and a safari in a box with it's own handle!
They originated in England in early 1900, but were so popular they soon had to be manufactured in the United States. According to Google, they cost a dime in 1975 when I was particularly delighted by them. They even have their own sweet poem, does anyone remember?
Animal Crackers by Christopher Morley
Animal crackers and cocoa to drink.
That is the finest of suppers I think;
When I'm grown up and can have what I please
I think I shall always insist upon these.
What do YOU choose when you're offered a treat?
When Mother says, "What would you like best to eat?"
Is it waffles and syrup, or cinnamon toast?
It's cocoa and animals that I love most!
The kitchen's the cosiest place that I know;
The kettle is singing, the stove is aglow,
And there in the twilight, how jolly to see
The cocoa and animals waiting for me.
Daddy and Mother dine later in state,
With Mary to cook for them, Susan to wait;
But they don't have nearly as much fun as I
Who eat in the kitchen with Nurse standing by;
And Daddy once said, he would like to be me
Having cocoa and animals once more for tea.
I bought three boxes. Is your childhood favorite still available? Does it have a poem?
