“The Lorax” was always a book that struck a chord with me as a child.  I was a bit of a tomboy and had a deep love for trees.  It is a love that I have carried with me my whole life.  My favorite tree was a towering cherry tree in our yard that I named Cheryl.  I used to climb up in Cheryl all the time to “escape” from the world and enter one all my own where the only sound was the sound of the breeze rustling leaves and my view was that of lofty branches and white puffy clouds.

I think that is why I fell in love with the story of the Lorax.  As most of you know, it is the story of a small creature named the Lorax who is an advocate on behalf of the trees and wildlife where he lives.  He is brought out of his resting place one day because his beloved Truffula trees are being chopped down in droves and it is adversely affecting all the wildlife that lives there.  In the end the Lorax is ignored and the forest is destroyed.  However, it ends with a spirit of hope because a seed for a Truffula tree is passed down to a  young boy years later and he is instructed to help restore what was lost.

The star of this book really is, without question, the Lorax.  However, the trees have become iconic with Dr. Seuss fans and really are a main component in this book.  They have always fascinated me with their long striped trunks, brilliantly vivid colors, and most especially their pom-pom tops.  Oh how I wish these trees were real!  Don’t they sound purely delightful?!  For now, they are the star of my cupcakes that I created to honor this book.

“Truffula Tree” inspired cupcakes

These cupcakes start with a simple chocolate cake base (dirt) which is topped with green buttercream frosting piped to resemble grass (I used this piping tip from Wilton), and adorned with adorable cotton candy truffle trees.  These trees are super easy to make and are sure to bring smiles wherever they go.  For the cotton candy tops I picked up a couple tubs of pre-made cotton candy at Walmart and had more than enough to work with.   I included some quick instructions for them below.

“Truffula Tree” process:

1. Pull off a section of  cotton candy to work with.  Try to get a piece that is relatively flat, not too thick, and and rectangular/oval-ish in shape.
2. place your paper straw (cut in half previously) in the center of your cotton candy piece and wrap it around the top of your straw loosely and gently press it in your fist to make a cotton candy ball.
3. I found that the cotton candy formed ball shapes quite easily and that they stayed on my straws fabulously.  However, if you are concerned you can certainly place a large dab of icing on top of your straw before putting your cotton candy ball on top to work as a sort of edible “glue”.  If you are really concerned, royal icing would be the best to securely adhere your cotton candy.

I was so pleased with the end results and the happy little forest of colorful trees that was created.  My little guy was even happier than I was and eagerly snatched up a “yellow tree” as soon as I let him.   These tree cupcakes would make a lovely addition to any Dr. Seuss themed party or event and are sure to spread joy wherever they go.

If you give this Beyond the Book activity a try I’d love to hear how it goes! Share it on Instagram using hashtag #beyondthebook (I’m on Instagram as @book.nerd.mommy) or even just comment here with your thoughts. It would make my day! Or to save for future reference simply pin the image below.

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