Lansing — Muppet legend Kermit the Frog helped Lansing-area students figure out who stole the cookies from the cookie jar Friday morning.
The eyes of some Lansing schoolchildren lit up as Kermit, MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon and E. Sharon Banks, superintendent of Lansing schools, read "Who Stole the Cookies," written by Judith Moffatt, at the Hill Career Academy auditorium.
The kids seemed really happy and enjoyed it, Kermit said.
"It was a huge auditorium filled with these students who came from about four different schools," Kermit said.
"They knew the book I was reading ? which helped."
Fisher Heck, 8, from Lansing, said he read along with Kermit.
"Kermit was awesome," Heck said. "I liked all the frog parts in the book. He made funny frog jokes."
Jalecia Hattaway, 8, also of Lansing, said she thought Kermit was a good singer and liked when he said the "who stole the cookies" part of the book.
"When he started yelling, everyone started laughing," Hattaway said, adding that was her favorite part.
Banks, who planned on going to the parade and game, said she was excited to have Lansing schools participate in MSU's Homecoming festivities.
"To bring Kermit to read to the children is exciting to the kids," Banks said.
"They were very enthusiastic."
It is important for students from the area to start interacting with the university at an early age, said Fred Porter, president of the Lansing Chapter of the Black Alumni Association.
"We do our part to keep students that want to go to MSU," Porter said.
"That's our goal."
Kermit helps people reflect on the values of the university, Simon said.
"He helps us understand our values and not just focus on what happens at the Homecoming game."
Kermit said wholesomeness, having good morals and ethics — and eating mosquitoes — are some of his values.
Prior to reading, he received a pair of boots from John L. Smith, MSU's head football coach, as well as an Honorary Alumni Award at the Grand Awards Ceremony.
"I am honored to have it, and it means I don't have to pay the tuition," Kermit said.
"I think a lot of people would like to be honorary alumni."
Miss Piggy's crush was also the grand marshal for MSU's Homecoming parade and rode down Grand River Avenue in a white convertible as children, young and old, cheered.
"Kermit was my favorite part of the parade because of the way he talked and the way he was on the car," said Gabrielle Trudell, 11, from Mason.
East Lansing resident Jamie Walker, 42, said she brought one of Kermit's books to the parade with her in hopes she could get him to sign it.
"I've loved him since I was 6," Walker said.
"He was great. I was so excited to see him."
Kermit and Simon conducted television interviews during Saturday's game, but Kermit said he is also going to try to "kick back and enjoy some of the game."
"I am kind of into the Big Ten," Kermit said.
"I taught that back on Sesame Street, so the Big Ten is important to me."
As many MSU students and Kermit know, it is not easy being green.
"It is kind of tough sometimes," Kermit said.
"If you ever want to stand out, you just kind of blend in with the grass. That is why I don't play football. I like being green. I am happy with who I am."
Fredricka Paul, State News academics reporter, can be reached at paulfred@msu.edu.
