Bear’s Big Dreaming

Dear Reader,

This Blog is designed for the parents, grandparents and caregivers of young children.  Each post will highlight a great book that all children should hear, with tips to enrich beginning reading skills.  You will also find fun recipes that go along with each story.  Enjoy reading and cooking with the children in your life.

*Read to the children in your life every day.  You are giving them a gift that will last a lifetime!

Bear’s Big Dreaming            By:  Michael Rosen            Illustrated by:  Daniel Egneus

Ages:  Pre-school through First Grade

 

 

This is another one of those special  books that you will add to your favorites.  “Bear’s Big Dreaming”, is not only beautiful, but heartwarming.  Little Bear talks to his friends to find dreams for the “Big Sleep”.  The dreams are perfect for a little bear!  Please add this special book to your reading list.

 

 

 

Tips for Reading:

• Before reading the story, discuss with the child the hibernation process for animals.
• After reading the story, ask the child to tell you why Little Bear was so worried and what he did to find dreams.
• After reading, ask the child to tell you what Little Bear discovered on his journey.
• After reading, ask the child to tell you what they liked about this book.

Additional Books:

• Little Bear            By:  Elsa Holmelund  Minarik            Illustrated by:  Maurice Sendak
• The Bear Ate Your Sandwich            By:  Julia Sarcone-Roach
• Bear Snores On            By:  Karma Wilson            Illustrated by:  Jane Chapman
• Bedtime Bear             By:  Patricia Hegarty            Illustrated by:  Morgan Huff
• Don’t Wake Up the Bear            By:  Marjorie Dennis Murray            Illustrated by:  Patricia Wittmann

 

Cooking Time:

Teddy Bear Bread

This is the perfect breakfast treat after reading a story about a bear.  Children can make this bear all by themselves.

Bread, toasted

Banana

Nutella

Raisins, blueberries, chocolate chips, etc.

• Toast the bread.
• Spread with Nutella
• Add the banana slices for the nose and ears.
• Add raisins, blueberries, etc., for the eyes and nose.

Make as many as you would like.

 

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

This is a kid-friendly version of chicken noodle soup and it is very easy to make.  Children can help by slicing the carrots, shredding or dicing the chicken and adding the ingredients.

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 cup carrots, diced

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon celery salt

1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon chicken base

32 ounces chicken broth

1 cup rotisserie chicken, diced

1 1/2 cup Kluski noodles, or any other type of noodles

• Using a large pot over medium heat, saute the carrots for 3 to 4 minutes in the oil.
• Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, celery salt and turmeric.
• Pour in the broth and add the chicken base and stir.
• Turn up the heat to medium high and bring the liquid to a simmer.
• Add the noodles and chicken and cook for 15 minutes or until noodles are cooked through.
• Add additional seasoning if needed.

Makes 4 servings.

 

Kiss Bears

Children will love making and eating this fun dessert.  Children can make these by themselves.

Hershey’s Kisses chocolates

Mini chocolate donuts

M & M’s

Candy eyes

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

• Place the donuts on a cookie sheet.  Top each donut with a candy kiss.
• Place in the oven for 60 to 90 seconds or until the tips of the kisses are soft, but not melted.
• Remove from the oven and press an M & M on top of the kiss to complete the nose.
• Place candy eyes above the nose.
• Cool for 5 minutes.
• Add the M & M’s for the ears.

Make as many as you would like.