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!
Bunny with a Big Heart By: Zoe Waring
Ages: Pre-school through Second Grade
One day Bunny woke up and felt “sparkly”. She didn’t know if it was because spring had arrived or because of the Spring Fair. Bunny shared her “sparkles” with all of her friends by helping them. Soon there were so many of her friends that needed help that she just didn’t know what to do. No worries, all of her friends pitched in to help others. This delightful book has a very sweet message.
Tips for Reading:
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you why Bunny had a “sparkly” feeling in her tummy.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what Bunny did to help her friends.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what happened when she couldn’t help everyone.
- Ask the child what they could do to help a family member or friend.
Additional Books:
- Runaway Bunny By: Margaret Wise Brown Illustrated by: Clement Hurd
- Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter By: Wendi Silvano Illustrated by: Lee Harper
- The Easter Duckling By: Olivia Wynter
- Everybunny Count! Ellie Sandall
Cooking Time:
Bunny Cinnamon Rolls
These are cute, delicious and so easy! Children will love helping to form the bunnies and add the sprinkles.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
1 tube (5 rolls) large cinnamon rolls
1 tube (5 rolls) regular cinnamon rolls
Spring sprinkles
- Place a large cinnamon roll onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Attach a regular cinnamon roll to the larger roll to form the bunny head.
- Cut pieces from another roll to form the two ears.
- Attach the ears to the bunny head.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Add the icing from the package.
- Add the sprinkles.
Makes 3 bunnies.
Bunny Faces
Here is a healthy bunny treat that kids will love to make and eat. Children can add all of the parts to the bunny face.
Babybel cheese wheels
Carrots
Celery
Mini chocolate chips
- Unwrap the cheese wheels.
- Cut carrot strips to form the ears and a triangle to form the nose.
- Cut a slit into the wheel and slide in the ears.
- Attach the nose with mayo or peanut butter.
- Use small celery strips to form the whiskers and stick into the wheel.
- Add mini chips for the eyes.
Make as many as you would like.
Easter Chocolate Covered Oreos
We have made these before, but now they are all decorated for Easter and/or spring. Children can help by decorating the dipped cookies.
Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
Double stuffed Oreos
White chocolate melting wafers
Chocolate melting wafers
Pink and blue melting wafers
Easter decorations (purchased on Amazon)
- Place melting wafers in a bowl and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each.
- Dip the cookie into the chocolate, covering completely.
- Place dipped cookie onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the purchased decorations while the chocolate is soft.
- Allow to cool completely in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
- Another option, is to melt small amounts of the colored wafers in the microwave.
- Drizzle on top of cooled cookies and allow to cool completely.
- Be creative!
Make as many as you would like.
Cadbury Egg Cookies
This is a fun recipe using a favorite Easter treat. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients, cracking the eggs and adding the eggs to the top of each cookie.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup milk chocolate chips
10 ounces Cadbury Mini Eggs
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
- Using a mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until creamy, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Place 3 mini eggs onto each cookie.
- Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8 to 9 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and place on a cooking rack for 5 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the baking sheet and return to the rack to complete the cooking process.
Makes 3 dozen cookies.
