Dragons Love Tacos

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

Dragons Love Tacos                   By:  Adam Rubin            Illustrated by:  Daniel Salmieri

Ages:  Preschool through Second Grade

 

 

Tacos are often a favorite family dinner, but what children may not know is that Dragons Love Tacos.  In this delightful book, there is a bit of a problem.  Dragons do love tacos, but they do NOT like spicy salsa.  This book is great for vocabulary development and the amazing illustrations assist with comprehension of the text.  But most of all, Dragons Love Tacos is just a lot of fun to read.

 

 

Tips for Reading:

• Before reading the title of the story, ask the child to look at the cover of the book and predict what the story might be about.
• After you have read the story, ask the child to tell you what happens to dragons when they eat spicy salsa.
• After reading the story, go back to the page with the picture of the salsa jar and discuss where the mistake was made.
• Extend vocabulary development by discussing what a good Samaritan is.
• Be sure to have a family taco night and let the child help make the tacos.

Additional Books:

• Train Your Angry Dragon          By:  Steve Herman
• Me and My Dragon          By:  David Biedrzycki
• Good Night, Little Dragons            By:  Leigh Ann Tyson          Illustrated by:  Jim Bernardin
• Dragon Night           By:  J. R. Krause
• When a Dragon Moves In           By:  Jodi Moore            Illustrated by:  Howard McWilliam

 

*All of the books listed can be found on Amazon and most can be found at your local bookstore or library.

 

Cooking Time:

Black Bean Salsa

The dragons in our story liked salsa as long as it wasn’t spicy.  Here is a recipe that they would love!  This Black Bean Salsa is fresh, healthy and not spicy at all.  Children can help by adding the ingredients and stirring everything together.

You will need a large mixing bowl.

Two 15 oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed

One 12 oz. package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed  (Can add more if you prefer.)

2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

4 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

• Put all of the ingredients listed above in the bowl and mix completely.
• Cover and chill for a few hours or overnight.
• Add additional lime juice, salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve with tortilla chips.

Makes a lot of salsa.

 

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Instead of a taco recipe, which most everyone has, we have decided to go with quesadillas instead.  This is a very easy recipe that the entire family will enjoy.  Children can help shred the chicken and add the ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter.

1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken   (We used a rotisserie chicken from the local market.)

2/3 cup mild salsa

1/3 cup chopped green onions

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground oregano

6 floured tortillas (8 inches)

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Sour cream, salsa and/or guacamole for serving  (Optional)

• In a skillet or pan, combine the chicken, salsa, green onions, cumin, salt and oregano.
• Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Brush one side of each tortilla with melted butter.
• Spoon 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture over half of the unbuttered side of the tortilla.
• Sprinkle 1/3 cup of the cheese over the chicken mixture on the tortilla.
• Fold the plain side of the tortilla over the cheese.
• Place on the lightly greased baking sheet.
• Bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
• Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa or guacamole.  (Optional)

Makes 6 servings.