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!
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves By: Julia Rawlinson Illustrations by: Tiphanie Beeke
Ages: Pre-school through Second Grade
This is such a sweet story and it is perfect for this time of year. Little Fletcher became very upset when the leaves began to fall from his favorite tree. He tried to save them, but could only save one. He felt terrible that he couldn’t save all of the leaves. Then the next morning, he went out and his tree was covered in beautiful icicles. The story helps illustrate the transition of the seasons.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, ask the child to tell you some of the signs that fall is here.
- After reading the story, ask the child tell you why Fletcher was so upset.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what Fletcher did to save the leaves.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you about some of the other animals and how they used the fallen leaves.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you why Fletcher was happy at the end of the story.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what they love about fall.
Additional Books:
- Tree Full of Wonder By: Anna Smithers Illustrated by: Laura Bingham
- Leaf Man By: Lois Ehlert
- Crunchy Leaves, Cozy Sweater By: Essie Bell Illustrated by: Anastasia Pronina
- How Do You Know It’s Fall? By: Lisa M. Herrington
- Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn By: Kenard Pak
Cooking Time:
Apple Pie Snack Cups
This healthy treat is so easy to make and children will love making and eating it. Children can help by cutting the apples and layering the ingredients.
1 graham cracker
1/2 small apple, diced
3 to 4 tablespoons cinnamon applesauce
Dollop of whipped cream
- Crush the graham cracker into coarse crumbs. Place in the bottom of a small cup or bowl.
- Layer the diced apples on top.
- Spread the applesauce on top of the apples.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream.
Makes 1 serving.
Mini Caramel Apple Dippers
These treats are so cute and delicious. Children can help by adding the pretzel.
Apples (we used Honey Crisp)
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice
Pretzel sticks
Caramel Dip (Marzetti)
- Fill a large bowl with water and add the lemon juice.
- Using a melon baller, scoop round balls of apples and place in the lemon water.
- Once all of the apple balls have been prepared, remove from the water and dab dry with a paper towel.
- Using a chopstick or similar object, create a small hole in the top of each apple ball.
- Insert a pretzel into the hole.
- Serve immediately with the caramel dip.
Make as many as you would like.
Candy Corn Rice Crispy Treats
You can’t go wrong with Rice Crispy treats and these are extra special for the fall season. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients, forming the candy corn shape and dipping.
Butter a 11 by 13 inch baking dish or pan.
6 cups rice cereal
6 cups mini marshmallows
5 tablespoons butter
Orange gel coloring
Dark chocolate melting wafers
White chocolate melting wafers
- In a large pot, over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until the marshmallows are melted. Stir in the orange coloring.
- Remove from the heat.
- Add the cereal and mix until it is well coated.
- Press the treats into an 11 by 13 inch baking pan.
- Allow to set.
- Cut the treats into triangles. Use hands to gently round the corners.
- Melt the dark chocolate wafers in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each.
- Dip the bottom of the corn triangles into the chocolate. Allow to set.
- Melt the white chocolate wafers.
- Dip the tips of the candy corn into the white chocolate. Allow to set.
Makes 16 servings.
