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!
Grumpy Monkey By: Suzanne Lang Illustrated by: Max Lang
Ages: Preschool through Second Grade
Sometimes we all wake up and just feel grumpy, but we’re not sure why. The same thing goes for children, so they may relate to Jim Panzee. Jim woke up grumpy and he tried to do all of the things that his friends told him to do to help, but he was still grumpy. In the end, Jim realized that sometimes you’re just grumpy and that’s okay. This book has a great message and also reveals the importance of friendship.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading, discuss the word grumpy, what it means and how would someone act if they were grumpy.
- Before reading, ask the child if he/she has ever been grumpy and if he/she remembers why.
- After reading, ask the child if Jim thought he was grumpy.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you some of the things that Jim’s friends asked him to do to make himself happy.
- After reading, ask the child if Jim took the advice of his friends and did it help his grumpiness.
- Ask the child to tell you how Norman helped Jim feel better.
Additional “Grumpy Monkey” Books:
- Grumpy Monkey Up All Night
- Grumpy Monkey Party Time!
- Grumpy Monkey Freshly Squeezed
- Grumpy Monkey’s Little Book of Grumpiness
Cooking Time:
We have truly gone BANANAS!
Banana Oat Energy Balls
These healthy and nutritious treats are so easy to make and children will love these for a snack. Children can help by mashing the bananas, adding the ingredients and rolling the balls.
2 bananas, ripe
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas.
- Stir in the oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips and cinnamon. Mix completely.
- Using a spoon or a scoop, roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the oats to soften.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Makes approximately 2 dozen.
Fried Cinnamon Bananas
These are easy to make and are a delicious snack. An adult will need to help with the frying portion, but children can cut the bananas and mix the cinnamon and sugar.
2 bananas
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Cut the bananas into 1/3 inch rounds.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
- Lightly spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Warm over medium heat.
- Add the banana rounds and sprinkle with 1/2 of the sugar mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Turn each banana round over and sprinkle with the rest of the sugar mixture.
- Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the bananas are soft and warmed through.
Makes approximately 20 to 24 snacks.
Banana Pancakes
These light and fluffy pancakes will become a family favorite. Children can help by mashing the bananas, cracking the eggs, adding and measuring the ingredients and stirring the batter.
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 bananas, ripe and mashed
Maple syrup
- Using a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla and bananas.
- Combine the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and mix until combined. Batter will be lumpy.
- Heat a non-stick griddle or skillet on medium low heat and grease with butter.
- Cook the pancakes until they are golden brown on each side, flipping only once.
- Serve with syrup.
Makes about 12 to 15 (4 to 6 inch) pancakes.
Mrs. Mayberry’s Banana Bread
We had the privilege of working with Sue Mayberry who taught Kindergarten at our school. Every Christmas she gave staff members little loaves of this wonderful banana bread. We had to include this recipe. Thank you Mrs. Mayberry. Children can help by mashing the bananas, cracking the eggs, adding the ingredients and stirring.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray 5 mini loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray.
3 large, very ripe bananas
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups flour
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Place the bananas in a medium bowl and mash them with a fork.
- Add the sugar, oil and eggs to the bananas and cream together.
- Add the vanilla and milk and mix completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and soda.
- Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture. Combine completely.
- Add the mini chocolate chips. Mix well.
- Evenly pour the batter into the 5 mini loaf pans.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack.
Makes 5 mini loaves.
