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 Spring Fever By: Suzanne Lang Illustrated by: Max Lang
Ages: Pre-school through Second Grade
Jim Panzee has a severe case of spring fever. At first his friends give him ideas on how to calm down. When that didn’t work, they give him fun suggestions of things to do in the spring. Jim was having such a good time, that all of his friends decided to join him. You can always count on Grumpy Monkey to have a good time!
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading, ask the child what they think “spring fever” is.
- After reading the book, ask the child to tell you why Norman thought Jim was acting so silly.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what Water Buffalo thought Jim should do to cure his spring fever.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what happened when Jim became calm.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what the animals told Jim to do to get rid of his anger.
- Ask the child to tell you activities that they like to do in the spring.
Additional Books :
- Grumpy Monkey
- Grumpy Monkey Party Time!
- Grumpy Monkey Up All Night
- Grumpy Monkey Says No!
- Grumpy Monkey Play All Day
Cooking Time:
Easter Fruit Kabobs
This is a healthy treat for kids and the Peeps add a special touch. Children can help by adding the fruit to the sticks.
Strawberries
Pineapple Chunks
Blueberries
Red Grapes
Honey Dew Melon
Peeps
- Prepare the fruit into bite sized pieces.
- Layer the fruit onto the skewer adding a Peep.
Make as many as you would like.
Flower Oreo Bites
These sweet treats are beautiful and oh so delicious. Children can help by forming the flower with M & M’s.
Oreo cookies
Spring M & M’s or Cadbury Gems
- Twist and pull the Oreos apart.
- Place the cream side pieces on a microwave safe dish.
- Microwave for 30 seconds or until the cream melts.
- Place the candies on the cookie to form a flower.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Make as many as you would like.
Italian Easter Cookies
These soft and sweet sugar cookies look just like spring. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients, cracking the eggs and decorating.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
1/2 butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Food coloring
2 to 4 tablespoons milk
Sprinkles
- Using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, vanilla and almond extract. Mix with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and combine completely.
- Using a 1 inch scoop, drop the dough onto the parchment lined baking sheets. Place 1 to 2 inches apart.
- Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Bake cookies in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until cooked through and bottoms are lightly browned.
- Place on cooling racks for 5 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the pans and return to the racks to complete the cooling process.
- For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, vanilla and almond extract.
- Add milk 1/2 tablespoons at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Separate the icing into bowls and add food coloring of your choice.
- Dip the cooled cookies into the icing.
- Add sprinkles on the top before the icing dries.
Makes 20 cookies.
