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, Valentine Gross-Out By: Suzanne Lang Illustrated by: Max Lang
Ages: Pre-school through First Grade
Jim Panzee is back and is learning about Valentine’s Day. When his friends tell him about the romantic part, he decides that Valentine’s Day is really “gross”. When his friends explain to him that this special day is all about love for your friends and family, he begins to think that Valentine’s Day is okay after all. Children will love this fun story! Valentine stickers are included.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading, ask the child if they have heard any other “Grumpy Monkey” books and if they have, ask them to tell you what Grumpy Monkey is like.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what Grumpy Monkey thinks is gross.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you some of the things that Jim Panzee learned about Valentine’s Day.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how Jim Panzee celebrated Valentine’s Day.
Additional Books about Grumpy Monkey:
- Grumpy Monkey
- Grumpy Monkey Up All Night
- Grumpy Monkey Play All Day
- Grumpy Monkey Party Time
- Grumpy Monkey Says No
Cooking Time:
Chocolate Banana Bites
This is the perfect Valentine treat for Grumpy Monkey and kids will love it, too. They can help by assembling the bites.
Bananas
Chocolate melting wafers
Maraschino cherries, washed and dried
Whipped topping
Valentine sprinkles
Tooth picks or cupcake picks
- Cut a banana into 3 equal parts.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the bananas for 15 minutes.
- Melt the wafers in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each.
- Dip bananas 1/3 way into the chocolate.
- Add sprinkles onto the chocolate and place back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for 5 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
- Add a dollop of whipped topping to the top of the banana.
- Skewer cherry with pick and gently push into the center of the banana.
- Serve immediately.
Make as many as you would like.
Mini Banana Muffins
These are perfect bite-sized treats for kids. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients, cracking the eggs and mixing.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line mini muffin tins with paper liners.
1 stick butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sour cream
2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 medium bananas)
1 cup mini chocolate chips, optional
- Using a mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, (3 to 5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Stir in the vanilla.
- Mix the sour cream until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas. Make sure they are evenly distributed.
- Add the chocolate chips, optional.
- Scoop the batter into the mini muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove to a cooling rack for a few minutes.
- Remove from the pan and return to the rack to complete the cooling process.
Makes 6 dozen mini muffins.
Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars
This is such an easy dessert and perfect for Valentine’s Day. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients cracking the eggs and decorating.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 by 8 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper and spray again.
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons Valentine sprinkles
1 tub white frosting
1/4 cup Valentine sprinkles, for top
1 tablespoon candy hearts and/or Valentine M & M’s
- Using a mixer, combine the sugar flour, soda and salt.
- Add the butter, eggs and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of Valentine sprinkles. Mix until combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the baking pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely.
- Spread the icing onto the cooled cake.
- Decorate with Valentine sprinkles and candies.
Makes 16 bars.
