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!
Hen in the Bed By: Katrina Charman Illustrated by: Guilherme Karsten
Ages: Toddler through First Grade
This is a classic story with a wonderful make-over. Hen and 9 of her friends are in the bed. One by one, she kicks them out of the bed and the bedroom goes crazy. When they were all out of the bed, Hen realizes that it is pretty lonely, so they all return. This is a fun number book for young children.
Tips for Reading:
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you who kept saying “roll over, roll over” and what happened when they did.
- After reading, ask the child tell you some of the animals that were on the bed, what sound did they make and what happened when they rolled off.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how the Hen felt when all of the animals rolled off the bed.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what happened at the end of the story.
Additional Books:
- Goodnight Numbers By: Danica McKellar Illustrated by: Alicia Padron
- Ten Magic Butterflies By: Danica McKellar Illustrated by: Jen Bricking
- Ten Black Dots By: Donald Crews
- Five Fuzzy Chicks By: Diana Murray Illustrated by: Sydney Hanson
- 100 Bugs! A Counting Book By: Kate Narita Illustrated by: Suzanne Kaufman
Cooking Time:
Animals on a Log
We have made these before, but the animal crackers make them a lot more fun. Children will love making this healthy treat.
Celery, sliced into logs
Nut or cheese spread of choice
Animal Crackers
Raisins and/or cranberries
- Slice the celery. Cut a thin slice from the bottom of the celery log so that it will sit flat.
- Fill with your favorite spread. We used two different cheese spreads and peanut butter.
- Add the Animal Cracker and raisins/cranberries.
Make as many as you would like.
Soft Pretzel Bites
These homemade pretzels are so delicious and kids will love helping. Children can measure, add ingredients, roll the dough, crack the egg and add the salt.
1 1/2 cups warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 (0.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups flour, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing
1 teaspoon salt
9 cups water
1/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
Pretzel salt or coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Whisk together the warm milk and sugar in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Sprinkle the yeast on top and wait 5 minutes for the yeast to foam up and activate.
- Add the flour, melted butter and salt.
- Use a spoon to mix and combine and use hands to knead the dough for 4 minutes or until smooth, adding more flour if needed. If using a mixer with a dough hook, mix on medium speed for 4 minutes or until the dough is smooth, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let the dough rest for 20 to 30 minutes in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.
- Combine the water and baking soda in a large pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece of dough into even 3/4 inch wide ropes.
- Use a knife to cut the ropes into individual pretzel bites, about 1 inch long each.
- Very carefully, use a spider strainer to transfer the bites into the boiling water, about a dozen at a time. Bowl for about 30 seconds per batch.
- Transfer the pretzels to the prepared baking sheets, making sure that they are not touching.
- Brush the top of each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle with the coarse salt.
- Bake until the bites are golden brown in color, about 12 to 14 minutes.
- Transfer baking sheets to a wire rack to cool.
- Brush with additional butter, optional.
Makes 12 servings.
Apple Oatmeal Cookies
These sweet treats are perfect for an after school snack. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and cracking the eggs.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 Honey Crisp apple (about 1 cup), peeled and diced
- Using a mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until creamy and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Add the oats and mix.
- Using a spoon, stir in the diced apple.
- Using a cookie scoop, form dough into 1 inch balls.
- Place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.
- Remove to cooling racks for 5 minutes.
- Remove cookies from the pans and return to the racks to complete the cooling process.
Makes 72 cookies.
