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!
I Found a Kitty! By: Troy Cummings
Ages: Preschool through Second Grade
We now have a sequel to one of our favorite books, “Can I Be Your Dog?”. In our new story, Arfy finds a kitten named Scamper and tries to find a home for him. Alfy writes letters to everyone in the neighborhood, but can’t find the right home until his last try. The home he found for Scamper was perfect. Put this book on your reading list. It will also give the listener a lesson on the lost art of letter writing.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, read “Can I Be Your Dog? to the child. This will build background knowledge.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what Arfy did when he found Scamper.
- After reading the story, ask the child to recall some of the places that could not keep Scamper and the reasons why.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you why the nursing home was a good place for Scamper.
Additional Books:
- Can I Be Your Dog? By: Troy Cummings
- Before You Were Mine By: Maribeth Boelts Illustrated by: David M. Walker
- Buddy Unchained By: Daisy Bix Illustrated by: Joe Hyatt
- Sit. Stay. Love. Life Lessons From a Doggie By: Chalairie Kilduff Illustrated by: Sally Brodermann
- Rescue & Jessica By: Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes Illustrated by: Scott Magoon
Cooking Time:
Kitty Cat Bagels
Children will love eating breakfast when it looks like a kitty cat. This is a healthy option that children will love and will enjoy making. Children can mix the cream cheese and veggies and form the kitty’s face.
4 ounces cream cheese, softend
4 baby carrots, finely chopped
1 celery stick, finely chopped
Strawberries
2 large bagels or 4 small bagels, cut in half
Pretzel sticks
Raisins
- Using a chopper or fool processor, chop the carrots and celery into tiny bits.
- Fold the veggies into the cream cheese.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on each half of the bagel.
- Place raisins on each bagel half to form the eyes and nose.
- Use pretzels to form the whiskers.
- Cut the strawberry into slices to form the kitty’s ears.
Makes 4 to 8 servings depending on bagel size.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
As we know, cats love tuna and children will love this casserole. If tuna is not your favorite, you can substitute it with chicken. Children can help by measuring and adding the ingredients.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using non-stick cooking spray, grease an 11 by 7 inch baking dish.
5 cups uncooked egg noodles
1 cup frozen peas
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cans (5 ounces each) light tuna in water, drained and flaked
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper, optional
Topping:
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions.
- Add the peas during the last minute of cooking; drain.
- While the noodles are cooking, in a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, cheese, milk and salt.
- Add the tuna, onion and pepper (optional).
- Add the noodles and peas and toss to combine.
- Transfer to the baking dish, coated with non-stick cooking spray.
- Toss the bread crumbs and the melted butter together.
- Sprinkle over the top of the tuna mixture.
- Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Oreo Cats
These are so easy to make and really cute. Just buy the ingredients and create these adorable and delicious kitty cats. Children can assemble them with a little help.
White or Chocolate Fudge Covered Oreos
Miniature marshmallows
Mini Starburst
Canned white icing
Food coloring markers
Candy eyes, optional
- Use a black food coloring marker to draw the mouth, whiskers and eyes onto the white Oreo. Use the white frosting to pipe on the fudge covered Oreo to form the facial features of the kitty. Can also use candy eyes.
- Use scissors to cut mini marshmallows into triangles. Use the red or pink marker to draw a smaller triangle inside the marshmallow triangle to form the ears.
- Attach the ears using a small amount of the white icing.
- For the nose, cut a pink or red Starburst Mini in half and smooth out the edges with your fingers.
- Attach the nose to the Oreo with a dab of icing.
Make as many as you would like.
