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’m Not Scared, You’re Scared! By: Seth Meyers Illustrated by: Rob Sayegh Jr.
Ages: Pre-school through Second Grade
The theme of this fun book is about a bear who is afraid of many things and his best friend rabbit, who is not afraid of anything. They travel on a journey together and a problem occurs. This story is about much more than fear. It is about true friendship and dedication!
Tips for Reading:
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what Bear’s problem was and who tried to help him.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how Rabbit tried to help Bear solve his problem.
- After reading, asks the child to recall some of the things that happened throughout Bear and Rabbit’s journey.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how and why Bear overcame his fears.
Additional Books:
- Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll By: Jay Miletsky Illustrated by: Erin Wozniak
- Duck at the Door By: Jackie Urbanovic
- My Friend By: Taye Diggs Illustrated by: Shane W. Evans
- The Superpower Sisterhood By: Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush Illustrated by: Cyndi Wojciechowski
Cooking Time:
Bunny Snacks
This healthy treat is perfect for this delightful story. Children can help by assembling this bunny.
Mini circle cheeses
Celery, cut into whiskers
Carrots, cut into ears and nose
White chocolate chips for cheeks
Mini chocolate chips for eyes
Sprinkle heart for mouth
- Assemble the bunny to look like the picture.
Make as many as you would like.
Bear Cookies
Kids will love making this fun bear snack.
Little Debbie Star Crunch
Vanilla Wafers, cut to form ears
Mini-Vanilla Wafers, for the nose
Candy eyes
Black jelly beans
Chocolate canned icing
- Assemble the bear to look like the pictures. Attach parts with icing.
Make as many as you would like.
Bears in a Blanket
These tasty treats are too cute to eat. Children will love helping you assemble this adorable snack.
2 sheets Puff Pastry, thawed
12 Hershey’s Snack Size Chocolate bars
12 Teddy Grahams
1 egg
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the egg to a small bowl and whisk.
- Cut each sheet of pastry dough into six equal pieces.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Break the chocolate bar into two pieces. Lay them near the top of the pastry rectangle to look like a pillow.
- Place a teddy graham on top of the chocolate.
- Fold the bottom end of the pastry up halfway on top of the bear.
- Crimp the edges with a fork.
- Brush pastry with the whipped egg.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely.
Makes 12 servings.
Carrot Oatmeal Cookies
These delicious cookies are a healthy treat for kids. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and cracking the egg.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
1 cup quick oats
3/4 cup flour, can use regular or whole wheat
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
3/4 cup grated carrots
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the butter or oil, egg and vanilla.
- Stir in the syrup until totally incorporated.
- Add the flour mixture, stirring until just incorporated.
- Fold in the carrots.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Using a spoon or scoop, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten slightly.
- Bake in a 325 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.
- Remove the cookies and return to the racks to complete the cooking process.
Makes 14 cookies.
