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!
Knight Owl By: Christopher Denise
Ages: Toddlers through Second Grade
This beautiful book is a Caldecott Honor Book for its wonderful illustrations and just a great story. Owl always wanted to be a knight and patrol the castle at night. Many other knights had disappeared on the job during the night watch. No worries, Owl is very clever and solves the problem by using pizza. Kids will love this exciting tale!
Tips for Reading:
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you Owl’s one wish.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how Owl prepared to become a knight.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what problem Owl was facing on the night watch.
- After reading, ask the child to explain to you how the little Owl solved the problem on the night watch.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how Owl kept the dragon from eating more knights.
Additional Books:
- Knight Owl and Early Bird By: Christopher Denise
- Owl Moon By: Jane Yolen Illustrated by: John Schoenherr
- The Owl Who Slept all Night By: Adison Books
- Owl Babies Martin Waddell Illustrated by: Patrick Benson
Cooking Time:
Owl Bagel
Kids will love helping to make this fun breakfast or snack treat.
Sliced bagel
Peanut butter or favorite spread
Banana
Blueberries
Apple
Sliced almonds
M & M’s
- Cut bagel in half. Place spread on one of the halves.
- Place slices of apple on each side to form the wings.
- Place two banana slices on for the eyes.
- Add the blueberries with a dab of the spread.
- Add the M & M’s for the feathers.
- Place a slice of almond for the nose.
Make as many as you would like.
Pizza Chips
What an easy way to have pizza! Children can help by putting the ingredients into the muffin tins.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 16 cups of a muffin pan.
2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
48 slices of mini pepperoni
Italian seasoning, optional
Marinara sauce
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cheese into each muffin tin. Lightly press down.
- Place 4 or 5 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of seasoning to each, optional.
- Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for about 8 minutes or until the edges of the cheese are golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
- Serve with marinara sauce.
Makes 16 chips.
Owl Cupcakes
These sweet cupcakes are easy and fun for kids to make. Children can help by adding the ingredients, cracking the eggs and decorating the cupcakes.
Favorite cake mix
Favorite canned frosting
Oreos
M & M’s
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions. Place batter into cupcake lined tins.
- Once cupcakes have cooled, frost with your favorite frosting.
- Divide Oreos in half, trying to maintain the filling on one side.
- Use two to form the eyes.
- Using a drop of frosting, attach two M & M’s to form the eyeballs.
- Cut the Oreo with no filling in half to form the eyebrows.
- Add an M & M sideways to form the nose.
Make as many as you would like.
