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!
Little Red Sleigh By: Erin Guendelsberger Illustrated by: Elizaveta Tretyakova
Ages: Preschool through Second Grade
This inspiring Christmas story will warm your heart. In our story, Little Red’s goal was to help Santa deliver presents at Christmas time, even though she was very small. With much help from dear friends, she made her way north and almost to the North Pole. She learned so much along the way, and she knows that she will eventually reach her goal. This lovely book provides a great lesson for children.
Tips for Reading:
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what was Little Red’s wish.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you about those that helped Little Red as she made her way to the North Pole.
- After reading, ask the child if Little Red made it to the North Pole and why or why not.
- After reading, ask the child if they think Little Red will finally get her wish.
Additional Books:
- 5 More Sleeps Till Christmas By: Jimmy Fallon Illustrated by: Rich Deas
- Bear Stays Up for Christmas By: Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
- The Crayon’s Christmas By: Drew Daywalt Illustrated by: Oliver Jeffers
- Turkey Claus By: Wendi Silvano Illustrated by: Lee Harper
- I Saw Santa’s Underpants By: Bobbie Hinman Illustrated by: Remesh Ram
Cooking Time:
Warm Spiced Apple Cider
The entire family will love this warm cider after coming in from the cold. Your house will smell just like the holidays. Children can help by adding all of the spices.
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
3 whole cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 gallon apple cider
- Pour cider into a large crock pot or a large pot on the stove.
- Place the salt, spices and brown sugar on a clean square of cheese cloth. Pull up the edges and tie with a string to form a bag. (We used a coffee filter.)
- Place the bag in the cider.
- Cook on low in the crock pot for 2 to 3 hours or simmer in the pot on the stove for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Makes 16 servings.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
There is nothing like warm soup on a cold winter’s day and this one is delicious. Children can help by chopping the veggies, measuring, and adding the ingredients.
2 tablespoons oil
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped in bite-sized pieces
2 1/2 cups frozen cheese tortellini
1 cup fresh chopped baby spinach
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the carrots, celery and onion and cook until the onions have softened, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, garlic and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth and chopped chicken and bring to a simmer over high heat.
- Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini and spinach.
- Simmer for 5 minutes and serve.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Oreo Ornaments
This fun dessert is easy to make and children will love decorating the ornaments.
Oreo Sandwich Cookies
White melting chocolate wafers
Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups, cut in half
Christmas sprinkles, mini M & M’s, sanding sugar
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Microwave melting wafers in a microwave safe dish. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring after each.
- Dip the Oreo cookies into the white chocolate using a fork. Tap to remove the excess chocolate and place on the parchment lined baking sheet.
- Press a half of a mini peanut butter cup on the top.
- Decorate the cookie with Christmas sprinkles, red and green mini M & M’s, etc.
- Allow the Oreo Ornaments to harden by placing in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Make as many as you like.
