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!
Misty the Cloud, A Very Stormy Day By: Dylan Dreyer with Alan Katz Illustrated by: Rosie Butcher
Ages: Preschool through Second Grade
The author of our story is Dylan Dreyer, who is a meteorologist on the Today Show. Our story is about Clare, who has a ballgame, and Misty the Cloud, who is having a bad day. As you might guess, Misty has the power to ruin the day for Clare. The game is rained out by an angry Misty, but both of our main characters end up having a very good day. This book is about making the best of a difficult situation. It also focuses on the science behind how rain happens. The author has also included many weather facts at the end of the book. This is a great springtime story!
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, ask the child to tell you if he/she has ever had to change plans because of the weather.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you why Clare was so happy at the beginning of the story.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what kind of day Misty was having and how did she feel.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you what finally changed Clare’s and Misty’s moods.
- After reading, review vocabulary presented in the book, such as horizon, turbulent, etc.
Additional Books:
- Misty the Cloud: Friends Through Rain or Storm By: Dylan Dreyer Illustrated by: Rosie Butcher Released on September 13, 2022
- Kite Day, A Bear and Mole Story By: Will Hillenbrand
- Greta and the Dark Cloud By: Lana Simkins Illustrated by: Alina Shabelnyk
- Rain, Snow or Shine By: June and Lucy Kids
Cooking Time:
Cloud Bread
Before researching “cloud” foods, we had never heard about Cloud Bread and now we are so glad that we have this recipe. This is a very interesting recipe to make and they really do look like clouds. Children will love cracking the eggs and adding the ingredients.
3 extra large eggs at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter
3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate the eggs, putting the yolks in a bowl, and putting the whites in a mixing bowl. Be sure the bowl for the whites is completely clean.
- Add the cream of tarter to the egg whites.
- Using a mixer, whip the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks are formed, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Using a whisk, combine the egg yolks, salt and cream cheese. Whisk the yolk mixture until completely smooth and no cream cheese chunks are visible.
- Using a spatula, carefully fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture a cup at a time. Gently fold until the whites are completely combined.
- Carefully divide the mixture into 6 mounds on the parchment paper. Spread at least 3 to 4 inches apart.
- Bake in a 300 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Place the baking sheet on a rack and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the bread to a rack and cool completely.
Makes 6 servings.
Shepard’s Pie
This is a hearty dish which is perfect for a rainy day. In addition, the mashed potatoes on the top look just like clouds. Children can help by measuring and adding the ingredients, chopping the onions and adding the potatoes to the top.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish or a 2 1/2 quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Mashed potatoes, 32 ounce package
1 pound ground chuck
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups frozen vegetable medley
2 tablespoons flour
8 ounces beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 bay leaf
- Using a large skillet, brown the ground chuck along with the onions and garlic.
- Drain the meat mixture and return it to the skillet.
- Add the frozen vegetables and stir to mix. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables and stir to mix.
- Add the tomato paste and stir.
- Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce to low heat. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Add more broth if needed.
- Remove from heat. Spread the meat mixture into the baking dish. Remove the bay leaf.
- Allow the meat mixture to rest for 20 minutes.
- Top the meat with the mashed potatoes, making an even layer. Make the potatoes look like fluffy clouds.
- Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are brown and bubbly.
Makes 10 servings.
Chocolate Mousse
There is nothing better than a delicious chocolate dessert. Children can help by measuring and adding the ingredients. They will love adding the delicious layers to the serving glass and making the whipped topping look just like a cloud.
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
4 ounces semi-sweet or milk baking chocolate or chocolate chips
1 tablespoon milk for melting chocolate
Additional whipped topping to garnish.
- Melt the butter in the microwave.
- Add the graham crackers and sugar, mix thoroughly.
- Place one fourth of the mixture into the bottom of each serving container. Press down.
- Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and vanilla until fluffy.
- In a small bowl, add the chocolate and milk and microwave until completely melted and creamy. Stirring in 30 second intervals.
- Add the chocolate to the cream cheese mixture, mix thoroughly.
- Gently, fold in the whipped topping.
- Fill each serving container to the top with the chocolate mousse.
- Garnish the top with additional whipped topping to form a cloud.
- Can also shave some chocolate on the top of the whipped topping to garnish.
Makes 4 servings.
