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 lives.
*Read to the children in your life every day. You are giving them a gift that will last a lifetime!
Nellie’s Big Splash By: Cori Doerrfeld
Ages: Pre-school through First Grade
Nellie is a little turtle who has just hatched on the beach. She watches all of the other turtles make their way to the ocean, but she is very afraid. The ocean looks like a scary place and the water came in with a “crash”. Finally, Nellie gained the courage to find her way to the water. This is a special story about bravery and overcoming fear.
Tips for Reading:
- After reading the story, discuss with the child the process of sea turtle’s hatching and how they make their way to the ocean.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you about Nellie’s problem.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you some of the things that Nellie did to become brave enough to go into the ocean.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how Nellie felt when she was high and could see the waves.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you about something that they have done that required courage.
Additional Books by Cori Doerrfeld:
- Ready to Soar
- Beneath
- Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend!
- The Rabbit Listened
Cooking Time:
Cheesecake Cups
This delicious treat is a healthy one. Children will love helping to make the yogurt mixture and layering the components.
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Strawberries
Blueberries
- In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press about 1 1/2 tablespoons into 4 serving jars. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the yogurt, vanilla and lemon juice. Mix on medium-high speed until well combined. Mixture should be thick and smooth.
- Add part of the yogurt mixture to the jars, add fruit, more yogurt and put additional fruit on the top.
- Can also add graham crackers to garnish.
Makes 4 jars.
Garden Pasta Salad
Our story is about the beach, so this salad uses shell pasta. Children can help by chopping veggies, measuring and adding ingredients and mixing.
12 ounces shell pasta, cooked according to package directions
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 English cucumber, sliced
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup cheese cubes
3/4 cup sweet Italian dressing
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and allow to cool.
- Prepare the veggies and cheese.
- Using a large bowl, combine the pasta, veggies, cheese and salad dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Add additional salt and pepper if needed.
Makes 6 servings.
Fruit and Nut Trail Mix
This delicious combination of fruits and nuts will be a summer hit. Children can help by measuring the ingredients and mixing.
2 cups roasted and salted almonds
2 cups roasted and salted cashews
2 cups roasted and salted peanuts
2 cups dried cherries
2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup M & M’s
1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
Makes 30 servings.
