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!
Nigel and the Moon By: Antwan Eady Illustrated by: Gracey Zhang
Ages: Preschool through Second Grade
In this beautiful book, Nigel tells the moon about his dreams of being a dancer, an astronaut or even a super hero, but he cannot say these dreams out loud. During career week at school, he becomes even more afraid to express his dreams and is embarrassed that his parents do not have fancy jobs. This story has a great ending and Nigel is finally able to express his dreams to his class. This is a special story and a must read.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, ask the child to tell you what they would like to be when they grow up.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you some of Nigel’s dreams.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you why they think Nigel was afraid to say his dreams out loud.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you why Nigel did not want to tell his class what his parents did for a living.
- After reading, how did Nigel feel about his parent’s jobs after they visited his classroom.
Additional Books:
- Reverie, It’s Up to Me By: April and Jackson Jones
- I Can Do Hard Things By: Gabi Garcia Illustrated by: Charity Russell
- What Shoes Will You Wear? By: Julia Cook Illustrated by: Anita DuFalla
- Career Day By: Anne Rockwell Illustrated by: Lizzy Rockwell
Cooking Time:
Blueberry Almond Energy Balls
These delicious energy balls are perfect for a lunch box or after school snack. Children can help by measuring, adding the ingredients and forming the balls.
2/3 cup finely chopped almonds
1/2 cup dried blueberries
1 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey
- Using a large bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix until completely combined.
- Use a small scoop or spoon to form small balls. Roll balls with your hands. Keep hands damp with water so that the mixture doesn’t stick to them.
- Place the balls on a pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for an hour to set. Store in the refrigerator.
Makes 20 energy balls.
Pizza Rolls
These Pizza Rolls are easy to make and can be packed for a school lunch or an after school snack. Children can help by rolling out the dough, spreading the ingredients, and rolling the dough up to make the rolls.
1 can crescent dough sheet
Flour for rolling
Few tablespoons of prepared pizza or spaghetti sauce
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or more if you like
Fillings such as pieces of pepperoni, ham or veggies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the can and sprinkle both sides with a little flour.
- Roll out into a rectangle until about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread sauce thinly and evenly over the whole piece of dough.
- Sprinkle evenly with cheese.
- Add desired toppings.
- Start rolling up from the long edge as tight as you can without squishing out the toppings.
- Slice in 3/4 inch pieces with a sharp knife.
- Place on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the dough is golden brown.
Makes 18 to 20 rolls.
Salted Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
This apple cake is really delicious! Children can help by chopping the apples, measuring and adding the ingredients and cracking the eggs
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 10 inch by 15 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 sticks butter
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups peeled and chopped apples
Glaze:
1 stick butter
1/4 cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, sugar and brown sugar.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine the butter and water and heat until the butter is melted.
- Bring to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and stir into the flour mixture.
- Allow to cool slightly.
- Add the buttermilk, eggs and vanilla and stir.
- Gently fold in the apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Place on a wire rack to cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze.
- Place the butter and milk in a heat-proof bowl and microwave until the butter is melted.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and whisk to combine.
- Stir in the vanilla and caramel until well combined.
- If too thin, add additional powdered sugar.
- Pour evenly over the slightly warm cake.
- Allow to set for 15 minutes before slicing.
Makes 20 to 24 servings.
