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!
Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets By: Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: Pre-school through Second Grade
Everyone knows that getting a new pet can be difficult, especially if the new pet is a saber-toothed cat named Mittens. Penelope Rex had a hard time adjusting to the many issues that a new pet can present, especially a pet like Mittens. Penelope did learn that with patience and a little training, having a Mittens is worth the trouble. Great book for children getting a new pet.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading, discuss with the child what some of the issues might be when you get a new pet.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you how Mittens was different from the pets that they might have.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you some of the problems that Penelope had with Mittens.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how Penelope felt when Mittens was no longer allowed in the house.
- Ask the child to tell you some of the things that they did with Mittens to make her a better pet.
Additional Books by Ryan T. Higgins
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
- We Don’t Lose Our Cass Goldfish
- We Will Rock Our Classmates
- Hey, Bruce!
- Be Quiet!
Cooking Time:
Watermelon Fries and Strawberry Yogurt Dip
This is the perfect healthy snack for summer time. Children will love helping to make these fun fries and mixing the dip.
Will need a crinkle fry cutter.
Watermelon
Dip:
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon honey
- Cut watermelon into 1/2 inch thick slices.
- Use the crinkle cutter to cut the watermelon into fries.
- Add the dip ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend on low until smooth. Add additional honey if desired.
Make as many fries as you would like.
Chocolate Protein Balls
If you have a new pet, you may need some extra energy and these protein balls are perfect. Children can help by adding the ingredients and forming the balls.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup honey
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup creamy peanut butter (heaping cup)
- Place the beans between several layers of paper towels and start smashing them. Try to squeeze out all of the liquid that you can.
- Add the beans to a food processor or blender and blend until the beans become a paste.
- Add the honey, cocoa, salt and coconut to the blender and combine completely.
- Pour the contents into a medium-sized bowl and stir in the peanut butter.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Using the food processor, coarsely blend the oatmeal.
- Mix the oatmeal into the chilled mixture.
- Using a scoop, shape into balls.
- Place the balls onto a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 additional minutes.
- If desired, the balls can be rolled in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips or powdered sugar.
Makes 34 protein balls.
Num Num Cookies
These ooey gooey cookies will be a family favorite. Children can help be measuring, adding ingredients, cracking the eggs and forming the cookies.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. You will need large baking cups. (Found on Amazon)
1 cup cold butter, sliced
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Semi-sweet chocolate chunks (11.5 ounces)
- Using a stand mixer, mix the butter and sugars on high until combined, light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and eggs and mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture a little at a time, mixing in between.
- Set aside a few of the chocolate chunks to press on the top. Add the rest of the chocolate to the dough.
- Place the baking cups onto the baking sheet. Make sure there is plenty of space between.
- Fill each cup with 3 heaping scoops of dough.
- Press the dough down into the bottom of each cup.
- Press a few chocolate chunks on top of each.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 24 minutes. Do not over bake.
- Edges will be golden brown, but the middle is still a little gooey.
- Serve warm and eat with a fork.
Makes 12 cookies.
