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!
Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas By: Aaron Blabey
Ages: Toddlers through Kindergarten
Brian the piranha just happens to love fruit and vegetables. Since piranhas are meat eaters, his friends could not understand Brian’s diet until he encouraged them to give it a try. This book is done in rhyming verse and children will love this fun story. They will also learn about piranhas.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, ask the child to tell you what they know about piranhas.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you some of the fruits and vegetables that Brian liked to eat.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what all of the piranhas did to stop Brian from chattering about fruits and vegetables.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you what they learned about piranhas.
- After reading, ask the child to find rhyming words such as peas/knees, plums/bums, etc.
Additional Books by Aaron Blabey:
- Thelma the Unicorn
- I Need a Hug
- Pig the Pug
- Pig the Monster
- The Bad Guys
Cooking Time:
Breakfast Banana Split
This is such a healthy way to enjoy a banana split and is perfect for breakfast. Children can help by chopping the strawberries and pineapple, scooping the yogurt and adding the toppings.
1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt, divided into three scoops
1 banana, cut in half, lengthwise
2 tablespoons chopped strawberries
2 tablespoons chopped pineapple
1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
- Place 3 scoops of yogurt in a row on a dish. Place the banana halves on each side of the yogurt.
- Sprinkle strawberries on top of one scoop.
- Sprinkle pineapple on top of another scoop.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the last scoop.
Makes 1 serving.
Banana Pancakes
When you have extra overripe bananas, these pancakes are a perfect recipe. They are fluffy and delicious! Children can help by measuring, adding the ingredients and cracking the egg.
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 medium to large ripe banana, mashed
1 large egg
2-3 tablespoons milk, divided
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
- In a medium bowl, smash the banana with a fork. Add the egg, 2 tablespoons milk, butter and vanilla. Mix until well blended.
- Add the flour mixture, stir until combined. If the batter is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk.
- Heat a skillet on medium heat. Butter the pan or grease with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour 1/3 cup of pancake mixture into the skillet. Cook until the pancake begins to bubble. Flip and cook through.
Makes 4 pancakes.
Banana Crumb Cake
This cake is so moist and the crumb topping adds a little sweetness. Children can help by mashing the bananas, cracking the eggs, measuring and adding the ingredients. Don’t forget to include them in kitchen cleanup.
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Crumb Topping:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 by 13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the mashed bananas, eggs , vanilla and sour cream. Mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Make the crumb topping.
- In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
- Using a fork, mix the ingredients into small crumbs.
- Evenly, sprinkle the crumb topping onto the batter.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
- Serve warm.
Makes 12 servings.
