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!
Sleepy Sheepy By: Lucy Ruth Cummins Illustrated by: Pete Oswald
Ages: Toddler through First Grade
It’s time for Sleepy Sheepy to go to bed, but he just isn’t ready. There were many things that he wanted to do before he went to sleep. No worries, Sleepy Sheepy finally began to yawn and off to bed he went. This sweet book has lots of word play that kids will love. The perfect bedtime story for little ones.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, discuss with the child their bedtime routine.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you some of the things that Sleepy Sheepy wanted to do before going to sleep.
- While reading the story discuss with the child what “wired” means.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you some of the signs that indicated that Sleepy Sheepy was getting tired.
- After reading the story, ask the child if they have ever had difficulty falling to sleep.
Additional Books:
- Sleepy Time By: D. S. Park Illustrated by: Juwel Rona
- Goodnight Little Turtle By: David Cusliffe Illustrated by: Tiffany Cusliffe
- Night Time Farm By: Roger Priddy
- Llama Llama Nighty-Night By: Anna Dewdney
- Good Night, Little Blue Truck By: Alice Schertle Illustrated by: Jill McElmurry
Cooking Time:
Frozen Yogurt Bark
This is the perfect healthy bedtime snack. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and putting on the toppings.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3.5 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
2 cups cut strawberries
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and honey.
- Spread onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Top with the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips.
- Cover with clingfilm and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until hardened.
- Cut into pieces and store in a plastic bag in the freezer.
Makes 25 pieces.
Sheepy Treat
Kids will love this after school treat and can assemble it on their own.
Graham crackers
White canned frosting
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate melting wafers
Candy eyes
- Spread icing on the graham cracker.
- Place the chocolate piece onto the cracker.
- Using icing, attach the candy eyes.
- Add marshmallows to the rest of the cracker.
Make as many as you would like.
Sheepy Cupcakes
These are just regular cupcakes decorated like sheep. Children can help by adding ingredients, cracking the eggs and decorating the cupcakes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
Cake mix (use your favorite)
Canned frosting, vanilla
Chocolate melting wafers
Mini marshmallows
Candy eyes
- Prepare the cupcakes according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.
- Add the frosting to the cupcakes.
- Cut pieces of a chocolate wafer in thirds. Using the rounded sides for ears.
- Place candy eyes on a whole wafer. Attach with icing.
- Place the head onto the cupcake and add the slices for the ears.
- Add marshmallows to form the body.
Makes 20 to 24 cupcakes.
