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!
The Crayons Go Back To School By: Drew Daywalt Illustrated by: Oliver Jeffers
Ages: Pre-school through First Grade
Summer is over and the Crayons are ready to go back to school. They aren’t just “ready”, they can’t wait to see old friends and get back to work. Children will enjoy seeing their “Crayon” friends again as they begin a new school year.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, ask the child to discuss any other “Crayon” books that they have heard.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you how the “Crayons” feel about going back to school.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you some of the reasons that the “Crayons” were happy about going back to school.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you about their favorite “Crayon”.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you why they are excited about going back to school.
Additional “Crayon” Books:
- The Day the Crayons Quit
- The Day the Crayons Came Home
- The Crayons’ Book of Feelings
- The Crayon’s Trick or Treat
- The Crayons Give Thanks
Cooking Time:
Our recipes are perfect for after school snacks and the beginning of school needs an apple recipe.
Cookie Dough Energy Bites
This is a quick and protein rich after school snack. Children can help by measuring, adding the ingredients and helping to form the balls.
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup ground flax seeds
1/3 cup mini M & M’s
1 teaspoon vanilla
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix.
- Roll into small balls, about an inch in diameter.
- Refrigerate for an least an hour to set.
- Store in the fridge.
Makes 36 servings.
Corndog Muffins
This is an easy way to have a corndog that kids will love helping you make. Children can add the ingredients, crack the eggs and layer the muffins in the tins.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 18 muffin tins with paper.
2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package hot dogs, sliced and chopped into bite size pieces
- Put all of the ingredients except the hot dogs into a bowl and whisk together.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cornbread mix into each muffin tin.
- Add a layer of hot dogs.
- Add another 2 tablespoons of the cornbread mix over the hot dogs.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until nice and brown.
Makes 18 servings.
Apple Snickers Salad
The beginning of school always needs an “apple” recipe and this one is beyond delicious. Children can help by adding the ingredients and mixing.
1 cup milk
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
6 apples of choice
1 (12 ounce) container Cool Whip
1/2 cup caramel sauce
6 full size Snickers bars, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup mini marshmallows
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mix. Whisk for about a minute, then allow to sit and thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Core, peel and chop apples
- Fold Cool Whip and caramel sauce into the pudding mixture until smooth.
- Fold in apples, candy bars and marshmallows until incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.
Makes 12 servings.
