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 Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog By: Mo Willems
Ages: Toddler through First Grade
Pigeon is very excited about finding a hot dog until he runs into Duckling. Pigeon gets very frustrated with all of the questions that Duckling asks and really wants to keep the hot dog for himself. Guilt finally comes into play and Duckling comes up with the perfect solution. This book is about problem solving and sharing.
Tips for Reading:
- While reading the story, discuss new vocabulary that might be unfamiliar to the child such as sensation, morsel and splendor.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you why Pigeon was so upset.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you how the problem was solved.
- Ask the child to tell you about a time when they shared something with a friend.
Additional Books by Mo Willems
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
- The Pigeon Has to Go to School
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
- The Pigeon Wants a Puppy
- The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too
- The Pigeon Needs a Bath
Cooking Time:
Hot Dog Joe
Since Pigeon found a hot dog, our recipes will include hot dogs. This easy recipe for sloppy joe is great on its own and even better when it is used to cover your hot dog. It is a great dish to put in a crock pot and serve for a crowd. Children can help by adding the ingredients, adding the sloppy joe to the hot dogs and kitchen clean-up.
2 pounds ground chuck
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 can (10 1/2 oz.) condensed chicken gumbo soup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons sugar
- In a skillet, cook the ground chuck and onions until the meat is no longer pink.
- Drain the meat and onion mixture and return to the skillet or place in a crock pot.
- Add the ketchup, mustard and soup and combine.
- Add the salt, pepper and sugar and mix.
- Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes if using a skillet. If using a crock pot, put on low and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- To serve, dish the sloppy joe onto a hamburger bun or cover a hot dog in a bun.
Makes 8 servings on hamburger buns.
Makes 14 to 16 servings on hot dogs.
Hot Dog Appetizers
Keeping with the hot dog theme in our story, these are easy appetizers that are perfect because children can assemble them on their own. They would be great for a kid’s party.
20 Ritz crackers
2 hot dogs
5 slices processed American cheese
Ketchup, mustard and relish for dipping
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place the crackers onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Cut each slice of cheese into four pieces.
- Place a piece of cheese on each cracker.
- Cut each hot dog into 10 slices.
- Place a piece of hot dog onto the cheese.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
- Serve with ketchup, mustard and relish.
Makes 20 appetizers.
