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 Red Racer By: Audrey Wood
Ages: Preschool through Second Grade
In this delightful story, Nona really wants the Deluxe Red Racer to replace her old bicycle. Her parents feel that it is too expensive, so Nona begins to have wicked thoughts in order to get a new bike. In the end, it all works out and Nona learns a valuable lesson. This book has a great story and provides the opportunity for a lot of conversation. It also shows the power of family and community.
Tips for Reading:
- Before reading the story, ask the child to look at the book cover and guess what Nona might be thinking about.
- After reading, ask the child to discuss how Nona must have felt when she was being bullied by the “Brats”.
- After reading the story, ask the child to tell you some of Nona’s “wicked thoughts” and what she did to make her bike disappear.
- After reading, ask the child what Nona’s parents did to make Nona happy about her bike.
- After reading the story, ask the child to discuss any “wicked thoughts” that they may have had.
Additional Books:
- Owen By: Kevin Henkes
- Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse By: Kevin Henkes
- Jamaica’s Find By: Juanita Havill Illustrated by: Anne Sibley O’Brien
- Finders Keepers By: Keiko Kasza
Cooking Time:
Bicycle Wheel Pasta Salad
Wheel pasta is perfect for this colorful summer salad. The poppy seed dressing gives it a wonderful sweet and sour flavor that family and friends will love. Children can help by cutting the veggies and adding and mixing all of the ingredients. Don’t forget to include them in kitchen cleanup.
1 package (16 ounces) wagon wheel pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup diced cucumber, peeled
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups poppy seed dressing
- Prepare the pasta according to the cooking directions on the box.
- Prepare all of the vegetables and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Run cold water over the cooked pasta to cool.
- Add the pasta to the vegetables and mix.
- Add the cheese and mix.
- Pour the poppy seed dressing over the veggie mixture and stir until coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for an hour before serving.
Makes 16 to 18 servings.
Celebration Cupcakes
These patriotic cupcakes are perfect to celebrate the 4th of July and using a cake mix makes this recipe very easy. The cherries inside make these cupcakes extra special. Children can help by adding the ingredients to the cupcakes, cracking the eggs and decorating.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Put red liners into 24 cupcake tins.
1 white cake mix
1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained, chopped and patted dry
Glaze and Decorations
3 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla
Blue candy stars or blue mini M & M’s
Red decorating icing
- Prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the box.
- Stir the cherries into the cake mix.
- Using an ice cream scoop, fill the cupcake tins about half full.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake.
- Place the cupcakes on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cupcakes from the trays and return to the rack to continue the cooling process.
- Prepare the glaze by putting the sugar, corn syrup and 3 tablespoons of water in a mixer.
- Mix on medium speed until smooth, adding additional water as needed.
- Spoon the glaze onto cooled cupcakes and spread with the back of the spoon.
- Add the red lines and stars or M & M’s to resemble a flag.
Makes 18 to 24 cupcakes.
