children’s book related recipes

February 24 – National Tortilla Chip Day

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About the Holiday

If the tortilla-making machine had produced perfect rounds every time back in the 1950s, the world may never have known the crunchy deliciousness of tortilla chips. Back in the day, Rebecca Webb Carranza and her husband owned the El Zarape Tortilla Factory in Los Angeles, California and were one of the first to automate tortilla production.

Instead of wasting the odd-shaped ones, Carranza cut them into triangles, fried them, and sold them in bags.They were a hit! People all over began enjoying them dipped in salsa and guacamole and smothering them in cheese. In 1994 Carranza was honored with the Golden Tortilla Award for her contributions to the Mexican food industry, and in 2003 Texas named the tortilla chip the official state snack!

Round is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes

Written by Roseanne Thong | Illustrated by John Parra

 

“Round are sombreros. / Round is the moon. / Round are the trumpets that blare out a tune. Round are tortillas and tacos too. / Round is a pot of abuela’s stew. / I can name more round things can you?” With wonderful, lyrical verses, Roseanne Thong introduces children to the shapes—circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, ovals, stars, and more—that make up their multicultural world.

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Image copyright John Parra, 2013, text copyright Roseanne Thong, 2013. Courtesy of Chronicle Books.

Here are round chiming campanas and nests full of swallows, square ventanas for peering through and clocks for telling time. Rectangles are cold paletas to eat on a hot summer day and the ice-cream carts that deliver them, and triangles make tasty quesadillas and gliding sailboats. Each verse ends with an invitation for kids to find more shapes around them—an invitation that’s hard to resist!

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Image copyright John Parra, 2013, text copyright Roseanne Thong, 2013. Courtesy of Chronicle Books.

Rebecca Thong’s bright, fun-to-read verses shine with evocative words that elevate this concept book to a celebration of the sights, sounds, and sensations that make up readers’ lives. Spanish words sprinkled throughout the story enhance the theme of the book and are defined following the text. 

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Image copyright John Parra, 2013, text copyright Roseanne Thong, 2013. Courtesy of Chronicle Books.

John Parra’s beautiful folk-art illustrations, which are sure to put a smile on kids’ faces, immerse readers in the daily life of a Latino town. People dance, cook, play games, walk in the park, attend a festival, and more—all while surrounded by colorful shapes. Kids will love lingering over the pages to find all of the intricate details and may well want to learn more about what they see.

Round is a Tortilla is not only a book of shapes, it makes shapes exciting! The book is a wonderful stepping stone to discussions about the places, celebrations, symbols, and decorations found on the pages for students or individuals and would be a welcome addition to any classroom or child’s bookshelf

Ages 3 – 6

Chronicle Books, San Francisco, 2013 | ISBN 978-1452106168 (Hardcover) | ISBN 978-1452145686 (Paperback)

Learn more about Roseanne Thong and her books for children and adults on her website!

View a gallery of books and artwork by John Parra on his website!

National Tortilla Chip Day Activity

CPB - Tortilla chips (2)

Homemade Baked Tortilla Cinnamon Chips

Ingredients

  • 2 10-inch flour tortillas
  • ¾ Teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons Sugar
  • Butter

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Combine the cinnamon and the sugar in a bowl
  3. Butter the tortillas
  4. Sprinkle the tortillas with the cinnamon sugar mixture
  5. Cut the tortillas into 8 pieces
  6. Place pieces on a baking sheet
  7. Bake in 350-degree oven for 12 – 15 minutes
  8. Chips will become crispier as they cool.

Makes 16 chips

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You can find Round is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

 

February 11 – Make a Friend Day

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About the Holiday

Whether you spend today with an old friend or make a new one, it’s a perfect time to remember those people who know our secrets, make us laugh, lend an ear, do silly things with us, and generally make life better! Today give an old friend a hug, a thank-you, or tell them how much they mean to you. Look around and see if there’s someone new you’d like to meet. They may be wanting to meet you too! Walk up and say “hi”—it may be the beginning of a new friendship!

Stick and Stone

Written by Beth Ferry | Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

 

A stick and a stone live lonely lives until one day when they meet at the playground. As they playing on the swings together, a prickly pinecone comes along and makes fun of Stone for falling off the swing. Stone’s new friend “sticks” up for him, and Pinecone leaves them alone. Stick’s and Stone’s friendship grows as they explore new places, help each other complete fun activities, and relax together.

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Image copyright Tom Lichtenheld, text copyright Beth Ferry, Courtesy of tomlichtenheld.com

When a windstorm strikes, Stick and Pinecone are blown away, leaving Stone alone again. Stone searches everywhere and finally finds Stick upside down in a puddle. With ingenious creativity, Stone rescues Stick, proving that together they are a perfect 10.

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Image copyright Tom Lichtenheld, text copyright Beth Ferry, Courtesy of tomlichtenheld.com

Using rhyme, puns, and perfect pacing, Beth Ferry infuses her spare text with just the right emotional tone for her young readers. A little conflict, a little suspense, and a little cleverness, add up to a big-hearted story.  

Tom Lichtenheld’s Stick and Stone are simply adorable. Kids will immediately identify with this whimsical duo and wish they could join them on their adventures. Clever pairings of text and illustrations enhance the meaningful relationship of these new friends.

Ages 3 – 7

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, 2015 | ISBN 978-0544032569

Discover more about Beth Ferry and her books – plus extra goodies – on her website!

You’ll love exploring the gallery of illustration and books on Tom Lichtenheld‘s website!

Stick around and watch this Stick and Stone book trailer!

Bake for Family Fun Month Activity

CPB - Hot Chocolate trio (2)

Special Friendship Hot Chocolate Jar 

 

There’s nothing better than sipping hot chocolate with a friend – either old or new! Snitching a couple of marshmallows when you load up your mug and wearing that stylish foamy mustache are all sure to make you and your friend giggle! And the rich chocolate flavor is guaranteed to make you happy!

Here’s an easy way to make a special gift to give to an old friend or to introduce you to a new one!

CPB - Hot Chocolate from above with whisk

Supplies

  • Mason jar, canning jar, or any recycled jar from home
  • Canister of your favorite hot chocolate mix
  • Bag of mini marshmallows
  • Bag of chocolate chips
  • Measuring cup
  • Spoon
  • Piece of cloth
  • Shoelace, string, elastic, or ribbon
  • Paper or card stock to make a Friendship Tag
  • Hole punch
  • Scissor

Directions for Filling the Jar

  1. Wash and completely dry the jar
  2. Drop a handful of mini marshmallows into the bottom of the jar. With the spoon push some of the marshmallows tight against the glass so they will show up when you add the hot chocolate mix.
  3. Measure 1/3 cup of hot chocolate mix and sprinkle it on top of the marshmallows. With the spoon gently spread the mix over the marshmallows.
  4. If you wish, add a layer of chocolate chips.
  5. Continue layering marshmallows and hot chocolate mix until you get to the top of the jar.
  6. At the top add another layer of chocolate chips and marshmallows.
  7. Put the lid on the jar and secure it tightly.

Directions for Decorating the Lid and Adding the Tag

  1. Cut a 6-inch circle from the cloth. To make the edges decorative, use a pinking sheers or other specialty scissor.
  2. Cover the lid of the jar with the cloth and secure with an elastic or rubber band.
  3. Tie the string, shoelace, or other tie around the rim of the lid.
  4. If using a Mason jar, place the cloth between the disk and the screw top
  5. Create a Friendship Tag and add your name and the name of your friend.
  6. Use a hole punch to make a hole in the Friendship Tag, slide it onto the tie, and knot it.

Directions for Making the Hot Chocolate

  1. With a spoon measure 1/2 cup of the hot chocolate, marshmallow, chocolate chip mix into a mug
  2. Fill the mug with boiling water, hot milk, or a combination of both
  3. Enjoy!

Picture Book Review