Read, Discuss, Bake: Books about bread!

  One of my favorite memories from my childhood was my dad’s baking. He’d often bake a simple white bread, which we would use for sandwiches or snacking. He’d sometimes turn some of it into cinnamon rolls, which came in second only to my mom’s chocolate chip cookies. On special occasions he’d whip up a batch of Orange Cinnamon Swirl, a loaf of mildly orange flavored bread with a swirl of cinnamon and sugar in the center, glazed with an orangey icing. In my mind, there was no better treat. And it wasn’t just the eating of the bread that was enjoyable, but the anticipation. And the smells. Is there any better smell than bread baking in the oven? My dad taught me how to bake bread, and I still have the copy of  Bernard Clayton’s New Complete Book of Breads  that he gave me nearly 30 years ago. I bake from it often. Bread is a staple all around the world. And bread, like books, can do wonders to foster human connection. So our hope with this list today is that it will inspire...

YOU'RE THE HUGS TO MY KISSES Review and Story Time Activity

by Laura Sassi

You’re the Hugs to my Kisses (Zonderkidz, 2022), written by Barbara Herndon with illustrations by Diane Ewen, is an engaging choice for Valentine’s Day or any time of year. Full of clever rhymes that celebrate the joy of loving others and embracing the special connections loved ones share, Barbara’s bouncy text is a delight to read. Diane Ewan’s illustrations stand out for their colorful and diverse cast of people of all ages enjoying each others’ company in various ways.

Read: You’re the Hugs to my Kisses by Barbara Herndon and Diane Ewen

Discuss: 
  • What made this book fun to read?
  • What was your favorite “you’re the ______ to my _____” description?  Why was it your favorite?
  • Who are some special people in your life?
  • How would you describe them using the “you’re the ______ to my _____” format?

Do: Make your own “You’re the  _____ to my ______” postcards!

You will need: 

sturdy paper cut to postcard size (4”x6”)
markers, crayons
address of special person for mailing
postcard stamp

Instructions:
  1. Inspired by the story, brainstorm a batch of your own “you’re the ____ to my ____” descriptions. Ex: “You’re the sparkle to my lights”, “You’re the salsa to my tacos”, “”You’re the frosting to my cake” etc.
  2. Taking a blank postcard, write the one that best matches your special person on one side of the card. Then illustrate it using markers or crayons.
  3. On the other side, write a short note telling your special person why they are special to you. 
  4. Address the card. Then add a stamp and pop it in the mail!






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