Baker's Weekly Read-Raves and Food-Faves

Baker stashed two books in his diaper bag to take to grandma's -- his current by-far-favorite reads: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems and Sam's Cookie by Barbro Lindgren. Both books promote reader-toddler interaction and appeal directly to the wide range of terrific and terrible toddler emotions. WILL check out more Sam books next week. Another book meriting "read George again" is Bark, George with text and outstanding pictures by Jules Feiffer -- just read it three times through with both boys, giggling the whole time. A definite purchase for our collection.

As do many two's, Baker loves Elmo. So, when he saw C is for Cooking: Recipes From the Street by Susan McQuillan, R.D. at the bookstore this week, he had to have it for his own. Being the weak-in-the-knees mom that I am when my toddler asks nicely, "Peees?" we went home with the book ($16.95). Written by a registered dietician, the recipes are healthy, varied, and many, many making this cookbook the only one you need for a few fantastic years of cooking (and bonding) with your toddler/preschooler. The proud and triumphant look on Baker's face when we sat down to eat Zoe's Bowtie Salad with Tuna & Veggies: Priceless.

At our house, food time is family time. Cooking together with your toddler: 1) promotes eye-hand coordination, and fine motor, math, science, and literacy skills 2) helps children learn to plan ahead and clean up 3) piques a child's curiousity and willingness to try new, healthful foods and 4) is just the kind of plain ol' fun that brings parents and children together. Baker's next pick: Rosita's Tortilla Soup with "abocabo."