Cookbooks Archives -

Mother’s Day Books for Children 2021

May 5, 2021
goodreadswithronna
Ages 0-3, Ages 3-7, Ages 4-8, Ages 5-8, Board Books - Interactive Books, Children's Book Reviews, Holidays & Celebrations, Juvenile Fiction, Love, Mother's Day

NEW MOTHER’S DAY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

∼ A ROUNDUP ∼

Let’s give a round of applause to moms everywhere on Mother’s Day with this great selection of Mother’s Day books that perhaps express what children cannot. The pandemic has been a challenge and moms, you stepped up to the plate, or should I say multiple plates, and made things work. Sometimes it wasn’t easy. You wondered if your hard work was appreciated or how long you’d be able to keep the smile on your face. Sometimes you didn’t smile and that’s okay. There were a lot of gray days but you never forgot what it means to be a mother, a grandmother, or caregiver. And those you love are taking this day to remember you and let you know how much they care. Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day!

LEO LOVES MOMMY
Written by Anna McQuinn
Illustrated by Ruth Hearson
(Charlesbridge Publishing; $7.99; Ages 0-3)

The precious board book, a love letter to mommies, is a companion to Leo Loves Daddy, and a wonderful way to share the joy of reading together with mother and child. With diverse characters and warm tones in 18 delightful pages, Ruth Hearson illustrates the tender relationship Leo and Mommy share. Anna McQuinn’s gentle rhymes take the reader through the daily activities, “At yoga class, Mommy lifts Leo with ease. Riding home through the park, Mommy speeds like the breeze.” McQuinn’s Lola Reads series includes Lola Reads to Leo, Lola Gets a Cat, and Lola Loves Stories, all illustrated by Hearson. This is a great Mother’s Day read highlighting the special bond kids share with their moms. • Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

I LOVE MOMMY EVERY DAY
Written by Isabel Otter
Illustrated by Alicia Mas
(Random House BYR; $10.99; Ages 3-7)

Part of the An Every Day Together Book collection, I Love Mommy Every Day is a sweet book celebrating moms. “Mommy feels like home, a comforting presence wherever I am,” says a blonde-haired child with large purple glasses as she snuggles in bed, while Mommy is reading by her side. Alicia Mas brings the reader in with her eye-pleasing art of various mommies with their children. Her blues, oranges, pinks, and reds surround Otter’s descriptions of all the different kinds of mommies. Turning to the last page, the reader comes across a list that reads, “What do you love best about your mommy?” Numbered from one to three, these questions offer the opportunity for parents to talk to their kids, or have them write (or dictate) on a separate paper, about what makes their mommy so special and lovable. They provide a fun activity for teachers to give students to create an unexpected yet personalized Mother’s Day gift.
• Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

HOW TO SPOT A MOM
Written by Donna Amey Bhatt
Illustrated by Aura Lewis
(Wide Eyed Editions; $14.99; Ages 5-8)

This picture book put a smile on my face as I read through each page trying to decide if I was Zen Mom or Organized Mom, while also wondering which one my adult children would choose. Aura Lewis’ colorful illustrations of trendy moms, outdoorsy moms, and working moms depict, page-by-page, all kinds of moms. Which one are you? The book opens with “What is a Mom?” then explains that moms are not just biological, they are stepmoms, adoptive, foster moms, and even moms-to-be. My favorite pages were under the heading Moms around the World, showing the reader that in Finland, Aiti, gives birth and then is given a box of essentials from the government, and babies can even sleep inside the box; and in India the new mom, Maan, often goes back to her own mom to help her adapt to parenthood. This playful book also conveys genuine gratitude, concluding with, “Thank you to your mom, their mom, and all the moms yet to come.” This is a great read throughout the year. • Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

DEAR GRANDMA
Written by Susanna Leonard Hill
Illustrated by John Joseph
(Sourcebooks; $12.99, Ages 4-8)

New York Times’ best-selling author Susanna Leonard Hill’s new picture book, Dear Grandma, recognizes all the ways grandmothers are awesome. Written as a letter that begins, “Dear Grandma, Do you know you’re the best?” Each scene shows funny and loving ways: “You’re a jungle gym climber, jump rope rhymer, / storyteller, secret hideout dweller . . .” Grandmas soothe the bad days and nightmares away. They’re also with you through the seasons, whether living close by or staying in contact across the miles.

John Joseph echoes the text’s positive vibes in his colorful illustrations capturing children of the world interacting with their grams. The two-page wordless spread where a toy dragon comes to life is my favorite piece of art; it’s quite funny.

A perfect gift book to show grandma how much you appreciate everything she does.
• Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt

DESSERT PERSON:
Recipes and Guidance for Baking with Confidence
by Claire Saffitz
(Clarkson Potter; $35.00)

Most of the time my family eats simply, but, sometimes, I want to make something special. Two yeast recipes I need to fine-tune are English muffins and focaccia so I was happy (and surprised) to find Claire Saffitz’s versions in her Dessert Person cookbook. Don’t fear, there are loads of delicious desserts including cakes, pies, tarts, bars, and cookies along with a category called Fancy Desserts featuring croquembouche and so forth. Check the Recipe Matrix, which plots out recipes on a grid by difficulty level and total time—an at-a-glance time-saver. Read the thorough instructions before beginning to ensure you have the ingredients, time, and equipment.

Because kumquats were in season, I made Ricotta Cake with Kumquat Marmalade. The cake was a hit with a flavor reminiscent of German cheesecake. Its kumquat marmalade topping elevated this dish from comfort food to showstopper. I’ll make the cake again, swapping in a different seasonal topping.

Another recipe my family really enjoyed was Clam and Fennel Pizza with Gremolata, which begins with the Soft and Pillowy Flatbread recipe. (Store-bought pizza dough can be swapped out, but freshly made flatbread is a treat.) After the flatbreads are parbaked, top with the previously cooked clam, garlic, fennel, olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes mixture. Bake again, then finish off with a gremolata of flat-leaf parsley, fennel fronds, garlic, lemon zest, and kosher salt. There won’t be leftovers, guaranteed!

Beyond making these amazing creations, the photos are eye candy for us cookbook geeks. The gorgeous Black Sesame Paris-Brest is an image I’m drawn to. This bicycle wheel-shaped French pastry recipe replaces the traditional pastry cream for one made with black tahini. Other pastry cream options include chocolate or coconut variations.

I’ll keep looking at the beautiful pictures as I work my way through the recipes. From relatively simple Miso Buttermilk Biscuits to the two-months-to-make Fruitcake, there are dozens of delectable choices. This is a cookbook I will seek out—as the subtitle promises—to receive “guidance for baking with confidence.” What a wonderful treat for Mother’s Day. • Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt

(www.ChristineVanZandt.com), Write for Success (www.Write-for-Success.com), @ChristineVZ and @WFSediting, Christine@Write-for-Success.com

💗 And last but certainly not least, check out this wonderful interview with YOUR MAMA author NoNieqa Ramos, another must-read for Mother’s Day. The picture book was illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

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Kohl’s Cares Offers the Mucho Cool Skippyjon Jones Series

July 17, 2012
goodreadswithronna
Adult Nonfiction, Ages 3 and up, Juvenile Fiction, Kohl's Cares Program

HOLY GUACAMOLE!

It’s summer and the latest Kohl’s Cares program that gives back to kids is featuring the mucho exciting Skippyjon Jones picture books from Judy Schachner. Kids will love the books and merchandise and parents will love the $5 price tag. Plus who can resist the adorable antics of the beloved Siamese “kitty boy” who thinks he’s a fierce Chihuahua? Take advantage of this fun, affordable opportunity now through September and join Skippyjon Jones and his amigos today.

Author Schachner has teamed up with Kohl’s to touch “the lives of countless children across the country,” through the popular Kohl’s Cares program supporting children’s health and education initiatives nationwide that donates 100 percent of the net profit from every purchase.

The following books and merchandise are available to buy:

Skippyjon Jones – The first in this bestselling series

Skippyjon Jones, Class Action – Skippyjon Jones sneaks into doggy obedience school.

Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House – Children learn about the importance of minding their parents.

Skippyjon Jones, Lost in Space – Travel to Mars way before the Mars Rover!

Online Exclusive: Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones – Skippyjon Jones and amigos are searching for the elusive Skipposaurus. This book and its coordinating plush are available exclusively at Kohls.com.

Take a gander at this great lineup of books, plush toys and backpack for $5. There are even note cards and three terrific cookbooks for parents: Crock-Pot Busy Family Recipes along with Eat This, Not That! for Kids! and Campbell’s Best-loved Recipes, an online exclusive making back-to-school less stressful and more tasty.

Shop online or visit a Kohl’s near you to purchase these great Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise items and help kids in your community.

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This Mom Makes Mealtime Tempting And Tasty But Not A Task

The Mom 100 Cookbook: 100 Recipes Every Mom Needs in Her Back Pocket is reviewed today by Ronna Mandel.

Editor’s Note: I don’t cook, my husband does. He loves it, always has. The kitchen is his domain, but I do enter it daily and must admit I am intrigued by cooking shows and also cookbooks, in fact I have quite a selection. Everything inside each one I’ve amassed is gorgeous and delicious looking, but frankly reading a cookbook is akin to visiting a museum for me. I can admire all I see knowing I will never produce such a fine or delectable work of art. When I received The Mom 100 Cookbook by Katie Workman ($16.95, Workman Publishing), Founding Editor in Chief of Cookstr.com, with mouth-watering photographs by Todd Coleman, I was once again tempted to try a recipe, but at the same time scared off by my inexperience. I did what every cooking-shy woman in my place would do and rang my dear friend, a cooking aficionado, for her input. Her goal after reading the book and trying some recipes, I explained, was to get me psyched to step in front of the stove, not to clean it, but to prepare a meal. Hint: She accepted the challenge so read on!

The best part about Workman’s cookbook is that it’s accessible and written in a friendly tone, almost as though you were in conversation with the author. For more of the novice chefs like me, that’s assuring. I need a cheer squad rah-rahing me on so I appreciate the “I’m here to make it easy for you” and “You can do it!” style which is especially obvious from the way the contents page is arranged. Rather than a typical cookbook breaking down chapters alphabetically or simply by food group, in this case they are cleverly categorized based on specific needs: Quick and Easy Breakfasts, Lunch to Stay or to Go, A Handful of Snacks, Hearty Comfort Foods, Vegetarian Mains, Potluck, Mixed Company Dinners, Carbs, Best-Shot Vegetables, Weekend Brunches and my fave, Desserts. Thank you, Katie Workman, this is a great and practical idea.

cheesy beef macaroni 240x300 1 — One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Photo Credit Copyright ©Todd Coleman

We begin with a warm, honest and chatty introduction from a real, hands on mom and food writer who has faced real-life cooking dilemmas with her own family and found more than suitable solutions. So much so that she’s even dubbed each recipe Solution #1, Solution #2 etc. Workman provides not only the recipes but additional features that make this cookbook the go-to guide for getting the whole family to the table tempted then leaving it happy and sated. For example, my friend cooked a Hearty Comfort Foods recipe from Chapter 10 – One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni (see picture). Her 9 year-old daughter scarfed it down, a supper time success story. But my friend liked the extras the cookbook added such as notes about the ingredients used (in this case crushed tomatoes), a cooking tip about leftovers and a suggestion about how the kids can pitch in if they are eager to help.

The next recipe my foodie friend tried was in the Vegetarian Mains section which include variations for those who would like to add meat when it works. Well after making the Black Beans and Rice Solution #3 I’d say my friend is a bonafide www.themom100.com convert. Never again will she cook her tired old Black Beans and Rice recipe. The new flavors of Workman’s dish did it all. Not only was it simple and affordable to prepare but the spices used added a new dimension to what was once a fixture in my friend’s recipe repertoire. And, as Workman writes, it gets “even better one or two days after you first make it, because the flavors have a chance to meld and become one with the universe.” Now this is cooking vernacular I can sink my teeth into. Optional toppings in this recipe include grated cheddar cheese, lime wedges, scallions, cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, and hot sauce. Add crumbled bacon to it (as suggested by Workman) to satisfy my pork-loving teen and we’ve definitely got a meal made in heaven.

Here I must once again interject that while I may be a creative individual and can put together multiple outfits, decoupage a cardboard box like there’s no tomorrow, I am a blank canvas when facing food. How fortunate for me and those like me that Katie Workman is the Monet of Main Courses and the Degas of Desserts. She share tips and recipe variations galore, many which appeal to my sense of humor and Jewish upbringing. Often in a handwriting-like font she’ll add: “Here it is – the breast centerfold,” where various types of chicken including Greek and Cajun are enticingly displayed or in her Ribs With a Rub recipe she writes, “You might want to rethink that white T-shirt.” And her Fork in The Road options for picky eaters earns this cookbook extra points for parents of special needs children. My son has sensory processing issues and everything we prepare must be plain so we’ve always felt limited on what we could cook. The book opens up a bountiful of options to make dinner more enjoyable for the entire family.

In a nutshell or should I say taco, The Mom 100 Cookbook delivers everything it sets out to and then some. Whether you seek soup, salad, scrambled eggs or Streusel Apple Pie that will satisfy the family, a mom (or dad) needs to look no further than between pages 1 and 366. There are even ideas for themed menus at the back plus Resources and Conversion Tables. This mom has thought of it all and you the reader, cook and eater will be grateful! Oh husband dear, pass me an apron please.

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A New Season, A New Kohl’s Cares $5 Offer

May 31, 2012
goodreadswithronna
Adult Nonfiction, Juvenile Fiction, Kohl's Cares Program

We couldn’t enjoy our summer activities without welcoming back a seasonal favorite, the Kohl’s Cares program. At stores nationwide, Kohl’s unique merchandise program offers books, stuffed animals and this season a colorful tote at the amazingly affordable price of $5. Then Kohl’s gives 100 percent of the net profit from the sale of the featured books and plush toys to benefit kids’ health and education initiatives in communities nationwide. So make tracks to your nearest Kohl’s and pack a tote full of these great reads!

Choose from Down by the Cool of the Pool and Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton, and Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andrede, available in hardcover along with coordinating plush frog, monkey and giraffe toys for just $5 each at Kohl’s stores nationwide and at Kohls.com.

The Kohl’s Cares^â program and illustrator Guy Parker-Rees’ adorable animal illustrations will excite readers as they learn about the importance of individuality with colorful books and plush toys now available for just $5 at Kohl’s Department stores nationwide. Keep kids interested in reading all summer long with each of these delightful stories and coordinating plush animals. New to the collection and a Good Reads With Ronna fave is the must-have Down by the Cool of the Pool tote bag for just $5! Buy one each for your kids so they can take along all their new books when you’re on the go.

Want more, parents? Well, Kohl’s is treating adults to a tasty way to support children’s health and education… with the POPS! Icy Treats for Everyone cookbook by Krystina Castella and Good Housekeeping: Grilling cookbook each available for $5 through Kohl’s Cares. Get these two books which make fabulous hostess gifts this summer and remember to buy an extra set for yourself.

At the seaside or at home, the Kohl’s Cares books, plushies and tote bag will bring pleasure not only to your family but to all the children who benefit from your purchases.

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Kohl’s Keeps Kids Interested in Reading All Summer Long

From May through the end of June, visit any Kohl’s and for just $5 each you can take Llama Llama red pajama and Llama Llama misses Mama home with you.

Both these adorable books by Anna Dewdney can be purchased along with a precious coordinating plush llama or zebra, also for only $5. What an affordable and meaningful way to get kids reading and to share with friends for birthday presents or simply because it makes you feel good to give to such a worthwhile cause.

After reading, head off to the kitchen and cook up some fun with this pair of cookbooks that will support your healthy eating goals at home: Top Secret Restaurant Recipes 2 by Todd Wilbur and The Top 100 Recipes for a Healthy Lunchbox by Nicola Graimes, both available now for $5 each as part of the Kohl’s Cares program.

If you’re not familiar with the Kohl’s Cares program, it’s a great one to know about because the merchandise program donates 100% of the net profit from the sale of the featured books and plush toys to benefit kids’ health and education initiatives in communities nationwide.

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The Princess Party Cookbook

A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO HAS LITTLE PRINCESSES AT HOME!

Today’s guest reviewer, is Lisa Vasquez, mother of three (one prince and two princesses) from El Segundo, California. She’s thrilled to have sampled Princess Party Cookbook by Annabel Karmel.

I absolutely love this book! I live in sunny, southern California and just threw a fabulous princess party for my daughter thanks to Princess Party Cookbook. I found the most delicious recipes and easy tips to make my daughter’s day fit for royalty.

From invitations to table decor … even different party themes, Karmel has covered everything. So many details and fun ideas are packed into this invaluable book. In fact, I am even using some ideas I’ve picked up and incorporating them into parties I throw with friends. A real treat for holidays or any time of year, this book will bring out your creative side. While Karmel did not toss in the white knight in shining armor, with Princess Party Cookbook, she has certainly concocted a truly great guide to making a magical and majestic party!