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An awesome place to read Children’s Books Online: We Give Books

I have recently discovered a wonderful resource for children’s books online called “We Give Books,” a relatively new digital initiative that allows anyone with internet access the ability to read a large, quality selection of children’s book titles. Check out there video below to find out more.

So far I have read and loved the following stories:

  1. Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd – A witty, modern day parody of a classic picture book.
  2. Start Saving, Henry  by Nancy Carlson – A fun tale that illustrates the benefits of saving vs. spending. 
  3. Dog Wants to Play  by Christine McDonnell – Sparse with words, but fun and slightly rhyming. Follows dog on a search for a ‘today’ playmate.

It’s a great way to help me research picture books to grow my writing skills as well as search for new, fun, or even classic titles that the children I work would enjoy.

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Muddy Feet Story and a Very Muddy Recipe

Rio with puppy, Aria in the bath

I’m over the moon today. My short story Muddy Feet is the ‘Story of the Day’ at Knowonder!. This story was inspired by my Mom’s red and white English Bull Terrier, Rio (pictured at left). She is a beautiful dog with a gentle, loving disposition. She’s also known as the cling wrap dog, a clown, and a mother hen. Check out the story to see what Gina thinks of her dog, Rio.

In honor of Rio’s muddy feet I decided to share a recipe for Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Peanut Free Muddy Buddies*. (We have some food intolerances in our house. Can  you tell?)

Enjoy and have a Muddy Day!

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Peanut Free Muddy Buddies*
9 cups corn Chex or Rice Chex
1 cup Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup SunButter
1/4 cup Earth Balance Buttery Spread
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar

1. Measure cereal into a large heatproof bowl.
2. Heat SunButter, Chocolate Chips, and Earth Balance in a Microwave Safe bowl for 1 minute on High. Stir. Heat additional 30 seconds + stir cycle until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
3. Pour mixture over cereal. Stir until all cereal is coated. Place mixed cereal into a gallon sized resealable bag.
4. Pour powdered sugar into bag. Seal and shake vigorously.
5. Pour mixture onto waxed paper or aluminum to dry. Store in fridge.

Mmm…this stuff is delicious! Enjoy!

*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or nutritionist. Please make sure to do your own research regarding products or manufacturers (as sometimes they change their ingredients) that may affect your personal food allergies or intolerances.