Kate DiCamillo Writing Lessons

During the pandemic, beloved author, Kate DiCamillo has been posting writing lessons for kids to try out at home. They’re really a terrific way for kids and their parents to learn different techniques from a master novelist.

Cook and Share

During this unprecedented time, the kids of RVC have been meeting every Monday over Zoom to share meals they have made: here are just a few.. thank you to Jeremy, Ayla, Natalie, Juliet, Luke, Maeve, Noah, Henry and Hannah for sharing your recipes:

Belgium Waffles made by Natalie:

Makes approx. 8-10 waffles

1 1/2 cups water, divided
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs, separated + 1 egg white
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups whole milk
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Heat 1/2 the water to luke warm, 105°F-110°F. Dissolve yeast in the water with a pinch of sugar; let stand 5-10 minutes, until the mixture begins to foam.

Blend the sifted flour and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
Add 3 egg yolks, 1 egg white, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Stir to blend.
Add the remaining water, milk, melted butter, oil and vanilla; stir until mixture is smooth.
Stir the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and beat until the mixture is smooth.
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites gently into the batter. Let the batter stand for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Preheat waffle iron to preferred setting (we use setting #4 on Cuisinart Double Belgium Waffle Maker)
When waffle grids are preheated, pour approx 3/4 cup batter evenly over the grid, use a heatproof spatula to spread batter evenly or follow your waffle maker’s instructions for cooking.
Waffles may be kept warm in a low (200°F) oven. Arrange on a cookie sheet.
Serve with whipped cream, fruit, powdered sugar, syrup or anything you would like.

Jason Reynolds

Did you know that Jason Reynolds is the National Ambassador for Children’s Literature for 2020. It really could not have come at a better time. For the month of April, Jason has been encouraging young people to write a poem a day.

Pam Munoz Ryan

Our author study focuses on Pam Muñoz Ryan who writes glorious books for children and they are all available on the Libby app through Overdrive. One my favorites is Esperanza Rising which tells the story of a young Mexican girl, Esperanza and her mom have to leave their privileged life and fleet to California to become migrant workers. Esperanza is used to having beautiful clothes and living a life of  luxury. She is in shock when their lives suddenly change. Her mother is a very strong woman and demonstrates how resilience is a quality that is needed in order to survive. This book is available on Overdrive and the Libby app.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

Jude and her mother ave to abandon their home in war torn Syria in this 2020 Newbery honor award winning book called Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. Jude does not want to come to American and leave behind her father and brother. We follow Jude as she tries to fit in at school, adjust to her new life and try to make peace with the life she has left behind.

Comfort Reads for your children

During this very trying time, there is nothing more relaxing than reading to your child. Why not download the Libby app to your smartphone and read aloud one the following books:

The Dog Who Lost His Bark by Eoin Coler

Eoin Colfer who wrote the Artemis Fowl Series returns to children's literature with a chapter book that will appeal to emerging reader and parents who love to read to their children!
Although the book does tackle sensitive issues, the illustrations by P.J. Lynch are terrific.

We meet our first hero, a nameless puppy who has had his share of cruel owners. He is looking for a boy to love him!
Patrick Coin is a little boy who has always wanted a puppy but his dad is very allergic. When Patrick's mom suddenly tell him he can now get one, he becomes suspicious. He's especially nervous because his dad has not been home. What Patrick realizes is that his parents have separated and his mom is hoping his new dog will ease the transition. Patrick and his mom go to the pound and pick the nameless puppy as their new pet. What they don't realize is that the new puppy who they name Oz has been so traumatized by his experiences that he won't bark.