Oral histories provide the richest literacy experiences we can share with our children. While creating deeper connections with family and baking in sweet memories, simply talking increases vocabulary and strengthens oral language skills in children.

So let’s get cooking– and talking! What are your favorite family recipes? Black History Month and Valentine’s Day are the perfect time to pass the culinary love through the family.

If you don’t have a favorite, check out Tea Cakes for Tosh by Kelly Starling Lyons, a delicious read from our newest multicultural book collection that tells the story of a family recipe passed down from before the days of Emancipation, yet as important today as then. The story behind grandma’s tea cake recipe is recounted from generation to generation. It’s a tradition every family can relate to.

My mother always made Swedish Spritz Valentine’s cookies with her little cookie press. My sisters and I helped her decorate them, eating as many as we decorated. To this day, every single Valentine’s, my daughter and I do the same thing. Enjoy!

Swedish Spritz Cookies
1 1/2 c butter
1 c sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1 t almond
4 c sifted all-purpose flour
1 t baking powder

Directions:
Thoroughly cream butter and sugar
Add egg vanilla and almond; beat well
Sift flour and baking powder togeher; add to creamed mixture, mix unitl smooth
Force cookie through a cookie press on an ungreased cookie sheet
Decorate with whatever you like
Bake at 400 for 7-8 minutes
Cool on rack; decorate with powedered sugar icing if desired.

And if you’re struggling with finding that perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, consider giving to RIF in your sweetheart’s name. There’s nothing like the warm fuzzies they’ll get when they realize they’ve helped a child in need get their very own book.

Fairy in Danger

Phew! Fairy doctors really come in handy, don’t they? So glad you liked your book, Katie. We’re also big fans of your fairy drawing.

The Great Outdoors

Gracie, we dig funny books — like Piper Reed, Campfire Girl — too. And even though Piper does get poison ivy, we’re rooting for her right along with you. Marshmallows anybody?

Like Honest Abe

Wow, Kaimi, hearts are melting here. You just filled our bucket.

Reading Rainbow

Madeline, we couldn’t have said it any better—we think books are pretty cool too, not to mention your rainbow.

Daredevil

Javier, you’re welcome – and that’s quite an illustration! Just remember to wear a helmet, OK?

The Dinosaur Lover

Nia, Tyrannosaurus Dad is a great book, isn’t it? We just love how appreciative you are. Keep on reading kiddo!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Book People. Now let’s spread the book love.