Olathe Parks & Recreation has stirred up all the right ingredients for young readers
Start with flour, sugar and blueberries. Then add a read-aloud of a story about a ninja-fied Red Riding Hood. Mix all that together with the help of six attentive preschoolers and the result is Book Cooks.
Book Cooks is designed to be a fun experience for children 2 1/2 to 6 years old, said Amanda Marciniak of the Olathe Parks & Recreation Department, which offers the Book Cooks program.
“There are many sensory opportunities for attendees to explore,” Marciniak said.
Rules don’t matter on what is comes first — the book or the recipe — during the hour-long program.
“It does vary from book to book, recipe to recipe, which adds to the fun of the activity,” Marciniak said.
On a recent Tuesday morning, six Book Cooks settled around a table at the Olathe Community Center and took turns measuring ingredients and putting them in bowls to stir.
While the blueberry scones were baking, the “Ninja Red Riding Hood” by Corey Rosen Schwartz was read. Scones were representative of the treat Little Red Riding Hood was taking to her grandmother. Other readings have featured “Too Many Pumpkins” with pumpkin muffins and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” with frosted cookies topped with fruit.
Marciniak selects the books and recipes. She’s a former pre-kindergarten teacher with a culinary background.
Since the programs are planned in advance, prospective attendees know of recipes and ingredients used.
Marciniak said she likes that the program shows children how to be involved in the kitchen at home.
More times for Book Cooks have been added.
Book Cooks is now offered from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays, and classes are scheduled into December.
Classes are held at the Olathe Community Center, 1205 E. Kansas City Road, Olathe. Each class is $10. Children sign up through Olathe Parks and Rec for each class individually.
Marciniak said the program has evolved as kids’ exploration habits change.
“There is discussion of growing the program and allowing this to be a birthday party option or a private book cooks party,” she said. “There is a lot of work ahead, but there are some high hopes for growth.”
