Letting books inspire you in the kitchen is one of the simplest ways to bring stories to life within your home. In this blog post, we share why real-world connections are such a valuable part of learning together, along with our favorite recipe and snack ideas inspired by children’s chapter books. 

In this blog post:

• Creating memorable connections with literature through food and recipes
• Recipes and snack ideas to pair with homeschool read-alouds

Creating memorable connections with literature through food and recipes 

One important part of reading with children, whether you are offering kids quality chapter books or reading aloud together, is connecting stories with real-life experiences. One goal of the Charlotte Mason education philosophy is for children to make their own mental links and connect what they read to the real world so learning becomes more meaningful and impactful.

This can happen through fostering emotional connections and empathy as you discuss what the character is experiencing and how you relate. Children can also make connections by learning about true historical events that connect to the story, making a craft, doing an experiment, or taking field trips that connect with what you read about in books.

Making a menu inspired by the books you read is another fun way to bring stories to life. Snacks or recipes inspired by books are perfect for meeting with your book club, homeschool community, or adding depth to your book report presentation. Cooking together with children also gives kids a way to learn new kitchen skills. 

Recipes can transport kids to different periods in history, mimic what book characters ate as they survived harsh conditions, align with the themes and animals in a story, encourage kids to try new foods, and allow kids to experiment and make creative choices.

Recipes and snack ideas to pair with homeschool read-alouds

Looking for snacks and recipes to make your homeschool reading sweeter? Try these favorites below, with ideas from Treehouse Book Studies.

A Bear Called Paddington + bear-themed treats

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond is the heartwarming story of a bear from Peru who arrives at Paddington Station and is taken in by the Brown family. As Paddington settles into life in London, his curiosity and good intentions often lead him into unexpected predicaments. From shopping trips and visits to the seaside to attempts at helping around the house, Paddington’s adventures are filled with humor, surprises, and plenty of marmalade. Paddington is beloved for his antics and his unique way of seeing the world.

Simple snacks and recipes to pair with reading A Bear Called Paddington:

• Bear Sandwiches
• Orange Marmalade Muffins
• Paddington Bear Cupcakes
• Orange Marmalade (Recipe from Treehouse Book Study: A Bear Called Paddington) 

Get the Treehouse Book Study for more fun.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory + inventive candy creations

The beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl follows an impoverished but honest boy named Charlie who wins a golden ticket to tour the magical, mysterious, and decadent chocolate factory owned by the eccentric Willy Wonka. This whimsical fantasy is a delightful but cautionary story about greed, temptation, and the reward of a good heart.

Here are some snack and recipe ideas to bring Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory into your home:

• Chocolate bark decorated with colorful candies and sprinkles
• Fizzy Lifting Drink
• “Chocolate River” snack board featuring chocolate fondue, strawberries, bananas, pretzels, and marshmallows
• Blueberries in honor of Violet Beauregarde
• Candy buffet featuring candy of all different colors, shapes, and flavors

For more fun and learning, check out the coordinating Treehouse Book Study.

Little House on the Prairie + foods from the Pioneer Era

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder tells of the author’s real-life stories growing up in the Pioneer Era and westward expansion. In this story, the family leaves Wisconsin and heads west in search of a better life. As they journey to the open prairie, the family establishes a new homestead from the ground up. Follow the Ingalls family as they cut logs, build a home and furniture, gather around Pa’s fiddle in the evenings, make cornbread and new friends, and face the challenges and dangers of frontier life.

Here are some recipes inspired by life on the American frontier:

• Cornbread Squares (Recipe from Treehouse Book Study: Little House on the Prairie)
• Cucumber Pickles
• Peppermint Candy Sticks
• Corn Cake and Molasses 

Dive deep into learning through this story with the Treehouse Book Study.

Charlotte’s Web + a county fair feast

In this children’s classic by E.B. White, a young girl befriends and tries to save a little pig named Wilbur from the butcher’s block. She is helped by a wise and kind spider named Charlotte, who writes messages on her web to show the pig is unique and special. This is a timeless story of friendship, life, and sacrifice.

Celebrate reading this story with: 

• Piggy pancakes (Recipe from Treehouse Book Study: Charlotte’s Web)
• Spider web snacks 
• Spider sandwiches
• Popcorn
• Cotton candy
• Homemade corn dogs

See the best-selling Treehouse Book Study guide for more learning opportunities.

The Hobbit + recipes from Middle-earth

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is an intriguing fantasy novel full of adventure, drama, magic, and mystery. Follow along with Bilbo as he goes on a year-long quest with the dwarves to reclaim a wonderful treasure that belonged to them many long years ago. Finding himself in perilous situations and facing even more dangerous enemies, Bilbo and his friends learn the importance of teamwork. By trusting his fellow travelers and discovering his own strengths, Bilbo becomes a stronger hobbit full of wit, wisdom, and intelligence in this voyage and return story.

Get into the story with these recipes inspired by the story: 

• Twice Baked Honey Cakes (Recipe from Treehouse Book Study: The Hobbit)
• Elevenses, including a biscuit or scone, hot tea, and mulled cider
• Charcuterie board with pickles, cheese, vegetables, dried fruit, and nuts
• Fresh fruit and berries
• Berry pie/cobbler served with whipped cream

See the Treehouse Book Study to go deeper with this story.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe + delicacies from Narnia

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is a children’s fantasy novel full of adventure and exploration, betrayal and forgiveness, and the battle between good and evil. During the air raids on London during World War II, four young children are sent to live with a kind, old professor in his large house in the country. During their stay, the children accidentally discover the magical world of Narnia after hiding in an old wardrobe.

As they explore the world of Narnia, they find a land that is locked in an eternal winter. The children quickly become swept up in a battle between the White Witch and the great lion, Aslan.

Go inside Narnia as you make these special foods together:

• Tea and tea sandwiches
• Hard-boiled eggs, toast with honey, sardines
• Mrs. Beaver’s Marmalade Sweet Rolls
• Turkish Delight (Recipe from Treehouse Book Study: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)

Grab activities, recipes, and more with the book study guide from Treehouse Schoolhouse.

The Door in the Wall + a medieval menu

The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli is a historical novel set in medieval England about a young boy named Robin, the son of a nobleman, who dreams of becoming a knight. When Robin falls ill and becomes paralyzed, losing the use of his legs, he becomes hopeless, realizing his dreams will never be realized. When his parents are away, Robin is left under the care of Brother Luke, a kind monk who teaches him patience, resilience, and that when one path is blocked, another can be discovered.

With the help of Brother Luke and others, Robin learns to adapt to his new circumstances. Eventually, he finds a way to serve his kingdom despite his disability, proving his courage and worth.

Try these foods inspired by the story:

• Fruit (apples, pears, plums, grapes) and cheese board
• Bacon
• Bannock (Recipe from Treehouse Book Study: The Door in the Wall)
• Potato pasty
• Baked apples

For more activities and hands-on connections, try the Treehouse Book Study.

The Borrowers + miniature treats

The Borrowers by Mary Norton is a fantasy tale about the Clock family, tiny people who live underneath the kitchen floor of an English manor. When one of the family is spotted upstairs by a human boy, will the Clock family remain safe in their hidden home, or will they be forced to find a new home elsewhere?

Try these foods suited for tiny people who live inside walls:

• Mini quiche
• Mini pancakes
• Mini sausage balls
• Mini Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

See the coordinating book study here.

Winnie the Pooh + everything honey

A.A. Milne brings readers right alongside Winnie the Pooh as he navigates the Hundred Acre Wood with familiar friends like Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga and Baby Roo. Winnie the Pooh finds himself in unexpectedly treacherous, but often humorous, situations in the classic tale.

Is your tummy rumbling for honey? Try these recipes to satisfy your honey cravings:

• Honeyed Party Mix (Recipe from Treehouse Book Study: Winnie the Pooh)
• Honey Cake (Recipe from Treehouse Book Study: Winnie the Pooh)
• Greek yogurt bark with fruit, granola, and honey
• Tea with honey

Check out the Treehouse Book Study for more ideas.

Will you make special treats inspired by the books you read? Share your ideas in the comments below.