The Night Before Valentine's Day - Picture Book & Activity

The Night Before Valentine's Day
By Natasha Wing
Illustrated by Heidi Petach
(Scholastic Inc., 2000)

We all know 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, a right jolly old Christmas rhyme and classic Christmas story.

The Night Before Valentine's Day is based on the same rhythm and cadence as the Christmas classic. But I dare say that the Valentine version is much sillier and takes place in the lives of classmates. Making Valentine's cards, putting up decorations, playing games, and eating party foods are all a part of the holiday fun. But beware of the visit from an interesting character who dispenses a special gift.

All in good fun.

KID KANDY:

Chocolate Play Dough

No kidding! Chocolate play dough smells great. It looks like the real thing though, so watch those tasting little mouths.

Recipe:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup cocoa
1 cup salt
2 T. baby oil
1 T. alum
3 cups boiling water

1. Add together and mix dry ingredients.

2. Add baby oil and alum to dry mix.

3. Add boiling water.

4. Stir well with a wooden spoon. Dump out onto a well floured counter. (This dough tends to be a bit sticky. Add more flour as needed.)

5. Use a spatula and egg turner to scoop and mix all of the dough. As soon as you can handle the dough (it will still be very hot), knead it well.

6. When the dough is smooth and well mixed, let it cool. Store in a large plastic lidded container.


I like to collect empty Valentine candy heart boxes to use with the play dough. Small heart and shape cookie cutters add excitement to the sweet smelling fun. Provide butter knives and rolling pins to allow children to create play dough candies to their hearts content.

Angie Quantrell adores chocolate in any form, edible or not. Play dough ranks up there as one of her favorite necessary activities for excellent fine motor skill development. Dig out that messy dough!