Carla and the Christmas Cornbread
What’s inside...
In this heartwarming tale inspired by her childhood, superstar chef and TV host Carla Hall shares the story of young Carla, who eats a sugar cookie meant for Santa on the night before Christmas and tries to make things right. Christmas is Carla’s favorite holiday of the year. She goes to her grandparents’ house and eats grandma’s special recipe—a perfectly delicious cornbread. She listens to her grandpa Doc’s marvelous stories about traveling the world. And, best of all, she spends lots of time with her family. But when Carla accidentally takes a bite out of Santa’s sugar cookie, she thinks she’s ruined Christmas. How will Santa know to stop at their house if they don’t leave him a midnight snack? With her grandmother’s help, Carla comes up with a plan, but will it be enough to save Christmas?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did Carla learn about the importance of family traditions during Christmas?
How did the cornbread bring Carla and her family together?
What are some Christmas traditions that you enjoy in our family?
Why do you think Carla felt happy cooking with her grandma?
If you could create a new Christmas tradition, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child about their favorite holiday foods and share some personal family traditions around Christmas.
While discussing the book, relate the story to your child's experiences of family gatherings or cooking with family members.
Encourage your child to describe their emotions about family traditions, mirroring Carla’s experiences in the story.
Post reading, consider engaging in a cooking activity together, perhaps making cornbread, to deepen the connection with the story and create a memorable experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family traditions
Explanation: In 'Carla and the Christmas Cornbread,' the protagonist, Carla, shares cherished moments with her family as they prepare traditional Christmas cornbread. The story highlights how these traditions strengthen family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in or even help start new family traditions, which can enhance their sense of belonging and identity.
Example Lesson: Value of sharing
Explanation: Carla learns the joy of sharing the cornbread, a symbol of love and care in her family, with neighbors and friends, fostering a sense of community and generosity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to share their own things, such as toys or snacks, with friends and siblings to build stronger, more cooperative relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing unexpected challenges
Explanation: When Carla faces a small mishap in the kitchen, she quickly adapts and finds a solution. This part of the story demonstrates resilience and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply resilience by staying calm and looking for solutions when they face difficulties in school or during playtime.