Who knew that 2020 would be the year of Dolly Parton? Just last month Netflix’s Christmas on the Square was announced, and now we’re promised to be lulled to sleep by Dolly’s voice with a new show, Goodnight with Dolly.
This brand-new bedtime story show is narrated by Dolly Parton and comes from Imagination Library, which she began in 1995 to send free books to children.
How to Watch Goodnight With Dolly
The video series will stream exclusively on Imagination Library, Dolly Parton and Dollywood social channels. But the easiest way to watch might be to subscribe to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library YouTube channel. Just remember that showings start at 7p.m. ET. every Thursday.
Get comfy because Dolly reads her stories in flannel PJs from her own bed!
The Stories That Dolly Will Read
The series kicked off April 2 with The Little Engine That Could, the classic book that all children receive when signed up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
In the coming weeks, Dolly will read the following stories. It’s a mix of childhood faves, plus a few Dolly Parton originals:
- There’s a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake by Loren Long
- Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
- I Am a Rainbow by Dolly Parton
- Pass It On by Sophy Henn
- Stand Tall, Molly Lou Mellon by Patty Lovell
- Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen
- Max & The Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper
- Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
- Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton knows country music, but what about country cooking? We put Dolly’s signature chicken and dumpling recipe to the test.
Fun and Healthy Snacks for Kids
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Nutty Apple Butter
Being a New England native, I love apple-picking season. Grab some apples and peanut butter to make your own creamy riff on a PB&J. Of course it’s great on a sandwich, but you can dunk sliced fruit or graham crackers in it, too. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, South Dakota
These aren't the only healthy snacks for kids. Check out some high fiber foods for kiddos that help when they're having tummy troubles.
Chia Seed Protein Bites
I keep these little bites on hand in my refrigerator and grab them for breakfast or to snack on when I'm in a hurry. We have a lot of food allergies in our family and I like to keep healthy snacks around that everyone can eat. This recipe has no gluten, eggs, dairy or corn, so it's the perfect go-to treat in our house. —Tanja Miller, Peoria, Arizona
Grilled Guacamole
If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that gives it a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
All of our favorite healthy bites would make good snacks for kids.
Roasted Fresh Pumpkin Seeds
I learned how to roast pumpkin seeds from my mother, who learned it from her mother. Keep an eye on the seeds so they don’t scorch. —Margaret Drye, Plainfield, New Hampshire
Constantly hunting for healthy snacks? A snack subscription box might be the break you've been looking for! Check out these top-rated healthy snack boxes.
Carrot Cookie Bites
This recipe is a longtime family favorite. The cookies are soft and delicious, and the aroma while baking is absolutely irresistible! I'm always being asked for the recipe. —Jeanie Petrik, Greensburg, Kentucky
Peach Smoothie
Whip up this creamy concoction as a refreshing and nutritious snack or a quick chilled breakfast. Because you can use frozen fruit, you don't have to wait until peaches are in season to enjoy this delicious smoothie. —Martha Polasek, Markham, Texas
These refreshing smoothie recipes also make great healthy snacks for kids.
Favorite Banana Chip Muffins
These banana chocolate chip muffins are one of the first things my husband gets hungry for when he’s home from deployment. I make sure to have the overripe bananas ready. They’re a family tradition. —Kimberly Duda, Sanford, North Carolina
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
This tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter, Honey & Pear Open-Faced Sandwiches
I work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital, and when I come home in the morning, I don't feel like cooking a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears, and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California
Homemade Peanut Butter
We eat a lot of peanut butter, so I decided to make my own. When I compared the cost of my own to store-bought, homemade was much cheaper. Plus it's a whole lot tastier, and you know what goes into it! —Marge Austin, North Pole, Alaska
Whether they're 7 or 17, these healthy snacks for kids are a must-add to their lunchbox.
Rhubarb Oat Bars
These chewy rhubarb bars provide just the right amount of tartness and sweetness. They are simply unbeatable! —Renette Cressey, Fort Mill, South Carolina
Strawberry Corn Salsa
This recipe makes art in a bowl! All the colors of summer are captured in this salsa with a fresh, light flavor perfect for snacking between swims or to kick off a backyard barbecue. This can be served with chips or alone as a side dish. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
Yogurt Dill Dip
Every person who tries this dip wants to know what makes it taste special. The secret is the blend of yogurt, sour cream and mayo. —Krisann Durnford, Muskego, Wisconsin
Banana Wheat Bread
A subtle banana flavor comes through in this moist whole wheat loaf. Flecked with poppy seeds, the sweet slices are wonderful warm or toasted and spread with butter. —Louise Myers, Pomeroy, Ohio
Guac Crocs & Veggies
I'm all grown-up, but I still love to play with my food. Garbanzo beans in the guacamole add taste, texture and nutrition. The croc part is just plain fun. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
It doesn't stop at healthy snacks for kids. Here are some healthy bites everyone will want to try.
Raspberry-Banana Soft Serve
When I make this ice cream, I mix and match bananas for their ripeness. Very ripe ones add more banana flavor. Less ripe ones have a fluffier texture. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins
The title says it all! I use whole wheat flour and applesauce to make the muffins lighter without sacrificing any flavor. We make these chocolate chocolate chip muffins for breakfast at the school where I work. —Theresa Harrington, Sheridan, Wyoming
Homemade Guacamole
Ever wonder how to make guacamole? Just whip together this delicious blend of your favorite fresh ingredients.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Party Pretzels
Not only are these a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack at work, they're perfect for hungry kids just home from school. Plus, they make for fantastic party food! —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Chewy Honey Granola Bars
These bars have sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. They freeze well, too. — Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont
Chocolate-Dipped Phyllo Sticks
Looking for a little something special to share with friends or family? Try these crunchy treats. They’re great with coffee or a glass of milk. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Healthy snacks for kids don't have to be savory. Check out these light desserts that will satisfy their sweet tooth.
Homemade Corn Muffins with Honey Butter
I turn classic corn bread muffins into something special by serving them with a honey butter. They're gone in a flash! —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
Toasted Ravioli Puffs
I call toasted ravioli a fan favorite because it disappears faster than I can make it. With just five ingredients, this is how you start the party. —Kathy Morgan, Temecula, California
Spicy Applesauce Fruit Bread
I've had this fruity loaf in my recipe collection since 1975. I tweak it with spices and candied fruit, depending on the season. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Muffin-Tin Tamale Cakes
We needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all of the flavor without the fuss. Pair with skewered fruit. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
If you don't have time to whip up something homemade, these better-for-you chip brands also make healthy snacks for kids.
Easy Homemade Chunky Applesauce
Here's a comforting, home-style treat that never loses its appeal. Dish up big bowlfuls and wait for the smiles! —Marilee Cardinal, Burlington, New Jersey
Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats
Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These rich bites are nutty and yummy. Just coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Baked Elephant Ears
My mother-in-law handed down this recipe from her mother. They’re a special treat—even better, I think, than those at a carnival or festival. And (shh!) they're baked, not fried. —Delores Baeten, Downers Grove, Illinois
Mango-Peach Smoothies
This is my toddler son's favorite breakfast—he'll take one of these over pancakes any day! Get creative when mixing fruits and fruit-flavored yogurts; we love peach yogurt with mango, strawberry yogurt with blueberries or pina colada yogurt with mango and banana. —Dana Herra, DeKalb, Illinois
Pigs in a Pool
My kids love sausage and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternativee. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina
Start their day off on the right foot with these healthy snack recipes for kids that make a great breakfast.
Cannellini Bean Hummus
My version of hummus features a delightful nuttiness from tahini, a peanut butter-like paste made from ground sesame seeds. The beans pack a lot of protein so it's a healthy snack for kids. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Chunky Apple Snack Cake
We enjoy this cake as a snack, packed in lunches or as a scrumptious dessert when warmed and topped with a scoop of low-fat ice cream. If the batter seems really thick, don't worry: Once you stir in the apples it loosens up. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mini peppers are so colorful and they're the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Strawberry-Carrot Smoothies
My children resist veggies, but they love smoothies. This one packs in lots of good-for-you fruits and veggies—but to my kids, it's just a super delicious breakfast. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Take a look at 20 more healthy snacks for kids.
Makeover Deviled Eggs
This updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of the original recipe and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. We replaced the mayo with fat-free mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cheesy Snack Mix
Our love for Mexican food inspired me to make party mix with taco seasoning. The flavor is so mild that it's even kid friendly. —Elizabeth Wynne, Aztec, New Mexico
Berry White Ice Pops
Nothing says summer like an ice pop. Kids and adults alike love this fruit-filled version. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut
Fresh Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Lime and basil really brighten the flavors in this colorful salsa. It's best when scooped up on a homemade cinnamon chip. —Navalee Hylton, Lauderhill, Florida
Light & Creamy Chocolate Pudding
This pudding is exactly what its name promises—light and creamy. Because it uses soy milk, it’s a smart choice if you’re lactose intolerant. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
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Krista Garcia