A cookbook for children by children. When I read the blurb for this book, I was immediately intrigued, especially as the book promises a selection of healthy, delicious and inventive recipes from easy to advanced.
Sadly, I was a little disappointed when the book arrived. The biggest issue for me, and the challenge that this book is likely to face in the UK, is that it is blatantly aimed at an American audience. This starts with the selection of recipes which features a lot of USA staples. This includes Blueberry Pancakes and Texas-style Tacos in the breakfast section, or Pumpkin pie in the desserts.
While these American choices may well appeal to British children (many didn’t appeal to me), those trying to make these recipes in the UK will have to then make some necessary conversions before they can begin. This will include ensuring they understand the American terminology used in the book, such as “stove” when referring to the cooker or hob and the references to the ingredients themselves (i.e. read “jam” where it says “jelly”). More significant, UK users of this book will need to flip to the conversation chart at the back of the book to find the appropriate weights and measures as American “cups” are used in the main text.
The book boasts that it includes recipes from “easy to advanced”. I’m not doubting this assertion but children using the book may not easily be able to identify which are “easy” and which are “advanced”. Even the simpler recipes assume a knowledge base that some may not have so adult aid is likely to be required. Alternatively, this could be treated as a more advanced book. For kids who want to first learn the basics, I’d suggest you might want to point them in the direction of Kids Can Cook: fun and yummy recipes for budding chefs, illustrated by Esther Coombs.
ISBN: 978-1454933618
Publication Date: September 2020
Publisher: Sterling Epicure
Pages: 208
