Books for Budding Chefs:
10 Great Cookbooks for Kids
by Janssen Bradshaw
Cooking is a great life skill, and kids can start learning it at a young age.
Plus, most kids love the idea of helping out in the kitchen, creating their own culinary masterpieces, and getting a chance to try out all those fun kitchen tools. (I’m an adult, and I still love getting to cut things, use a fancy kitchen gadget, and pull something delicious out of the oven.)
If you have a budding chef who not only wants to help out in the kitchen, but also wants a cookbook of their own, these eight are definite winners. Some are based on famous works of children’s literature, which makes them even more fun. Bon appétit!
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My First Cookbook
Available from:This awesome new cooking collection will inspire the youngest chefs to enter the kitchen, empower them to cook and engage their creativity with simple after-school snacks, family meals, and holiday celebration recipes.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Mom and Me Cookbook
This family-oriented cookbook teaches kids the fun of cooking and encourages healthy eating habits with an assortment of yummy treats. Including delicious recipes with step-by-step instructions and colorful photographs, both parents and children will become top chefs in no time!
(Ages 4 – 8)Preorder from: -
Complete Children’s Cookbook
Available from:This one will keep you and your sous chef (or is it the other way around?) plenty busy — there are over 150 inviting and exciting recipes to try out. Plan a six-course meal for a special occasion or have a quiet Saturday morning baking muffins. You can’t go wrong!
(Ages 7 – 10)Also available from: -
Plant, Cook, Eat!
Available from:This awesomely comprehensive cookbook takes kids back to square one by showing them how to grow their own ingredients at home. Whether your family is interested in starting a home garden or you’ve got a green-thumbed kiddo who’s jonesing for more independence, Plant, Cook, Eat! is the deliciously holistic answer.
(Ages 7 – 10)Also available from: -
Chef Gino’s Taste Test Challenge
Chef Gino’s Taste Test Challenge brings the life (and laughter) back into the kitchen. Gino challenges kids to be part of the action and get to know their changing taste buds — but most of all, to enjoy themselves!
(Ages 8 – 12)Preorder from: -
Food Network Magazine The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook
Available from:This fun cookbook gives young food lovers everything they need to succeed in the kitchen. With fool-proof recipes and tips to help beginners get excited about cooking.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists
Available from:With this scientific cookbook emerging scientists and young chefs will feel confident in the kitchen, proud of their accomplishments, and learn the basics of food science along the way.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
The Delish Kids (Super-Awesome, Crazy-Fun, Best-Ever) Cookbook
Available from:The Delish Kids Cookbook is sure to enthuse little chefs with its restaurant copycat recipes, desserts, and snacks inspired by beloved pop culture characters. Along with helpful tips, step-by-step photos, and simple instructions that clearly explain methods and techniques.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
20 Recipes Kids Should Know
Available from:For the tween crowd, don’t miss this delightful collection of 20 healthy and adaptable recipes, created by two budding chefs themselves. The emphasis on adaptability is key: once kids get comfortable with a dish, the fun and empowering experimentation can begin. (With adult supervision, of course!)
(Ages 10 – 14)Also available from: -
In the French Kitchen with Kids
Available from:Who ever said French cooking was too difficult? Mardi Michels is here to guide your Julia Child impersonators in making elegant yet everyday French food, from omelettes to crème brûlée. Ç'est magnifique!
(All Ages)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2022.