In the Kitchen with Kids

Kids love to watch and help their parents cook and bake. Cooking together is not only a great way to spend time with your kids, but can serve as an ideal opportunity to teach kids valuable skills and lessons about health and nutrition.

Tastes of Jewish Tradition

Ages: All Ages

Author: Susan L. Roth Author: Idy Goodman Author: Aggie Goldenholz Author: Jody Hirsh Illustrator: Cindy Cooper
Jewish Community Center of Milwaukee, $29.95 (Hard Cover)

This cookbook serves as a friendly guide to celebrating 11 Jewish holidays. Created by parents & educators for families to share, this collection includes stories, kosher recipes, and craft ideas.

Step2 50's Diner

Ages: 2 - 7 yrs.

The Step2 Company, $149.99

With a cooking/meal prep area, a booth for seating customers, realistic sound effects and accessories including plates, utensils and pretend food, this set inspired our young testers to embark on hours of imaginative play. Little details add to the set's charm and include a mini-jukebox that plays three songs from the 1950's, the realistic sounds of boiling water on the range and a sizzling skillet and a small buzzer that dings near the food pick-up area. One tip: a power drill makes assembly much easier.

LifeStyle Grand Walk-in Kitchen

Ages: 2 & Up

The Step2 Company, $259.99

The attractive walk-in design, realistic looking appliances, and accessories, and high durability all contribute to the overall appeal of this set. The kitchen set encourages cooperative play and role playing (mommy and daddy roles) among children. The children especially liked pushing the various buttons on the appliances such as the microwave and stove and hearing the different noises that they make.

Cranium Bloom Let's Play Measure & Cook

Ages: 3 & Up

Cranium Inc. , $14.99

The Let's Play Measure and Cook Activity Set includes a kitchen timer, three measuring cups, a mixing spoon, cookie cutter, tablespoon/teaspoon, recipe book and an apron. The color-coded measuring cups help select the correct measurement. This color cue also works on matching skills (matching the actual item to the one in the picture). With child friendly recipes like cinnamon stars and a fruit smoothie, children can work on measuring skills while making a snack from the easy to follow cookbook or engage in imaginative play while pretending to cook.

My Creative Cookery Club

Ages: 3 & Up

HaPe International Inc., $109.95

More than one cook can prepare and clean up with My Creative Cookery Club. The all-in-one wood unit has an oven with a see-through door, cupboard or refrigerator, cook top, sink and utensil rack. Velco’d veggies and bread, pots and pans, and the essential salt and pepper are included, too.

Leapster Game: Ratatouille

Ages: 4 - 7 yrs.

Kaplow, LeapFrog Enterprises, $24.99

Based on the antics of a lovely rat named Remy, the games follow his escapades in the kitchen of one of Paris' most famous chefs, Gusteau. The games encourage younger children with reading and math skills, opposites, colors and food groups. Players can become a chef extraordinaire - if you learn essential reading skills and food facts. Learning includes a few recipes to try out in your own kitchen. Bon Appetit !

Eat Like A Rainbow

Ages: 5 - 12 yrs.

Jay Mankita, $15.00 (CD)

From the lively title track that explains, "I like to eat like a rainbow; builds my body and makes my brain grow, helps my heart beat and my blood flow" to the "rap" track "Healthy Food is My New Attitude," Eat Like a Rainbow serves up a combo plate of catchy tunes and fun lyrics to teach kids about the benefits of healthy eating.

Cook It In A Cup

Ages: 6 - 14 yrs.

Chronicle Books, $16.99

Cook in a Cup! is a cooking set that appeals to both the beginning chef (for example, with the one-ingredient, microwave-based scrambled eggs or layered nachos) and the more experienced child (classic muffin and cupcake recipes and more interesting dinner entrees). The set encourages the development of kitchen skills and creativity. Although our young kitchen staff occasionally needed guidance and assistance, as expected with any cooking set for kids this age, the recipes are easy to follow, largely nutritious, and genuinely appetizing-even to picky eaters.

The Quest to Digest

Ages: 8 - 11 yrs.

Author: Mary Corcoran Illustrator: Jef Czekaj
Charlesbridge, $16.95 (Hard Cover)

Humorous text and illustrations follow an apple's journey through the human digestive system. Discover why mucus is so important to your body and how food particles are absorbed by the small intestine and turned into energy. Readers also learn why we burp, vomit, and pass gas. Book Descripton

The United States Cookbook

Ages: 8 - 12 yrs.

Author: Joan D'Amico
John Wiley & Sons, $12.95 (Hard Cover)

Noted nutrition text author Karen Drummond teams with Joan D'Amico to help you eat and cook your way across the country. The journey begins in New England, travels down the coast to the Mid Atlantic and the South, traverses the Mid- and Southwest, crosses the Rockies and finishes on the Pacific Coast. Easy-to-follow historical facts, state foods and a recipe utilizing these foods provide a fun and different approach to learn about the United States.

Around the World Cookbook

Ages: 8 & Up

Author: Abigail J Dodge
DK Publishing, $19.99 (Hard Cover)

A showcase of more than 50 recipes from around the world, each recipe section highlights a different region and the countries within it, emphasizing the food as well as the history and culture. Especially helpful is section on basic cooking techniques the "Gather Your Gear" section, which explains the different tools needed for the recipes and how to use them safely (steps that might be dangerous are marked with a warning symbol so adults know to stand by and help with those).

Honest Pretzels

Ages: 8 & Up

Author: Mollie Katzen
Ten Speed Press/Tricycle Press, $19.95 (Hard Cover)

Honest Pretzels is the latest cookbook gem from Mollie Katzen. Designed for reader-eaters 8 years and up, this vegetarian (ingredients include dairy and eggs, but no meat) cookbook is a step-by-step guide to creating nutritionally balanced, ethnically diverse, non-meat meals.

The Jumbo Vegetarian Cookbook

Ages: 8 & Up

Author: Judi Gillies Author: Jennifer Glossop Illustrator: Louise Phillips
Kids Can Press, $14.95 (Hard Cover)

The "Kids Can" Press knows how to present a child-friendly cookbook. This is a no-frills (no photos, not a lot of art) yet very happy book. The recipes, rated as beginner, intermediate or advanced level, are straightforward and simple to follow.

The Spatulatta Cookbook

Ages: 9 - 12 yrs.

Author: Olivia Gerasole Author: Isabella Gerasole
Scholastic, $16.99 (Hard Cover)

Tween-age sisters Belle and Liv Gerasole present this charming cookbook filled with family recipes, seasonal specialties, and their own wry comments about both. The recipes are organized by season, subtly underscoring the use of fresh produce. A vegetarian section is predominately salads, but they’re hearty enough for meals. Snacks are simple and healthy. The girls have also included an informative section on basic kitchen skills and a glossary of terms every chef should know.

Chew on This: Everything You Don't Want to Know About Fast Food

Ages: 10 & Up

Author: Charles Wilson Author: Eric Schlosser
Houghton Mifflin Children's Books, $16.00 (Hard Cover)

This is a spin-off for young readers of the authors' expose for adults, Fast Food Nation. While this is a book with a decidedly strong message, it is an important one. The history of fast food is not only explored, it is mined for all the unpleasant truths behind the facades.

One Marshmallow, Or Two? Money Matters Cures for Cabin Fever Easing Back Into the School Year Making Music A Conversation with Barry Joseph Browse All Articles >>	You are in: Learning \| In the Kitchen with Kids In the Kitchen with Kids Kids love to watch and help their parents cook and bake. Cooking together is not only a great way to spend time with your kids, but can serve as an ideal opportunity to teach kids valuable skills and lessons about health and nutrition. Tastes of Jewish Tradition Ages: All Ages Author: Susan L. Roth Author: Idy Goodman Author: Aggie Goldenholz Author: Jody Hirsh Illustrator: Cindy Cooper Jewish Community Center of Milwaukee, $29.95 (Hard Cover) This cookbook serves as a friendly guide to celebrating 11 Jewish holidays. Created by parents & educators for families to share, this collection includes stories, kosher recipes, and craft ideas. Step2 50's Diner Ages: 2 - 7 yrs. The Step2 Company, $149.99 With a cooking/meal prep area, a booth for seating customers, realistic sound effects and accessories including plates, utensils and pretend food, this set inspired our young testers to embark on hours of imaginative play. Little details add to the set's charm and include a mini-jukebox that plays three songs from the 1950's, the realistic sounds of boiling water on the range and a sizzling skillet and a small buzzer that dings near the food pick-up area. One tip: a power drill makes assembly much easier. LifeStyle Grand Walk-in Kitchen Ages: 2 & Up The Step2 Company, $259.99 The attractive walk-in design, realistic looking appliances, and accessories, and high durability all contribute to the overall appeal of this set. The kitchen set encourages cooperative play and role playing (mommy and daddy roles) among children. The children especially liked pushing the various buttons on the appliances such as the microwave and stove and hearing the different noises that they make. Cranium Bloom Let's Play Measure & Cook Ages: 3 & Up Cranium Inc. , $14.99 The Let's Play Measure and Cook Activity Set includes a kitchen timer, three measuring cups, a mixing spoon, cookie cutter, tablespoon/teaspoon, recipe book and an apron. The color-coded measuring cups help select the correct measurement. This color cue also works on matching skills (matching the actual item to the one in the picture). With child friendly recipes like cinnamon stars and a fruit smoothie, children can work on measuring skills while making a snack from the easy to follow cookbook or engage in imaginative play while pretending to cook. My Creative Cookery Club Ages: 3 & Up HaPe International Inc., $109.95 More than one cook can prepare and clean up with My Creative Cookery Club. The all-in-one wood unit has an oven with a see-through door, cupboard or refrigerator, cook top, sink and utensil rack. Velco’d veggies and bread, pots and pans, and the essential salt and pepper are included, too. Leapster Game: Ratatouille Ages: 4 - 7 yrs. Kaplow, LeapFrog Enterprises, $24.99 Based on the antics of a lovely rat named Remy, the games follow his escapades in the kitchen of one of Paris' most famous chefs, Gusteau. The games encourage younger children with reading and math skills, opposites, colors and food groups. Players can become a chef extraordinaire - if you learn essential reading skills and food facts. Learning includes a few recipes to try out in your own kitchen. Bon Appetit ! Eat Like A Rainbow Ages: 5 - 12 yrs. Jay Mankita, $15.00 (CD) From the lively title track that explains, "I like to eat like a rainbow; builds my body and makes my brain grow, helps my heart beat and my blood flow" to the "rap" track "Healthy Food is My New Attitude," Eat Like a Rainbow serves up a combo plate of catchy tunes and fun lyrics to teach kids about the benefits of healthy eating. Cook It In A Cup Ages: 6 - 14 yrs. Chronicle Books, $16.99 Cook in a Cup! is a cooking set that appeals to both the beginning chef (for example, with the one-ingredient, microwave-based scrambled eggs or layered nachos) and the more experienced child (classic muffin and cupcake recipes and more interesting dinner entrees). The set encourages the development of kitchen skills and creativity. Although our young kitchen staff occasionally needed guidance and assistance, as expected with any cooking set for kids this age, the recipes are easy to follow, largely nutritious, and genuinely appetizing-even to picky eaters. The Quest to Digest Ages: 8 - 11 yrs. Author: Mary Corcoran Illustrator: Jef Czekaj Charlesbridge, $16.95 (Hard Cover) Humorous text and illustrations follow an apple's journey through the human digestive system. Discover why mucus is so important to your body and how food particles are absorbed by the small intestine and turned into energy. Readers also learn why we burp, vomit, and pass gas. Book Descripton The United States Cookbook Ages: 8 - 12 yrs. Author: Joan D'Amico John Wiley & Sons, $12.95 (Hard Cover) Noted nutrition text author Karen Drummond teams with Joan D'Amico to help you eat and cook your way across the country. The journey begins in New England, travels down the coast to the Mid Atlantic and the South, traverses the Mid- and Southwest, crosses the Rockies and finishes on the Pacific Coast. Easy-to-follow historical facts, state foods and a recipe utilizing these foods provide a fun and different approach to learn about the United States. Around the World Cookbook Ages: 8 & Up Author: Abigail J Dodge DK Publishing, $19.99 (Hard Cover) A showcase of more than 50 recipes from around the world, each recipe section highlights a different region and the countries within it, emphasizing the food as well as the history and culture. Especially helpful is section on basic cooking techniques the "Gather Your Gear" section, which explains the different tools needed for the recipes and how to use them safely (steps that might be dangerous are marked with a warning symbol so adults know to stand by and help with those). Honest Pretzels Ages: 8 & Up Author: Mollie Katzen Ten Speed Press/Tricycle Press, $19.95 (Hard Cover) Honest Pretzels is the latest cookbook gem from Mollie Katzen. Designed for reader-eaters 8 years and up, this vegetarian (ingredients include dairy and eggs, but no meat) cookbook is a step-by-step guide to creating nutritionally balanced, ethnically diverse, non-meat meals. The Jumbo Vegetarian Cookbook Ages: 8 & Up Author: Judi Gillies Author: Jennifer Glossop Illustrator: Louise Phillips Kids Can Press, $14.95 (Hard Cover) The "Kids Can" Press knows how to present a child-friendly cookbook. This is a no-frills (no photos, not a lot of art) yet very happy book. The recipes, rated as beginner, intermediate or advanced level, are straightforward and simple to follow. The Spatulatta Cookbook Ages: 9 - 12 yrs. Author: Olivia Gerasole Author: Isabella Gerasole Scholastic, $16.99 (Hard Cover) Tween-age sisters Belle and Liv Gerasole present this charming cookbook filled with family recipes, seasonal specialties, and their own wry comments about both. The recipes are organized by season, subtly underscoring the use of fresh produce. A vegetarian section is predominately salads, but they’re hearty enough for meals. Snacks are simple and healthy. The girls have also included an informative section on basic kitchen skills and a glossary of terms every chef should know. Chew on This: Everything You Don't Want to Know About Fast Food Ages: 10 & Up Author: Charles Wilson Author: Eric Schlosser Houghton Mifflin Children's Books, $16.00 (Hard Cover) This is a spin-off for young readers of the authors' expose for adults, Fast Food Nation. While this is a book with a decidedly strong message, it is an important one. The history of fast food is not only explored, it is mined for all the unpleasant truths behind the facades.	Sign Up Parents' Choice news & features delivered to your inbox. Sign Up Now >>