Books for Budding Chefs:
11 Great Cookbooks for Little 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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Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes
Available from:This book puts children in the driver’s seat by providing them with simple, wholesome, and healthy recipes they can make (with an adult’s help). They will learn counting, measuring, and food literacy as they make yummy meals.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
Bluey and Bingo's Fancy Restaurant Cookbook
Available from:Little Bluey fans can make their favorite foods from the popular Disney+ television show. Whether your child wants to make Dad’s birthday omelet or Nana’s ice blocks, you will find simple, easy-to-follow instructions for 13 delicious dishes.
(Ages 4 – 7)Also available from: -
Children's Quick and Easy Cookbook
Available from:This book is an excellent pick for kids who want to try a variety of recipes, from snacks and desserts to main dishes. Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make the 60 recipes in this book ideal for budding chefs.
(Ages 5 – 7)Also available from: -
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. It offers simple after-school snacks, family meals, and holiday celebration recipes for beginner cooks.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
Baking Wonderland
Available from:Baking is one of the first things young children do in the kitchen, and this book invites them to mix up tasty treats for the oven. From cookies and cupcakes to frostings and toppings, children will love making all the delicious recipes featured in this book!
(Ages 5 – 9)Also available from: -
The Disney Princess Cookbook
Available from:Cook up enchanting main dishes, desserts, and breakfasts with this Disney Princess-inspired cookbook! Young chefs will stir up some magic as they learn the basics of the kitchen and follow beginner-friendly recipes — all with the help of their favorite princesses.
(Ages 6 – 8)Also available from: -
The Disney Christmas Cookbook
Available from:Add an extra helping of magic to your holiday cooking with this Disney cookbook. Kids will find festive recipes inspired by their favorite movies, shows, and characters. From Pooh Bear’s Mini Honey Buns to Encanto-inspired Arepas, young sous chefs will discover dozens of dishes to liven up the holidays.
(Ages 6 – 8)Also available from: -
Cook It! The Dr. Seuss Cookbook for Kid Chefs
Available from:If your kid wants to try green eggs and ham, roast beast, or any of the other wacky foods from Dr. Seuss’s beloved books, this cookbook is a must-have. With over 50 recipes kids will recognize from their favorite stories, this unique cookbook will have them stirring up edible creations in no time.
(Ages 7 and up)Also available from: -
The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids
Preorder from:Cooking is science, and this cookbook leans into experimenting in the kitchen with exciting and sometimes explosive recipes. With over 75 edible science experiments to try, kids will have no problem finding a fun recipe to keep them occupied.
(Ages 7 and up)(On sale: 2/25/2025)
Preorder from: -
Complete Children's Cookbook
Available from:This book will keep you and your sous chef (or is it the other way around?) plenty busy — there are over 150 exciting recipes to try. 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 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:
You might also like:
- Children’s Books About Cuisine Around the World
- A Batter Idea: 9 Tasty Baking Cookbooks for Kids
- Eating the Rainbow: 10 Picture Books About Fruits and Vegetables
- Pizza vs. Taco Books: Which Are Better?
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2024.