Cue the snacks! If you’ve got a kid in your house who loves to cook, and loves to eat, these books are sure to delight. Sneaky like those veggies you put in their smoothie, these books also all have the added bonus of teaching kids about emotions, compasson, self-care, friendship, and even what to make for dinner. From life-sized poatoes to smart cookies, read on for our top picks.
Fruits in Suits
Have you ever seen a banana in a bikini? Or a tangerine in trunks? What about grapes in goggles? Jared Chapman uses colorful illustrations of fruit to teach kids there are suits for everything, from swimming to scuba diving. In this funny board book, kids learn the importance of holding onto their suits when jumping in the water. Ages: 0-3
Buy it here, $8.
When Carrot Met Cookie
Two completely different food groups, one unlikely friendship. Carrot and Cookie learn a lot from each other! Cookie loves to dunk and Carrot loves to dip. They enjoy learning from one another, but other foodie friends make fun of them. This won’t stop this dynamic duo from being the best friends they can. A great lesson in acceptance, told by author Erica S. Peri with lots of punny humor. Accompanied by Jonathan Fenske’s cheerful illustrations. Releases September 28. Ages: 4-6
Preorder a copy here, $10
The Smart Cookie
Book five in bestselling The Bad Seed book series by Jory John and illustrator Pete Oswald, which includes The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, The Cool Bean, and The Couch Potato, we meet a cookie who feels anything but clever. This sweet little character compares herself to every cupcake and roll in the bakery. She just doesn’t feel very smart or particularly good, or “the best” at anything. Until one day, thanks to an assignment at school, everything changes. A great little confidence booster for any kid. Ages: 4-8
Buy your copy now, $16
Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast
Bringing breakfast to life, this picture book by Josh Funk with illustrations by Brendan Kearney, tells the tale of two best friends (Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast) who get along just fine until they discover there is only one drop of maple syrup left. Breakfast chaos, and some serious competition, ensues. But the lesson is sweeter than any syrup, because true friendship finds a way to overcome any obstacle. This is the first of three books that showcase the breakfast duo. Ages: 5 and up
Get your copy here, $15
How Are You Peeling?
Use food to explore emotions in this adorable book that uses photo-like images of foods like apples, oranges, and peppers, showcasing a range of emotions. It’s not only a good laugh, it’s an effective way to show kids that having a good day, or a bad day, or a grumpy day, or a silly day, are all normal emotions. So normal, even food feels them. Written and illustrated by Saxton Freymon and Joost Effers. Ages: 4-8
Buy it now, $8
¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market
Fans of Richard Scarry will appreciate the lively details of this Mexican-American story by award-winning illustration Raúl the Third. This bilingual book teaches kids new words in Spanish while traveling through the bustling, border-town marketplace. Inspired by the author-illustrator's own life growing up between El Paso, Texas and Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, this exciting new book is a must-read for April and beyond. Ages: 4-7
Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever!
Back in 2020, Pizza and Taco made their debut in Stephen Shaskan’s graphic novel Pizza and Taco: Who’s the Best? In the second book in the Pizza and Taco series, Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever, we find our hilarious besties bored and ready to party. (Look out, Cheeseburger crashes the party! Oh, no! Ice Cream had a meltdown!) The third book, Pizza and Taco: Super-Awesome Comic released this summer. Ages: 5-8
Get it today, $10
My Life as a Potato
While this one isn’t exactly told from the voice of an actual piece of food, this middle-grade story is told from a pretty unique point-of-view: a kid who gets stuck playing the school mascot...in a potato suit. Middle grader Ben Hardy is already unhappy about moving to a new school in Idaho but when he causes the school mascot to sprain his ankle, Ben has to step in as the Steve the Spud. A great novel about feeling out of place, change and keeping your sense of humor. Arianne Costner captures that middle-school awkwardness with the charm in the vein of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Ages: 8-12
Get yours here, $8
Wildchild: Adventure Cooking with Kids
What happens when you combine a James Beard Award-nominated author and family-friendly food with the great outdoors? An epic new cookbook by Sarah Glover that will not only inspire you to cook over an open flame, but it will also make you want to forage in the woods and celebrate nature together. From bread baked on hot coals to saltwater kale and potatoes, Kat Parker’s photographs will have you drooling over the places and the food all at once. All ages (family).
Buy it now, $17
Cakes for Kids: 40 Easy Recipes That Will Wow!
Paris-based baker, food artist and cookbook author Juliette Lalbaltry's latest book starts with teaching kids (and their grown-ups) four basic cake recipes (lemon, yogurt, chocolate and rolled sponge). From these four bases she offers dozens of ideas for clever, totally doable decorations that will guarantee you'll never need to order another party cake. Ages: All Ages
Find it here. $16.99
Snackable Science Experiments: 60 Edible Tests to Try and Taste
Scientist, educator, mom and Chief Experimenter Science Sparks, Emma Vanstone's new book will delight kitchen helpers and bored kids everywhere! From chemistry to structural engineering, kids can play with their food and learn new concepts all at once. The perfect antidote to winter break brain drain! Ages: All ages, recommended for ages 6-11 but younger kids can get in on the fun with a little more help. Some adult supervision is required.
Get yours here, $20
The Help Yourself Cookbook for Kids
There’s one surefire way to get kids to eat a greater variety in their diet, including more fruits and veggies. Get them in on the cooking process! And The Help Yourself Cookbook for Kids: 60 Easy Plant-Based Recipes Kids Can Make to Stay Healthy and Save the Earth by Ruby Roth does just that. From snacks (Life Boats), to sandwiches (Leprechaun Tracks) to yummy drinks (Tickled Pink) the kids will find easy-to-follow recipes that will get them exciting about food. Ages: 6-12
Buy it now, $11
—Amber Guetebier
featured image: iStock
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