Books About Cooking · 303 titles considered

The Best Cooking Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Food & Cooking Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about cooking? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Cooking

With the Fire on High
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

With the Fire on High

By Elizabeth Acevedo

A young mother finds magic in cooking, but can she turn her culinary dreams into reality?

Golden Kite Honor (2020)
392 pages· 72,363 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 90,736 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Emoni Santiago juggles motherhood and school, finding solace in her magical cooking. Her dream of becoming a chef seems impossible, but the kitchen is where her true self emerges. As she navigates life's challenges, will Emoni dare to pursue her passion and defy the odds? Discover the journey of a young woman whose culinary creations might just change her destiny.
Mochi Queen
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2017

Mochi Queen

By Debbi Michiko Florence, Elizabet Vukovic (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Jasmine Toguchi series

Jasmine defies tradition to pound mochi before her sister. Can she succeed?

128 pages· 10,033 words· Est. 2 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,175 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is determined to do something special before her sister. As her family prepares for New Year's, Jasmine plans to break tradition by pounding mochi rice with the men. But the task is harder than it seems, and it's usually reserved for boys. Can Jasmine prove herself and make her mark before the celebration begins?
The Best Chef in Second Grade
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2011

The Best Chef in Second Grade

By Katharine Kenah, Abby Carter (Illustrator)

A young boy tries to find a dish that his whole family will enjoy in time for a visit from a famous chef.

48 pages· 1,013 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 256 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ollie loves cooking but struggles to find his family's favorite dish for a school event. With Chef Antonia visiting, it's his chance to shine. Can he discover the perfect recipe to impress and finally stand out in second grade? As the clock ticks, Ollie faces a culinary challenge that could change everything. Will he rise to the occasion or miss his moment to be the best?
Cooking with the Lorax
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 4–6

Cooking with the Lorax

By Sonali Fry

Discover where food truly comes from with the Lorax's garden adventure.

32 pages· 169 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 54 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Library Binding
Summary: Join the Lorax as he journeys from garden to kitchen, picking fresh fruits and vegetables to create a healthy salad. This rhymed tale introduces young readers to the origins of their food, emphasizing nature's role over supermarkets. Perfect for budding readers, food enthusiasts, and little gardeners, this story combines rhythmic text with vibrant illustrations to make learning fun. Will the Lorax inspire a new appreciation for the earth's bounty?
Ice Cream Soup
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2013

Ice Cream Soup

By Ann Ingalls

A boy's ice cream cake turns into a surprising, sweet mess.

32 pages· 233 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
2.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 281 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: A young boy's ambitious attempt to create an ice cream cake takes a deliciously unexpected turn, resulting in a bowl of ice cream soup. As he adds scoop after scoop, will he find a way to fix his frosty concoction, or will he discover a new treat altogether? Dive into this playful, rhyming adventure perfect for early readers, where creativity and a little chaos lead to a delightful surprise.
Stone Soup
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2003

Stone Soup

By Jon J Muth

Strangers inspire a wary village to create a feast from stones.

32 pages· 965 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,135 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a war-torn village, three weary travelers propose a curious idea: making soup from stones. Initially skeptical, the villagers, hardened by hardship, slowly contribute their hidden provisions. As the pot simmers, the community discovers the power of unity and generosity. What begins as a simple trick transforms into a heartwarming feast, revealing the abundance they possess when they come together. Will this newfound spirit of cooperation endure beyond the meal? This enchanting tale, set against a backdrop of stunning watercolors, invites readers to ponder the magic of collaboration and the hidden wealth within a community.
The Seven Silly Eaters
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1997

The Seven Silly Eaters

By Mary Ann Hoberman, Marla Frazee (Illustrator)

A family of picky eaters surprises their mother with a special twist.

40 pages· 1,250 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
6.2/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,335 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a household where each child demands a unique meal, chaos reigns. Peter insists on milk, Lucy craves lemonade, and Jack won't eat anything but applesauce. As the family grows, so do the culinary challenges. But when the seven fussy eaters come together, they concoct a surprise that leaves their mother speechless. Can this unexpected twist turn a chaotic kitchen into a heartwarming celebration? Discover how a mother's patience and a family's creativity lead to an unforgettable birthday surprise.
Dough Knights and Dragons
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2017

Dough Knights and Dragons

By Dee Leone, George Ermos (Illustrator)

A knight and dragon must defy a duel law to save their friendship.

40 pages· 736 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 240 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a mythical kingdom, a knight and a dragon form an unexpected bond over baking. But a law demands they duel, threatening their friendship. Can they outsmart the law and spread joy instead? Discover their clever plan in this enchanting tale of friendship and courage.
Even Aliens Need Snacks
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Even Aliens Need Snacks

By Matthew McElligott · Even Monsters Need series

A young chef's alien snacks bring unexpected fame across the galaxy.

40 pages
5.9/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 395 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: The young monster barber returns, now a chef whose bizarre snacks attract aliens from across the galaxy. As spaceships line up for his culinary creations, will his fame soar or fizzle? Discover the humor and artistry in this interstellar adventure.
Tacos!
Sale price
$2180
Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2017

Tacos!

Cook in a Book series

Cook tacos with interactive fun in this playful recipe book.

16 pages
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 153 ratings
$22.95Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Dive into a world where cooking meets play! This interactive book lets young chefs chop, mash, and warm their way to delicious tacos. With pull tabs and sliders, kids can 'cook' right on the page. Perfect for little ones eager to help in the kitchen or those who love to do it themselves. Discover the joy of cooking with this engaging and hands-on experience.
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Browse by age

Cooking Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about cooking for the youngest readers and listeners.

Feast for 10
Sale price
$699

Feast for 10

Ages 1–4 · 1993

Join a family as they shop, cook, and feast together, counting from one to ten.

Soup Day
Series
Sale price
$999

Soup Day

Ages 2–5 · 2010

A girl and her mom bond over making soup on a snowy day.

What's Up, Tiger?
Series
Sale price
$1299

What's Up, Tiger?

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Guess the animals' antics and lift the flap to reveal the truth.

Pizza!
Series
Sale price
$2295

Pizza!

Ages 2–4 · 2017

Kids make pizza independently with this interactive, mess-free recipe book.

Cookies!
Series
Sale price
$2295

Cookies!

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Bake cookies independently with this interactive, mess-free recipe book.

Mean Soup
Sale price
$999

Mean Soup

Ages 0–3 · 1992

A bad day leaves Horace feeling mean, but his mother has a surprising remedy.

Pete's a Pizza
Sale price
$899

Pete's a Pizza

Ages 0–3 · 1998

A playful pizza-making session turns into a whimsical adventure.

First Book of Sushi
Series
Sale price
$799

First Book of Sushi

Ages 0–3 · 2001

Discover Japanese cuisine through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations.

Pizza Chef
Series
Sale price
$899

Pizza Chef

Ages 0–2 · 2021

Join a bear's pizza-making adventure with interactive fun for little chefs.

View all cooking board books
Browse by age

Cooking Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about cooking for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Our Favorite Day
Sale price
$1799

Our Favorite Day

Ages 3–7 · 2019

A grandfather's routine transforms on special Thursdays with his granddaughter.

Little Chef
Sale price
$1799

Little Chef

Ages 2–6 · 2018

A girl cooks a special meal for her grandmother, facing culinary challenges with determination.

Awe-Samosas!
Sale price
$1999

Awe-Samosas!

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A girl improvises a family recipe, creating a delicious new treat.

Cat Family Christmas
#1 in Series
Sale price
$2299

Cat Family Christmas

Ages 3–6 · 2022

Uncover surprises with the Cat Family as they prepare for Christmas in this advent-style adventure.

Saturdays and Teacakes
Sale price
$899

Saturdays and Teacakes

Ages 4–8 · 2004

A boy's Saturdays with his grandmother reveal the magic of simple joys.

May Your Life Be Deliciosa
Sale price
$1799

May Your Life Be Deliciosa

Ages 5–7 · 2021

Rosie learns the secret to a flavorful life through her abuela's tamale-making tradition.

Ice Cream Man
Sale price
$1899

Ice Cream Man

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A young cook revolutionizes dessert, creating ice cream for all.

Seoul Food
Sale price
$1899

Seoul Food

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A girl blends her Black and Korean heritage into a unique dish for her grandparents' visit.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow
Sale price
$1799

Ten Ways to Hear Snow

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A silent snowy walk reveals hidden wonders and mindful discoveries.

View all cooking picture books
Browse by age

Cooking Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about cooking for developing and independent readers.

I Am Thankful
Sale price
$899

I Am Thankful

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Three families celebrate Thanksgiving, sharing traditions and gratitude.

The Last Super Chef
Sale price
$799

The Last Super Chef

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young chef competes to win a cooking show and discover his father's identity.

Isabel in Bloom
Sale price
$1799

Isabel in Bloom

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A girl finds unexpected connections and growth through a special garden in a new country.

Pizza!
Sale price
$1899

Pizza!

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Uncover the global journey and origins of pizza in a fun, flavorful exploration.

Dear Dumb Diary, Deluxe
Sale price
$1299

Dear Dumb Diary, Deluxe

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Middle schoolers scheme to get rich with a food idea. Will it succeed?

View all cooking chapter books
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