Books About Cooking · 302 titles considered

The Best Cooking Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

Mochi Queen
Cooking with the Lorax
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Cooking

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?

392 pages· 72,363 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 90,527 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
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.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2017

Mochi Queen

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,173 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
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?
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
4.0/5 Goodreads · 255 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
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?
Picture Book · Ages 4–6

Cooking with the Lorax

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

32 pages· 169 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 53 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
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?
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2013

Ice Cream Soup

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 experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 276 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
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.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2003

Stone Soup

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

32 pages· 965 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,131 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
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.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1997

The Seven Silly Eaters

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 experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,312 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
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.
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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 239 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
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.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Even Aliens Need Snacks

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

40 pages
5.9/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 394 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
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.
Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2017

Tacos!

Cook tacos with interactive fun in this playful recipe book.

16 pages
5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 151 ratings
$22.95Save 5%
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.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box
Browse by age

Cooking Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

We're Going to the Farmers' Market

Ages 1–3 · 2014

Explore a vibrant farmers' market and create a feast from fresh finds.

Chicken Soup with Rice

Ages 2–4 · 1962

Discover the joy of every month with whimsical rhymes and charming art.

Feast for 10

Ages 1–4 · 1993

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

Soup Day

Ages 2–5 · 2010

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

What's Up, Tiger?

Ages 0–3 · 2017

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

Pizza!

Ages 2–4 · 2017

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

Cookies!

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

Mean Soup

Ages 0–3 · 1992

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

Maisy Makes Gingerbread

Ages 2–5 · 1999

A mouse bakes cookies to share with friends.

Pete's a Pizza

Ages 0–3 · 1998

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

First Book of Sushi

Ages 0–3 · 2001

Discover Japanese cuisine through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations.

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.

Larry Bendeco Johannes Von Sloop

Ages 2–5 · 2014

Brothers debate if fancy or simple names make a bakery thrive.

Our Favorite Day

Ages 3–7 · 2019

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

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

Ages 3–7 · 1994

A person travels the world to gather ingredients for an apple pie.

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!

Ages 4–8 · 2024

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

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

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

Ages 4–8 · 2024

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

This Book Is On Fire!

Ages 3–7 · 2023

A frog chef faces his toughest challenge: cooking for a picky eater.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A silent snowy walk reveals hidden wonders and mindful discoveries.

Browse by age

Cooking Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about cooking for developing and independent readers.

The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Discover the joy of baking with kid-tested recipes for every occasion.

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

Ages 8–12 · 2021

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

Isabel in Bloom

Ages 8–12 · 2024

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

Fabulous Feast

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A culinary showdown ignites at Hotel Flamingo to revive its fortunes.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2199

The Tea Dragon Festival

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A dragon awakens after 80 years, seeking purpose and lost time.

Pizza!
Sale price
$1899

Pizza!

Ages 4–8 · 2022

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

Stir Crack Whisk Bake

2019

Tiny chefs bake cupcakes with a magical touch.

You Can't Drink a Meatball Through a Straw

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Hank faces off in a cooking contest, uncovering unexpected family secrets.

Mr. Putter & Tabby Stir the Soup

Ages 6–9 · 2003

A broken stove leads to a cooking adventure with an energetic dog.

Who Was Julia Child?

Ages 8–11 · 2015

Discover how a wartime encounter led to a culinary revolution.

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?

Keep exploring
Books about cooking and foodBooks about finding your passionBooks about chefsBooks about friendshipBooks about gardeningBooks about ice creamBooks about pregnancyBooks about problem solving

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo