August 1, 2013
Gr 3-5-As with most cookbooks, reactions to the full-color photographs will range from "eeeewww!" to "yum!" so everyone is sure to find something appealing in these titles. The offerings in Snacks range from meat samosas to chicken dippers and apple-slice sandwiches. Smoothies contains recipes for strawberry lemonade and a Turkish-style yogurt drink. Veggies includes kale chips and stuffed squash as well as the more common mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. While most of the recipes are perfectly reasonable for beginning chefs, with ingredient lists from 3 to 17 items long and steps anywhere from 2 to 14, adults will need to be on hand to assist in selection and execution. Several features add value for older elementary kids, including an illustrated cooking-tools page and a special-ingredients glossary where they learn more about acorn squash, allspice, chutney, feta cheese, kale, mango, etc. "Try This!" text bubbles provide substitution suggestions for some of the recipes. Overall, these are solid choices with an appealing variety of complexity and flavors.-Heather Acerro, Rochester Public Library, MN
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