20 Kid-Friendly Cookbooks That Are Perfect For Your Little Sous Chefs

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After becoming a mom, I discovered two common denominators that unite almost every kid: they love to make messes, and they love to eat. I realized I could combine these two favorable activities for the greater good of my sanity when my 2-year-old recently became obsessed with helping me out in the kitchen. I'll admit that I was a little cautious at first, but when I saw how much satisfaction she got from cracking an egg, mixing ingredients, and carefully pouring pancake mix onto the griddle, I realized just how beneficial it could be to have her as my sous chef.

Cooking with kids teaches them about responsibility, it helps them see what's going into their meals, and it makes them feel accomplished after each recipe they help create. From curious toddlers to ambitious adolescents, here are 20 kid-friendly cookbooks for parents whose little ones are eager to make some awesome food (and memories!).

01
Good Housekeeping: Kids Cook!
Amazon

Good Housekeeping: Kids Cook!

Kids can choose from over 100 recipes to make in Good Housekeeping: Kids Cook! ($14, originally $20), all of which are proven to be both kid-friendly and safe.

02
Little Belly Monster Maks a Pizza
Amazon

Little Belly Monster Maks a Pizza

Toddlers will love learning how to make their favorite food while reading Little Belly Monster Makes a Pizza ($13). The board book tells a sweet story accompanied by simple step-by-step instructions.

03
Tacos! An Interactive Recipe Book
Amazon

Tacos! An Interactive Recipe Book

Tacos! An Interactive Recipe Book ($13, originally $17) explains how to make tacos through interactive play — complete with pull tabs and pop-out pieces.

04
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
Amazon

The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs

This is the first time America's Test Kitchen is lending their expertise to help kids make delicious recipes, too. The Complete Cookbook For Young Chefs ($14, originally $20) boasts kid-tested and kid-approved recipes your little ones will love to make and eat.

05
Mommy & Me Start Cooking
Amazon

Mommy & Me Start Cooking

Children aren't just interested in watching their parents cook — they're capable of truly whipping up their own creations, too! The Mommy & Me Start Cooking ($14, originally $16) cookbook is the perfect way to get them started.

06
Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!)
Amazon

Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!)

Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!) ($15, originally $19) includes healthy ingredients, kid-favorite foods, and basic cooking techniques.

07
The Tickle Fingers Toddler Cookbook
Amazon

The Tickle Fingers Toddler Cookbook

There's no reason for parents to be fearful when their toddler is following a recipe from The Tickle Fingers Toddler Cookbook ($18, originally $22). They don't require knives, raw meat, or anything else that's unfit for a toddler's first go around the kitchen.

08
Kid Chef Junior: My First Kids’ Cookbook
Amazon

Kid Chef Junior: My First Kids’ Cookbook

Kid Chef Junior: My First Kids' Cookbook ($11, originally $15) gives little ones the chance to hone in on their culinary skills while creating healthy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

09
Sesame Street: Let's Cook!
Amazon

Sesame Street: Let's Cook!

If you've got an eager preschooler or kindergartener at home who can't wait to start cooking, they'll have no problem learning from their familiar friends on Sesame Street. Sesame Street: Let's Cook! ($10, originally $18) includes 50 character-themed recipes from the beloved show.

10
Look, I’m a Cook
Amazon

Look, I’m a Cook

Look, I'm a Cook ($9, originally $13) helps kids explore the senses that go along with the food they're helping to make — from the way it tastes to the way its consistency feels.

11
The Easy Family Cookbook
Target

The Easy Family Cookbook

A cookbook concept almost any parent can get behind, The Easy Family Cookbook ($14) was created by Ella's Kitchen, the organic baby and toddler food brand, so you know every ingredient required in each recipe is the best of the best.

12
Better Homes & Gardens: New Junior Cookbook​​
Amazon

Better Homes & Gardens: New Junior Cookbook​​

Better Homes & Gardens: New Junior Cookbook ($12, originally $18) has notes and advice throughout the book, so picky youngsters might just turn into healthier, more well-rounded eaters.

13
Children’s Quick and Easy Cookbook
Amazon

Children’s Quick and Easy Cookbook

Whether it's a quick snack or a hearty meal, there's a recipe for it in Children's Quick and Easy Cookbook ($8, originally $10). Even though it's geared towards kids, the whole family will enjoy cooking these recipes together.

15
Kids Cooking: Tasty Recipes with Step-By-Step Photos
Walmart

Kids Cooking: Tasty Recipes with Step-By-Step Photos

Klutz's Kids Cooking: Tasty Recipes with Step-By-Step Photos ($17, originally $20) offers young readers colorful images, step-by-step instructions, and a colorful whisk to help them cook.

16
Peanuts Family Cookbook: Delicious Dishes for Kids to Make With Their Favorite Grown-Ups
Target

Peanuts Family Cookbook: Delicious Dishes for Kids to Make With Their Favorite Grown-Ups

The Peanuts Family Cookbook: Delicious Dishes for Kids to Make With Their Favorite Grown-Ups ($17) encourages family time in the form of cooking delicious, simple recipes together.

17
The Disney Princess Cookbook
Amazon

The Disney Princess Cookbook

The Disney Princess Cookbook ($14, originally $16) will help any princess or prince try their hand at cooking a new dish, inspired by one of their favorite enchanting characters.

18
The Cooking with Kids Cookbook
Target

The Cooking with Kids Cookbook

The Cooking with Kids Cookbook ($22) encourages families to make healthy eating choices by learning about fresh food from different cultures.

19
Kid Chef Every Day: The Easy Cookbook for Foodie Kids
Amazon

Kid Chef Every Day: The Easy Cookbook for Foodie Kids

If you're a self-proclaimed foodie and want your child to follow in your footsteps, the Kid Chef Every Day: The Easy Cookbook for Foodie Kids ($12, originally $17) is one you're going to want to get your hands on.

20
Cook Me a Story
Amazon

Cook Me a Story

Cook Me a Story ($16, originally $17) turns a young reader's literary dreams into a reality by helping them create recipes inspired by classic fairy tales.