We Really Like Cooking Slop!: The Elephant & Piggie Cookbook (Willems)
©2026 by Mo Willems
Young Readers
The Big, Fun Kids Cookie Book: 100+ Easy Recipes. 176p. (Food Network Magazine’s Kids Cookbooks). Hearst. Sept. 2026. Tr $25. ISBN 9781958395493.
Gr 2 Up–This impeccably designed Food Network Magazine cookbook includes over 100 different types of recipes for cookie aficionados. The table of contents includes images of the finished product. Each recipe features a large color photo, a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking time (including active and total time required), and how many cookies the recipe will make. Additional tips in playful language are sometimes included in a circle at the bottom of the page. The “Drop Cookies” section includes Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips and Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies, while “Slice and Bake” includes several types of biscotti and wafers. “Bar Cookies” includes a few types of shortbread as well as more distinct flavors like Tahini-Swirled Chocolate Chickpea Bars. “Sandwich Cookies” includes macarons and whoopie pies. “Specialty Cookies” features treats with unusual shapes like madeleines and rugelach, while “Holiday Cookies” includes offerings for Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, and Hanukkah. A section called “Cookie Tips” includes suggestions on basic ingredients; techniques, such as using room temperature butter; suggested tools, including decorating tools; and tips on cutting out shapes, baking, and icing (including a recipe for basic royal icing). A detailed index is also included. While there aren’t images of children baking within the pages, the bright photos, vivid colors, and extensive white space make this kid-friendly. VERDICT This well-crafted recipe collection features a wide variety of recipes that will appeal to cookie lovers of all ages and should be added to all cookbook shelves.–Ashley Larsen
See our interview with Food Network Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief and cookbook editor Maile Carpenter.
De La Torre, Andrea Jáuregui. The Día de los Muertos Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate. illus. by Alejandra Barajas. 52p. (Holiday Celebration). Quarto/becker&mayer! Sept. 2026. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781577158295.
Gr 1 Up–This book is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, food, and family traditions centered around Día de los Muertos. Recipes, cultural history, and festive traditions are combined into an engaging and accessible volume for readers of all ages. The illustrations and photography are one of the book’s greatest strengths. Bright colors, beautifully decorated altars, sugar skulls, marigolds, candles, and finished dishes bring the holiday to life. The visuals help readers understand the symbolism and joy associated with this important cultural celebration while making the recipes especially inviting. The cookbook features traditional foods commonly prepared during Día de los Muertos, along with background information. Readers will discover fun facts about offerings placed on ofrendas, the significance of marigolds, and the ways families honor loved ones through food and remembrance. Its successful blend of cooking, cultural education, and storytelling provides meaningful context that deepens appreciation for the traditions behind each dish. VERDICT Recommended for public and school libraries serving families, food enthusiasts, and readers interested in cultural traditions.–Susan McClellan
Fisher, Valorie. Look and Cook Fresh: A First Book of Recipes in Pictures. photos by Valerie Fisher. 56p. (Look and Cook). Astra. Oct. 2026. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781662621390.
PreS-Gr 3–The latest entry in the “Look and Cook” series, this visual cookbook features recipes with a focus on fresh ingredients. Each recipe uses pictures to present instructions instead of written directions so that even prereaders can feel confident as they help in the kitchen. The visuals are clear and will help children identify the ingredients and tools they will need. The recipes are simple, ranging from drinks to dips to desserts. There is neither order nor category for the recipes; instead, the recipes gradually increase in complexity, progressing from simple drinks with just a few ingredients and easy instructions to baked sweet treats that require more ingredients, a blender or oven, and even oven mitts. Some of the recipes include additional ingredients little chefs can add when they want to try a variant of the recipe. Dolls of different races are pictured in the kitchen cooking. Stunning photos are bright, with vibrant tones. VERDICT An excellent visual cookbook for beginners.–Lois Young
Oliver, Jamie. Let’s Make Burgers: See It, Say It, Cook It, Eat It! illus. by Adrian Johnson. 14p. (Jamie’s Little Food Library). Abrams/Magic Cat. May 2026. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781917768757.
Toddler-PreS–Another lift-the-flap board book entry in the “See It, Say It, Cook It, Eat It” series by celebrity chef Oliver. This volume shows all the ingredients and steps involved in making a hamburger. Each page features an illustration and name of an ingredient or two (lettuce, tomato, ground beef and lentils, cheese, buns and ketchup). A flap on each page opens to reveal what to do with the ingredient (shred the lettuce, slice the tomato, scrunch the ground beef and lentils). The full recipe appears at the end, along with basic safety tips for caregivers about cooking with children. VERDICT This simple lift-the-flap board book series provides a fun, interactive way to involve young children in preparing food together.–Ashley Larsen
Oliver, Jamie. Let’s Make Ice Pops: See It, Say It, Cook It, Eat It! illus. by Adrian Johnson. 14p. (Jamie’s Little Food Library). Abrams/Magic Cat. May 2026. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781917768771.
Toddler-PreS–This simple lift-the-flap board book demonstrates the ingredients and steps required to make berry sunshine ice pops (popsicles). Each page features an illustration of an ingredient (mango, lime, ginger, banana, raspberries), along with its name. Flaps on each page open to reveal what to do with each ingredient: chop the mango, squeeze the lime, grate the ginger. The full recipe appears at the end. A page at the back provides safety tips for caregivers about cooking with children. VERDICT This colorful, simple recipe-in-a-board-book is a fun and healthy way to introduce toddlers to a shared food experience.–Ashley Larsen
Peppa’s Yummy Cookbook. 36p. Insight Kids. Mar. 2026. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9798337403588.
K-Gr 4–The darling British pig family has their own cookbook! The brightly colored volume features 14 family-friendly recipes inspired by the Peppa Pig animated series. The book is printed on glossy paper that is handy for dry-erase markers and is spiral bound for easy flipping. Opening pages give burgeoning chefs advice on washing hands, getting help from their grown-ups, and making sure to have fun. Illustrations of Peppa, George, and other favorite characters appear throughout, along with photos of the final creation. Treats range from strawberry milkshakes and candied cherry cupcakes to finger sandwiches and minty veggie dip. Each spread includes lists of ingredients and equipment needed, tips, and alternative ideas. Every recipe has a rating for “egg-fort” level, with one egg being the easiest (Pizza Faces) and three eggs the most difficult (Daddy Pig’s Orange Cheesecake). The cookbook is appended by a weekly menu planner and a cooking tasks checklist that will help children feel empowered. VERDICT A lively cookbook option for populations where there are fans of the show.–Shelley Diaz
Taylor, Bryton. Once Upon a Cookbook: A Treasury of Recipes Inspired by Timeless Children’s Books. illus. by Emma Adams. 160p. Insight Editions. Apr. 2026. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9798886638653.
K Up–This cookbook features recipes of the food consumed by famous characters from classic children’s stories, such as Peter Rabbit, Mary Lennox, Sara Crewe, Winnie-the-Pooh, the March sisters, Tom Sawyer, and Huckleberry Finn. Each recipe starts off with an excerpt from the source material. Some entries explain the historical context of how and why alternatives were made to the recipes for it to reflect modernity. There is also an excerpt in each recipe with age-appropriate cooking suggestions, so everyone has a task do to. Adams’s intricate illustrations are original and unique to this book. Every type of meal is covered in this volume, including breakfast, tea, picnic meals, drinks, dinner, and desserts. The recipes in this cookbook mirror what individuals from England and the US who lived in the Victorian era and the early 20th century would have made and eaten themselves. VERDICT This will be a favorite for thosewho enjoy classic children’s stories and tea parties. Purchase for family collections.–Lois Young
Willems, Cher & Mo Willems. We Really Like Cooking Slop!: The Elephant & Piggie Cookbook. illus. by Mo Willems. 176p. Union Square Kids. Sept. 2026. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781454963189.
Gr 1-6–This attractive “do together” cookbook is based on the “Elephant and Piggie” title I Really Like Slop. The book features 50 recipes, divided into five sections: Breakfast, Snacks, Stews and Salads, Main Dishes, and Desserts. Each recipe spans three to four pages and includes a fun fact about the dish; a “Kitchen Talk” section that covers basic safety tips, helpful suggestions, or possible ingredient substitutions (often for how to make the dish vegetarian); a list of ingredients; and step-by-step instructions. A color photograph of the finished dish is usually included. Cartoons featuring Gerald and Piggie, and introducing some of Piggie’s relatives, appear throughout. The Pigeon also makes a few appearances. The recipes are often themed around variations of “slop,” including soups and lots of dips, stews, curries, puddings, sauces, and smoothies. They cover foods from the Netherlands, North Africa, Mexico, and Brazil. A few offer a chance for kids to get creative by experimenting with their own versions of salads, smoothies, or ice cream. Although some shortcuts are suggested, like using the microwave or the food processor, the recipes usually encourage kids to practice their cutting and cooking skills with the help of a grown-up, and most will require a fair amount of adult supervision. Introductory material includes photos of essential cooking utensils and tools, a guide to basic cooking skills, and a list of abbreviations used to indicate dietary restrictions like nut-free and vegetarian (these abbreviations appear next to the list of recipes at the beginning of each section). The book also includes a thorough index. VERDICT This fun, well-designed, and enticing collection of recipes will appeal to young chefs (and Mo Willems fans!) and their families.–Ashley Larsen
Older Readers
Asmus, James, Liz Tarpy & Vivian Jao. Winnie the Pooh: The Hundred-Acre Wood Cookbook. 176p. Insight Editions. Mar. 2026. Tr $29.99. ISBN 9798337402215.
Gr 9 Up–This collection of Winnie-the-Pooh –themed recipes is intended for adults to use with children. Unlike most cookbooks, which are organized by type of food (drinks, desserts, soups, etc.), the six chapters in this book are based on themes related to Winnie-the-Pooh stories and often feature a variety of sweet and savory foods, as well as beverages. The chapters include All About Honey (corn on the cob with whipped honey-miso butter); Parties and Picnics (hero cake and smoked trout dip); Rabbit’s Garden (veggie-centered recipes like green couscous); Holidays in the Hundred Acre Wood; Suppers (hearty dinner recipes like onion pie); and Smackerals (lighter snacks like pimiento cheese toasties). Each recipe includes an introduction, which explains how it connects to Winnie-the-Pooh; the recipe’s yield; a list of ingredients and special tools required; step-by-step instructions; and a color photograph of the finished dish. Cartoon illustrations of Winnie-the-Pooh characters appear throughout, along with a page for each character listing the recipes associated with them. The book also includes a table of contents, listing all of the recipes; a detailed index; and a word on working with kids, which describes the benefits of cooking with children (encouraging them to try new foods, building their confidence and self-esteem, etc.); and some suggestions for making the cooking experience more successful. The recipes are fairly sophisticated. A section toward the beginning called “Kanga and Roo” highlights recipes that are best for making with younger children, with suggestions about which steps they could do, like arranging veggies in a rainbow shape or adding ingredients to the blender for a smoothie. VERDICT A beautiful book, full of impressive and delicious-looking dishes, and lots of fun and clever tie-ins to Winnie-the-Pooh and the Hundred Acre Woods.–Ashley Larsen
Eboch, M.M. Cheesy Noms: A Cookbook for Kids Who Love Cheese. 32p. (Kids in the Kitchen). Amicus. Jan. 2026. Tr $25.95. ISBN 9798892008686.
Gr 4-7–This iteration of the publisher’s new “Kids in the Kitchen” series focuses on deliciously cheesy recipes ranging from classic grilled cheese to tempting cheesecake. Geared toward tweens and teens, this short, colorful cookbook includes 17 cheese-centric recipes (10 primary and seven variations) ranging in difficulty and flavor. The mouthwatering photos complement the clearly delineated instructions and occasional fun cheese facts. However, the choice of a paler yellow color (perhaps cheese inspired) for certain text and shapes is not the most accessible choice against the various pastel backgrounds. Young cooks will find the “Before You Start” and “Host the Ultimate Cheesey Noms Party” sections helpful for prep and planning. VERDICT Suggested purchase for library cookbook collections targeting middle schoolers.–Pearl Derlaga
Eboch, M.M. Chocolate Delights: A Cookbook for Kids Who Love Chocolate. 32p. (Kids in the Kitchen). Amicus. Jan. 2026. Tr $37.10. ISBN 9798892008693.
Gr 3-8–An engaging and accessible guide designed for young chefs. Part of the “Kids in the Kitchen” series, this book serves as an inspiring introduction for tweens and teens to experiment with dessert-making, including easy fudge, hot fudge dump cake, chocolate bark, and chocolate raspberry truffles. Beyond the recipes, the book is structured to ensure a safe and educational kitchen experience. It includes a “Before You Start” section that emphasizes safety tips, such as asking for adult help and tying back loose hair, alongside a comprehensive cooking glossary that defines terms like beat, blend, and preheat. Practical tools like a metric conversion chart are also provided to help young readers manage measurements. A standout feature is the inclusion of historical context and fun facts. Readers learn that people have loved chocolate for over 5,000 years, that cocoa beans were once used as money in Mexico, and that it takes approximately 400 cocoa beans to produce just one pound of chocolate. The book also touches on the origins of modern chocolate-making, such as the 500-year-old Jamaican tradition of adding milk to chocolate. VERDICT A well-rounded resource that combines clear, step-by-step instructions with educational tidbits, making it an excellent choice for young chocolate enthusiasts looking to impress friends and family with their culinary skills.–Jeni Tahaney
Fiso, Monique & Katie Monteith. Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook: Pacific Recipes Inspired by Motunui. 144p. Insight Editions. Jun. 2026. Tr $27.99. ISBN 9798337401324.
Gr 6 Up–Just in time for the live-action version of Moana, this cookbook features delicious and authentic Pacifica recipes. Each entry includes a short headnote with historical and cultural context and connection to the films. The recipes note a difficulty rating from easy to highly advanced. Most of the recipes require adult help and supervision. They use a range of Polynesian staples, including kmara, coconut, taro, banana, fish, pork, chicken, and mango. A handful are traditional dishes shared across the Pacific islands: Oka Ia, Rukau, Pisupo, and ‘otai. Some recipes teach classic Polynesian cooking methods, such as K
lua and Fa’alifu. Fiso and Monteith recreate classic dishes, including Huli Huli chicken, poke, and Kopai. Illustrations and stills tie the recipes to Moana. Certain patterns and designs from the film are also featured. Fiso and Monteith incorporate Polynesian history, culture, and linguistic diversity throughout. Kele’s ingredient guide is named after a farmer in Moana’s village, and it introduces readers to key ingredients of Pacifica cuisine and preparations for favorite fruits like coconut. The table of contents includes a great guide for many dietary and allergy considerations. Most recipes include serving suggestions and notes on how to customize a dish, how long things keep, or substitutions. VERDICT This Moana-inspired cookbook features authentic Pacific Islander dishes that will be loved by families, Disney fans, and experienced cooks. A great addition to every library.–Nicole Gaudier Alemañy
Klepinger, Teresa. À La Mode: A Cookbook for Kids Who Love Ice Cream. 36p. (Kids in the Kitchen). Amicus. Jan. 2026. lib. ed. $25.95. ISBN 9798892008679.
Gr 3-8–A vibrant, kid-friendly cooking guide designed to introduce young readers to homemade frozen desserts. The book is structured as a step-by-step collection of recipes, guiding children through making ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. Illustrations are bright and instructional, visually breaking down each recipe so young cooks can follow along with confidence. The design emphasizes fun, making kitchen tasks feel approachable rather than intimidating. The focus is on simple, homemade frozen treats and hosting at-home ice cream parties. It also reinforces creativity and confidence in beginner chefs through approachable seasonal variations and accessible ingredients in the kitchen. The recipes feature classics, including vanilla and chocolate ice cream, along with creative options, such as blueberry froyo and s’mores ice cream pie. Step-by-step instructions, safety tips, and a glossary of cooking terms support independent learning, while party-hosting ideas add a social, celebratory element. VERDICT Recommended for early middle graders, it also appeals to older tweens and teens interested in beginner cooking. Libraries should consider purchasing this title because it encourages hands-on STEM-related skills, food literacy, and safe kitchen experimentation in an engaging format.–Susan McClellan
Klepinger, Teresa. Cupcake-opedia: A Cookbook for Kids Who Love Cupcakes. 32p. (Kids in the Kitchen). Amicus. Jan. 2026. lib. ed. $25.95. ISBN 9798892008709.
Gr 5-7–What’s not to love about cupcakes? Tweens and teens can master the basics and explore new flavors with this cupcake-centric edition of the “Kids in the Kitchen” series. Consisting of nine recipes and four variants, this short cookbook provides young bakers with the opportunity to branch out from basic vanilla cupcakes to interesting flavor profiles like pink lemonade, blueberry lemon, and gingersnap cheesecake. There’s a good level of specificity for ingredients, such as the required temperature of butter or the level of ripeness of fruit. Bright photos are in keeping with the celebratory nature of the book. Some may quibble that certain recipes feel more like variants than originals since the first step is to “make cupcakes on page 8.” In addition to the recipes, there is a chapter devoted to making vanilla buttercream frosting and decorating tips. The “Host a Birthday Party!” section at the end feels like a missed opportunity to spotlight a fun, more unique cupcake-themed event. VERDICT Solid purchase for dessert-obsessed young cooks ready to venture into baking.–Pearl Derlaga
Klepinger, Teresa. Noodle-Mania: A Cookbook for Kids Who Love Pasta. 32p. (Kids in the Kitchen). Amicus. Jan. 2026. Tr $37.10. ISBN 9798892008716.
Gr 3-8–An engaging and accessible entry in the series designed to turn young readers into confident beginner chefs. Focusing on a universal favorite, pasta, the book highlights that this versatile food comes in more than 350 different shapes, from wagon wheels to corkscrews, making the cooking process as fun as it is delicious. The cookbook features 10 easy-to-follow recipes that range from basic comfort foods, like macaroni and cheese, to international flavors, like rice noodles in peanut sauce, and viral trends, like baked feta pasta. What sets this book apart is its focus on kitchen literacy and safety. Before the first recipe begins, the book provides a Pasta Perfection guide that covers essential prep work, such as tying back loose hair, wearing an apron, and the importance of using a large pot. The inclusion of a Cooking Glossary helps kids master culinary terms like simmer, knead, and whisk, while a Metric Conversion Chart ensures they can handle different measurement systems. Furthermore, the book encourages creativity, reminding kids that they are the cooks and can add or subtract ingredients to suit their own tastes. There is also a bonus section that helps the young chef host a pasta party. VERDICT With its step-by-step instructions, helpful safety tips, and vibrant photography, this is an excellent resource for aspiring young chefs. A strong addition to any school or public library.–Jeni Tahaney
Dining and Cooking