School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-6-These books are nearly identical to the titles in the "I'm the Chef!" books (Crabtree), which were written by the same authors and feature many of the same recipes and photographs. Each one includes more than a dozen recipes, with a generic warning on the contents page about always having an adult in the kitchen to help and to be careful when using knives or a stove. Each recipe has a brief introduction, an ingredient list, utensils needed, tips and tricks, and step-by-step illustrated directions. Many of them involve chopping, dicing, and mincing. Ingredients are readily available in a supermarket or specialty food store. The photography is exceptional, with children engaged in the cooking process. The recipes include both easily recognized dishes and holiday fare, as well as several that are more challenging. A few recipes contain raw eggs. Chinese Cooking states that orange is regarded as the color of good luck. Red is considered good luck, while giving oranges is considered a good-luck gesture. Children, and the adults who assist them, will spend hours together mastering the techniques for tagliatelle, tiramis , sole meuniere, profiteroles, churritos, spring rolls, and more.-Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.