BY DAWN WOODS

 

All cookery books for children and adults alike need to have pictures, and the Usborne series fits the bill perfectly. The cover immediately attracts, with Spring colours inviting children to pick up this easy to follow cookery book.

Steps are illustrated with pictures as well as text, so even a poor reader could produce the desired end product.

All recipes are named in a fun way. It's not just cakes, but Chirpy Chick cakes, not just biscuits but Easter daisy biscuits. I've no doubt that exactly the same recipes could be renamed for Christmas or Halloween and decorated differently, but here the Easter theme allows a child to pick from a range of cakes, biscuits and sweets.

Some of the recipes do not need actual cooking with heat, most can be made by children 8 - 10 years on their own without adult help, but with adult help the book is suitable for even 3 year olds.

Having made some delicious treats, the last pages in the book show children simple ideas to wrap them up to give as gifts, complete with Easter tag.

Cooking with children is a fun way to learn maths and science in an informal way, and this book allows for hours of productive play with a lovely home-made gift for Grandparents at the end.

 

This book was published by Usborne and is available to buy for £4.99. It can also be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out.