10+ Best Cookery Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the little chef in your life to the wonders of cooking? Look no further! Our guide to the best cookery books for 10-year-olds is packed with top picks that are sure to inspire and excite young culinary minds. Whether your child is a beginner or already a mini masterchef, these books offer fun, easy-to-follow recipes that will keep them engaged and eager to learn more. Keep reading to discover our favorite cookery books for 10-year-olds and find the perfect fit for your budding cook!

Fun Cookery Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs by America's Test Kitchen Kids
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Educational
  • Synopsis: This cookbook provides a variety of recipes that are both kid-tested and kid-approved, teaching fundamental cooking techniques and offering tips for young chefs to develop their skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s designed specifically for kids to build confidence in the kitchen with easy-to-follow, delicious recipes that will appeal to young tastes.
  • Perfect for: Young aspiring chefs and any child interested in learning how to cook.

• Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!) by Deanna F. Cook
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This interactive cookbook includes a wide range of kid-friendly recipes, from breakfasts to main dishes and desserts, complete with step-by-step instructions and photos.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes cooking accessible and fun for kids, emphasizing hands-on learning and creativity in the kitchen.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy being creative and want to try making their meals and snacks.

• The Baking Cookbook for Teens: 75 Delicious Recipes for Sweet and Savory Treats by Robin Donovan
  • Genre(s): Baking, Cookery
  • Synopsis: Aimed at teenagers, this cookbook teaches the basics of baking, covering everything from simple cookies to more complex pies and cakes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a great starter guide to baking, providing teens with the tools to create tasty treats while learning valuable cooking skills.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in baking, whether they're beginners or looking to expand their skills in the kitchen.

• American Girl Baking: Recipes for Cookies, Cupcakes & More by Williams-Sonoma and American Girl
  • Genre(s): Baking, Cookery
  • Synopsis: Co-developed with American Girl, this book offers recipes for a variety of baked goods, including cookies, cupcakes, and other desserts, all tailored for young bakers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines easy-to-follow instructions with fun, engaging recipes that encourage young readers to explore the art of baking.
  • Perfect for: Young girls and boys who love American Girl products and are eager to learn baking.

• Twist It Up: More Than 60 Delicious Recipes from an Inspiring Young Chef by Jack Witherspoon
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Written by a young chef who began cooking to raise funds for leukemia research, this book features a collection of recipes that are both fun to make and delicious to eat.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the inspiring story of a young chef, encouraging children to pursue their passions and make a difference through cooking.
  • Perfect for: Kids looking for inspiration and motivation in both cooking and personal endeavors.

Educational Cookery Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Kids' Fun and Healthy Cookbook by Nicola Graimes, illustrated by Howard Shooter
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Health
  • Synopsis: This cookbook features a colorful collection of over 100 simple and healthy recipes designed specifically for kids, along with fun facts about food and nutrition.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Nutritional knowledge, basic cooking skills, understanding of healthy eating habits
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines engaging visuals with educational content to make healthy eating appealing and fun for children.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in learning how to make healthy meals and snacks on their own.

• The International Cookbook for Kids by Matthew Locricchio
  • Genre(s): International Cookery, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers an exciting introduction to international cuisine, featuring easy-to-follow recipes from Italy, France, China, and Mexico.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, cooking techniques from various cuisines, ingredient knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a hands-on way for kids to explore the flavors of the world while gaining practical cooking skills.
  • Perfect for: Young chefs eager to discover and prepare international dishes.

• Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cook Book by Better Homes and Gardens
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Tailored for children, this cookbook includes a variety of recipes that are easy to make, along with safety tips and fun food trivia.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, food facts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive guide that encourages young readers to try their hand at cooking, providing them with a solid foundation in kitchen basics.
  • Perfect for: Children new to cooking who need a thorough, approachable guide.

• ChopChop: The Kids' Guide to Cooking Real Food with Your Family by Sally Sampson
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Family Cooking
  • Synopsis: This book encourages family cooking, offering recipes that are both kid-friendly and wholesome, along with tips on how to involve children in the cooking process.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family meal preparation, teamwork in the kitchen, healthy eating habits
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes spending quality time with family in the kitchen, making healthy and delicious meals together.
  • Perfect for: Families looking to engage their children in cooking and to spend more productive time together.

Challenging Cookery Books for 10-Year-Olds

• MasterChef Junior Cookbook: Bold Recipes and Essential Techniques to Inspire Young Cooks by MasterChef Junior
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This cookbook brings the excitement of the MasterChef Junior kitchen into the homes of young chefs, featuring sophisticated recipes and essential cooking techniques inspired by the TV show.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced cooking techniques and complex recipes that require precision and skill, suitable for kids who are ready to take their cooking to the next level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into the culinary world with a mix of creativity and challenge, encouraging young chefs to experiment and enhance their skills.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young chefs who enjoy a challenge and are fans of the MasterChef series.

• The Young Chef: Recipes and Techniques for Kids Who Love to Cook by The Culinary Institute of America
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Educational
  • Synopsis: Written by expert chefs at the Culinary Institute of America, this book teaches fundamental cooking techniques and recipes designed to challenge young cooks.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers professional cooking techniques and terminology that go beyond basic home cooking, providing a solid foundation in culinary arts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s crafted by culinary professionals to instruct and inspire serious young cooks, focusing on both the how and the why behind techniques.
  • Perfect for: Young cooks looking to seriously develop their culinary skills and knowledge.

• Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids by Rachael Ray
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Quick Recipes
  • Synopsis: Rachael Ray has created a cookbook aimed at getting kids cooking with recipes that are both fun to make and eat, all achievable in 30 minutes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The recipes encourage independence with time management and multitasking skills in the kitchen.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kids how to create delicious meals quickly, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting their confidence in the kitchen.
  • Perfect for: Busy young chefs who want to make their own meals without spending too much time.

• The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids by Joan D'Amico and Karen E. Drummond
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Science
  • Synopsis: This book combines cooking with science, offering kids the opportunity to learn about scientific principles through fun and edible experiments.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces basic scientific concepts and requires analytical thinking to understand how ingredients interact during cooking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning science enjoyable and practical, using cooking as a tool to explain scientific phenomena.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who have an interest in science and cooking, and love experimenting.

• Real Cooking for Kids: Inside-Out Spaghetti, Lucky Duck and More Recipes for the Junior Chef by Rob Seideman
  • Genre(s): Cookery, Creative
  • Synopsis: This cookbook encourages kids to explore creative and somewhat unconventional recipes that are both fun to prepare and eat.
  • Why this book is challenging: The recipes involve innovative cooking techniques and unusual combinations that challenge conventional kitchen practices.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and experimentation in cooking, allowing kids to explore unique flavors and presentation styles.
  • Perfect for: Young chefs who enjoy creativity in the kitchen and are not afraid to try something different.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of cookery books with your 10-year-old, it's not just about following recipes. Developing good reading habits can enhance their learning and enjoyment. Here are some fun exercises that can help them get the most out of their cookery books.

• Recipe Relay Reading
  • What it is: Take turns reading recipe steps aloud with a friend or family member.
  • How it helps: This promotes reading comprehension and makes the activity more engaging.
  • Tips: Choose a recipe that both participants will enjoy making and eating afterwards!

• Create a Recipe Bookmark
  • What it is: Craft a bookmark that lists their current page and key ingredients needed for the recipe.
  • How it helps: Keeps their place in the book and helps with planning and organization.
  • Tips: Encourage creativity by decorating the bookmark with drawings or stickers related to the recipe.

• Illustrate the Recipe
  • What it is: Draw or paint pictures of the dish at various stages of preparation.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the recipe and stimulates visual learning.
  • Tips: Use the illustrations as a guide for discussing the cooking process and what each step involves.

• Vocabulary Chef
  • What it is: Identify new or challenging words in the recipe and make a list.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and understanding of culinary terms.
  • Tips: Use each new word in a sentence related to cooking to reinforce learning.

• Cooking Show Host
  • What it is: Pretend to host a cooking show while reading and following the recipe.
  • How it helps: Builds confidence in reading aloud and in cooking skills.
  • Tips: Record the "show" to review reading fluency and culinary technique.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making the process interactive, fun, and educational. By integrating these activities, your young chef will not only improve their reading skills but also gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the culinary arts. Happy cooking and reading!