My A to Z Recipe Box by Hilary Karmilowicz, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Ok, so this week’s book isn’t actually a book, but it’s still worth recommending. Henry got this recipe box for his second birthday, and he still loves it. It’s fairly self explanatory: a recipe box, with 26 recipes, one for every letter. Each recipe is illustrated by Maine’s own Melissa Sweet, and is straightforward as far as ingredients and directions.
For a long, long time, Henry mainly liked to lay the cards out in a grid on the floor and then put them back into the box in order. But as he’s gotten older, he has gotten more into the actual recipes. We’ve probably made half of them, and all have been good. I like that they are kid-friendly recipes but aren’t all cookies. The Nifty Asian Noodles have become a standard dinner for us, and we make the Whole Wheat Pretzels on a semi-regular basis as well.
This is a perfect birthday gift for anyone from age 4 on up (especially if you give it with some little wooden spoons or a whisk or something). I actually have a new one of these on my Gift Shelf in case there’s a birthday party and we forgot to get a gift. Kids seem really satisfied to put the cards in alphabetical order, and also very happy to choose a recipe to make. I haven’t yet let Henry loose in the kitchen all by himself, but I think it might happen soon, and these recipes will be perfect for that.
Julie,
I just read your post and would like to thank you for recommending My A to Z Recipe Box to your readers. I can not tell you how thrilled I am that your children enjoy the Nifty Asian Noodles and that Henry loves the cards. I am actually Hilary Karmilowicz and would like to send you my new “book” My Lunch Box. Please let me know if you are interested in receiving a copy.
All the best,
Hilary Karmilowicz