New Kids Books about Food & Cooking

There are so many great lessons to learn in the kitchen, and food brings loved ones together and shares memories among generations. This list of new kids books about food and cooking is full of stories around food and family, perfect for inspiring little ones to get cooking!

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Nita’s Food Signs

Written by Kathy MacMillan and illustrated by Ekaterina Ladatko

This tabbed board book uses colorful pull tabs to introduce young readers to ASL signs related to food and eating. Each two page spread features Nita and her parents eating different types of foods. The new vocabulary is highlighted in the text and on the colored tab. Pulling the tab opens a hidden compartment where Nita or her parents show the ASL sign, with simple instructions underneath. This is a fun way to teach new ASL signs to young readers.

When Grandma Cooks

Written by Margot Mustich and illustrated by Alette Straatof

This cute board book celebrates Grandmas cooking all around the world. Each two page spread visits a different grandmother and a common dish in their country. The simple text describes the dish and the joy that it brings to Grandma’s family, while the labeled illustrations have captions showing the different ingredients and supplies that Grandma uses. The overwhelming message is that grandmas love to feed their families as a way to say I love you, no matter where they live in the world.

Hot Pot Night

Written by Vincent Chen

This shaped board book follows a group of neighbors as they gather the ingredients in their homes and come together to create hot pot for dinner. The simple text outlines the ingredients every neighbor brings, while the illustrations celebrate the way that Hot Pot Night brings people together.

Related Book: More Kid’s Books about Food & Cooking

Yes, Chef

Written by Charlotte Love

In this adorable call-and-response book, a variety of ingredients and supplies help a chef to create a delicious fruit salad. The simple text outlines the directions for making fruit salad, while the adorable cute illustrations show the ingredients will little faces, happily preparing themselves to become fruit salad. Little ones will love calling out the repeated refrain “yes, chef!”.

Pasta! These Names are Fun to Say

Written by Felice Arena and illustrated by Beatrice Cerocchi

This fun book introduces young readers to all different kinds of pasta and the fun names that they have. The rhyming text lists a wide variety of pasta types and sauces, while the cute illustrations feature kids and a cat playing with the various noodle shapes. The back of the book includes a pronunciation guide for the various pasta names and the other Italian words used throughout the book.

Leo’s Lunch Box

Written by Raphael G. Warnock and illustrated by TeMika Grooms

This modern day story offers a take on the biblical story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, following a young boy named Leo as he finds that his new lunchbox offers enough for everyone in the school cafeteria. The sweet story shows how Leo’s willingness to share offers him an opportunity to make sure that no one in his school goes hungry. The end of the book includes a note about the food insecurity issue in the United States and a call to action for readers to get involved.

Related Post: Children’s Books for Picky Eaters

Mooncakes Mean Family

Written by Benson Shum

This adorable book follows two young sister bunnies as they celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival with their families. The sweet story shows the girls helping their mom to make mooncakes, and explaining what they are and the many shapes and flavors that they can take. The back of the book includes more information about the Mid-Autumn Festival and the stories and traditions that are often shared.

Cantaloupe and HoneyDo Bake a Cake

Written by Mike Boldt

In this cute book, Cantaloupe and HoneyDo decide that they want to bake a cake. However, they have never made one before and they aren’t sure that they can do it. Through a lot of trial and error, they learn the ins and outs of baking a cake. Kids will love the funny mistakes that they make and the hilarious illustrations of the fruit characters with adorable faces.

Pasta Pasta Lotsa Pasta

Written by Aimee Lucido and illustrated by Mavisu Demirag

Join a young girl and her family as they make a variety of different pastas. Each time the doorbell rings, a new family member is bringing ingredients to make their favorite type of pasta. The rhyming text shares the steps to making the pastas, and the cute illustrations highlight the ingredients being used. In the end, an accident causes a kitchen catastrophe, leading to a surprise guest appearing at the door. This is a fun and peppy book exploring different types of pasta with a text that is lots of fun to read aloud.

What are your favorite new kids books about food and cooking? Share them in the comments below!

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