I’ve always loved the idea of cooking with kids. I haven’t done it yet—my child is still too young—but it feels like such a meaningful way to connect. Food has always been a big part of my life. I’m Italian, but I lived in China for many years. Both cultures value cooking and eating together. Kitchens and dining tables aren’t just practical spaces. They’re where families share stories, build bonds, and keep traditions alive.
Right now, I’m introducing my child to food through baby-led weaning. It’s made me think a lot about how food shapes the way we experience the world. I want her to try as many flavors and cuisines as possible, and to see food as a way to connect with other cultures.
Picture recipe books for kids can be such a great way to introduce little ones to the joy of cooking.
When I travel, it’s the meals that stay with me: roupaomo (lamb noodle soup) in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, steaming pho and crispy banh mi in Hue, learning to pull noodles with my host family in Taiyuan, or adobo from calenderias in the Philippines. Closer to home, I think of arancine in Palermo, chaussons aux pommes before skiing in France, and morcilla tapas in Madrid. Each dish is more than food—it’s a memory of people, places, and moments.
That’s what I love about Felicita Sala’s picture recipe books. Like me, she’s Italian but lives abroad, in London. Her book Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street tells the story of an apartment building where families from around the world cook and share food. It’s such a beautiful way to show how meals can connect us, and it inspired me to find more books like it. Her warm, inviting illustrations make you want to step into her world and start cooking.
The other picture recipe books in this list bring something unique too. World Kitchen introduces kids to global flavors and cultures. The Cook In A Book series makes cooking playful and hands-on. And Doodle Cook by Hervé Tullet turns food into a creative project.
These books inspire me to imagine the messy, joyful moments I’ll share with my child in the kitchen. Whether you’re already cooking with your kids or just dreaming about it like I am, I hope this list of picture recipe books for kids sparks some ideas for making food a way to connect, learn, and share.
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Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street: A Collection of Recipes to Share
By Felicita Sala
Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street invites readers into a lively apartment building where neighbors prepare dishes from their cultural traditions to share at a communal meal. The recipes reflect this diversity, with dishes like Salmorejo (a chilled Spanish tomato soup), Tzatziki Sauce (a refreshing Greek dip), and Coconut Dahl (a creamy, spiced lentil dish).
Sala’s storytelling is understated yet impactful. Each page introduces a new character and their kitchen, showing how food becomes a way to connect with others. The illustrations bring this world to life with vibrant colors, textured details, and a cozy, lived-in feel.
This book is a perfect way to introduce children to global cuisines and the idea of food as a way to build community. The recipes are approachable and ideal for little helpers in the kitchen, making it a must-have for families.
What’s Cooking in Flowerville?: Recipes from Garden, Balcony, or Window Box
By Felicita Sala
This delightful picture recipe book for kids introduces children to the idea that fresh ingredients can come from their own backyard—or even a small balcony or windowsill. Felicita Sala weaves recipes into a charming narrative about how gardening and cooking can go hand-in-hand. Alongside teaching children the basics of cooking, the book gently highlights the importance of seasonality, encouraging families to think about sustainability and the natural cycles of food.
Recipes include a mix of savory and sweet dishes, like savory pies, pancakes, soups, croquettes, and fruit sauces. The instructions are simple, making it easy for families to cook together while learning about the ingredients’ origins.
The illustrations are a true highlight. Sala’s warm and textured style captures the beauty of nature and the joy of cooking. Each page feels alive with detail, from blooming flowers to bustling kitchens. This book is perfect for families wanting to explore the connections between food, gardening, and sustainability.
World Kitchen: A Children’s Cookbook
By Abigail Wheatley, Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
World Kitchen is an excellent picture recipe book for kids that combines cultural exploration with simple, vegetarian cooking. Each recipe is paired with notes about its cultural origins, encouraging curiosity about global traditions. Recipes include Rolled Eggs (a savory Japanese dish) and Chocolate Chip Cookies, alongside many others.
All recipes are vegetarian, and the book includes adaptations to make them vegan, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, or gluten-free—ideal for families managing dietary restrictions. This flexibility makes it easy for everyone to participate and enjoy the dishes.
Chaaya Prabhat’s illustrations are bright and engaging, using playful patterns and bold colors that highlight the ingredients and steps. The book is perfect for introducing kids to new flavors while teaching them about inclusivity and creativity in the kitchen.
The Story of Pasta and How to Cook It!
By Steven Guarnaccia and Heather Thomas
This book is part storytelling, part practical cooking guide, introducing kids to the rich history of pasta. It begins with the origins of pasta and its evolution into a global favorite, making it a wonderful introduction to Italian food culture.
Recipes include Summer Pasta Salads, Pasta Bakes, and classic pasta dishes with simple instructions kids can follow with a little help. The book also includes tips on cooking pasta perfectly, from boiling water to choosing the right sauce.
Steven Guarnaccia’s illustrations have a bold, retro feel that adds charm to the story and steps. The playful style makes the recipes feel accessible, even for young children. It’s a great pick for families who want to combine cooking with cultural learning.
My First Baking Book & My First Cook Book
By David Atherton, Illustrated by Harry Woodgate
David Atherton’s My First Baking Book and My First Cook Book are packed with recipes that balance simplicity and creativity. Kids can make classics like Focaccia and Breadsticks alongside playful dishes like Summer Rolls, Satay Sticks, and whimsical creations like Hummus Lions and Exercise Stars.
The books focus on healthy, wholesome ingredients while keeping things fun. Each recipe includes clear steps and tips to make cooking stress-free and enjoyable for kids and parents.
Harry Woodgate’s illustrations are inclusive and cheerful, showing kids of all backgrounds having fun in the kitchen. The books are perfect for encouraging young chefs to experiment with new flavors while building confidence in the kitchen.
Cook In A Book Series
By Lotta Nieminen
This interactive recipe series is perfect for preschoolers and toddlers. Each book focuses on a single dish—like Pancakes, Pizza, Cookies, Tacos, or Spaghetti—and guides kids through the recipe with fun, tactile elements. Flaps, spinners, and pull tabs let little chefs “whisk” batter, “roll” dough, and “mix” ingredients, offering a playful introduction to cooking.
The illustrations are clean and bright, with a modern aesthetic that keeps the focus on the steps and ingredients. The design ensures kids stay engaged while learning the basics of how food is prepared. These books are an excellent way to spark curiosity about cooking, even in the youngest readers.
A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat
By Emily Jenkins, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
This book follows one dessert recipe—a simple Blackberry Fool—through four centuries and across different families. The recipe itself is timeless: whipped cream, blackberries, and sugar. The story shows how the same dish has been prepared in different ways, from 18th-century England to modern-day California.
Sophie Blackall’s illustrations are rich and detailed, with a careful eye for historical accuracy. The book connects children to the past, showing how food traditions are shared and adapted over time. The included recipe is simple and perfect for introducing young bakers to the joys of cooking.
DOODLE COOK
By Hervé Tullet
Doodle Cook isn’t a traditional cookbook but rather an invitation to see food as art. Hervé Tullet guides kids to imagine and draw dishes using shapes, colors, and patterns. Suggested activities include designing a “layer cake” or creating a “fruit salad” with colorful doodles.
The illustrations are bold and abstract, sparking creativity in children. While it doesn’t teach real recipes, this book is perfect for encouraging imagination and introducing kids to the idea that cooking is about more than following instructions—it’s about creativity.
Cooking with kids can be such a joyful and creative experience—and these books are the perfect way to get started! If you found this list helpful, why not share it with other parents? Save this post to your Pinterest board so you’ll always have these recommendations handy.
Have you tried any of these books? Or do you have other favorite picture recipe books for kids? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let me know what your little chefs are cooking up.
And don’t forget to share your kids’ culinary creations on Instagram! Tag me at @art_sprouts_art and use the hashtag #ArtSproutsArt so I can celebrate their kitchen masterpieces with you.
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