The Children's Step-By-Step Cook Book

Reviewing a cookery book when one is hungry can be a daunting experience, particularly when it's a Dorling Kindersley, sumptuously photographed, one. So how does it stand up if judged more objectively?

The book is well produced and includes a lot of good advice, particularly in the picture glossary. Its handling of safety issues is serious and clear. The step-by-step instructions in the recipes are good. Are the recipes suitably appealing to children? Yes. Food chosen is appropriate in terms of nutrition (although aimed at the more carnivorous child), and child and adult may need to be in negotiation about some of the more expensive ingredients. It is fair to say that although the recipes are international in origin they are taken from a Western perspective.

This would be a good investment for the keen young cook but would equally serve as a basic text for the kitchen novice about to leave home for the first time.