Review by Booklist Review
There are several cakes here, but the focus is on easier-to-manage cupcakes, which will likely please the intended audience. The book begins with techniques that include zesting, separating eggs, whisking whites, and melting chocolate, and two recipes for simple frostings follow. A few of the 30 recipes are similar, but there are enough variations to keep children interested. It's the decorations that really differentiate, and some of these are downright adorable, like the Christmas tree cupcakes. Yellow triangular symbols outlined in red (containing an image of a knife, fire, or an electrical plug) are placed on the recipes to indicate adult help is needed but unless readers catch the note about the symbols before the contents page they may miss them on the recipes. Luscious photographs will draw young readers, and the recipes are simple enough for them to follow.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-8-The recipes in these delightful titles are rated in difficulty from one star ("Easy peasy!") to five ("Super chef!"). Sharp, appealing photos will tempt readers to try new foods, and the abundant illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions will improve any junior chef's chances of success. Ingredients like almonds, yogurt, applesauce, bananas, and seeds make frequent appearances, adding fiber, protein, and vitamins to even the most decadent-seeming cobblers, cookies, and muffins. Chocolate chips, jam, and sprinkles keep things fun, though, and recipes for goodies such as Peanut Butter Baked Bananas and Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding will satisfy any sweet tooth. While Cakes focuses mainly on desserts and snacks, Baking includes savory items such as pizza, quiche, a casserole, and spinach pie that could have kids making dinner for the whole family. These volumes stand out for their appeal, ease of use, and quality original recipes. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
