A French Cookbook for Kids (Cooking Around the World) by Rosemary Hankin

If you’ve ever wanted to introduce your child (or yourself!) to the joys of French cuisine without the intimidation of complex techniques, A French Cookbook for Kids (Cooking Around the World) by Rosemary Hankin is the perfect gateway. This charming, accessible cookbook doesn’t just teach recipes—it invites young chefs into the heart of French culinary culture with simplicity, fun, and a dash of adventure.

As someone who loves both cooking and children’s educational books, I was eager to see how Hankin balanced authenticity with kid-friendly instructions. Spoiler alert: she nails it. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or a curious young foodie, this book is a delightful way to explore French flavors together.

Unlike a traditional novel, A French Cookbook for Kids is structured as a hands-on guide, but it still has a "narrative" of sorts—a journey through France’s most beloved dishes. The book is divided into clear sections:

• Breakfast & Baked Goods (think buttery croissants and pain au chocolat)
• Lunch & Light Bites (quiches, sandwiches, and salads)
• Dinner Classics (coq au vin, ratatouille, and more)
• Desserts & Sweet Treats (crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and tarte tatin)

Each recipe is introduced with a brief cultural note—why croissants are a breakfast staple, how ratatouille became famous beyond France—making this more than just a recipe collection. It’s a mini culinary tour.

Since this is a cookbook, there aren’t characters in the traditional sense, but the ingredients take center stage. Hankin does a fantastic job of making even simple items like butter, flour, and herbs feel exciting. She explains:

"French cooking isn’t about fancy tricks—it’s about letting good ingredients shine."

This philosophy is woven throughout, teaching kids to appreciate quality and technique rather than just following steps. The book also includes safety tips (like handling knives and hot pans), making it a great primer for kitchen confidence.

Hankin’s writing is warm and encouraging, never talking down to young readers. The instructions are:

• Step-by-step (with numbered lists)
• Visual-friendly (some illustrations or photos would elevate it further, but the descriptions are vivid)
• Interactive (she often asks questions like, "What’s your favorite cheese? Try swapping it in this recipe!")

The tone feels like a patient teacher guiding a child through their first soufflé—supportive but not overly simplistic.

Beyond recipes, this book subtly teaches:

• Cultural appreciation (why French food matters globally)
• Patience & precision (many dishes require careful steps)
• Creativity (suggestions for tweaks and substitutions)

One of my favorite themes is Hankin’s emphasis on sharing meals—a core French value. She writes:

"In France, food is love. When you cook for someone, you’re giving them a gift."

This mindset transforms cooking from a chore to an act of joy.

I tested this book with my 9-year-old niece, and we made the chocolate mousse together. The recipe was straightforward, but the process was magical—whipping egg whites, folding in chocolate, and the proud moment when she served it to the family. The book’s real strength? It doesn’t just create dishes; it creates moments.

Compared to other children’s cookbooks (like The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs or Kids’ Fun and Healthy Cookbook), Hankin’s stands out for:

• Cultural focus (deep dive into French traditions)
• Balanced difficulty (some recipes are simple, others slightly challenging—great for growth)
• Minimalist approach (no overwhelming graphics; focuses on technique)

If you want global cuisine, this is a stronger choice than generic "kids’ cooking" books.

• Authentic yet accessible (no "dumbed-down" versions of classics)

• Educational (teaches French terms like mise en place)

• Encourages independence (kids can follow many recipes alone)

• Lacks photos (visual learners might miss seeing finished dishes)

• Some hard-to-find ingredients (e.g., crème fraîche—though substitutions are suggested)

• Ages 8+ (with adult help for younger kids)

• Parents/teachers wanting to introduce world cultures

• Budding chefs ready to expand beyond basics

"Cooking is like a science experiment you can eat!"

"In France, every meal is a celebration. Even a simple baguette with butter can feel special."

French food is UNESCO-recognized as an "intangible cultural heritage." Hankin honors this by explaining how dishes like boeuf bourguignon or crêpes connect to France’s history, regions, and family traditions.

• What’s the first French dish you’d want to try?
• How does cooking together change family time?
• Should schools teach more cultural cooking?

Ready to start your French cooking adventure? Grab your copy here:
Amazon

Bon appétit! 🥖

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