The following books on cooking with your child have been reviewed for the Harried Parent's Book Club. They are sorted by Guide Rating, with five stars being best.
1. A Man, A Can, A Plan
Cover image courtesy of Rodale
The book cover promises that "with the recipes in this book, you can easily whip up 50 simple, healthy meals. This food does everything from prevent heart disease and prostate cancer to boost your immune system and energy levels." And while it may not really be true that SpaghettiOs prevent cancer, but these recipes do for sure make yummy, high-kid-appeal meals that almost any child can help with. 4.5 Stars
2. Breaking Bread, Nourishing Connections
Cover image courtesy of Brookes Publishing Co.
While describing how mealtimes for people with disabilities can be more meaningful than just shoveling in food on schedule, this upbeat book details the important emotional element of eating together. It's about being part of a family, part of a relationship, part of a community -- things that are as important to humans, and as sustaining, as the physical act of eating. 4 Stars
3. The Picture Cookbook
Photo courtesy of Joyce Dassonville
Teaching your child to cook can be a frustrating process if you have to depend on reading skills or your own ability to describe what to do. The Picture Cookbook, put together by the parent of a child with autism, is designed to lead kids through recipes on a detailed pictorial path, which each tiny step illustrated. Try them with your child, then use the author's methods to map out some dishes of your own. 4 Stars
