Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers and Up

Together with her co-author, educator Ann Henderson, cookbook author Mollie Katzen believes it's never too early to introduce children to the creative world of cookery in a fun, healthful way. For small children, exploring food and cooking is not just about eating, it can be a playful activity and a way to learn new skills. As an educational experience, consider all the things a child can learn in the kitchen: counting, symbol recognition, reading readiness, self-confidence, use of tools, food literacy, and more.

Pretend Soup brings the grown-up world of real cooking to a child's level. Each vegetarian recipe is presented on double-page spreads, two per recipe. Full of Mollie's well-loved warmth and whimsical artistry, the first spread details the ingredients, safety tips, and a familiar version of the recipe for the prep cook: the adult. The second spread presents the recipe pictorally for the child and introduces a few easy-to-read words - your child moves from the usual role of helper to head cook.

I appreciate that they didnt use a lot of fancy ingreadiants or get too rediculous with cutting things into shapes etc. like many kid's recipie books

The hide-and-seek muffins are awsome! they taste like shortcake w/ the strawberry baked right in!


Food for the Pre-Schooler's Soul!!!   August 3, 1998
38 out of 38 found this review helpful

What a find! Mollie Katzen and Ann Henderson have compiled a delicious assortment of fun-to-make recipes for kids. My daughter was THRILLED to be able to make and serve Blueberry Pancakes for Sunday breakfast. The experience was a terrific boost for her. You could virtually see her self-esteem growing as she presented her culinary masterpiece to us. She also made chocolate-banana shakes for dessert last night. The recipes are so well illustrated that she is able (at 4 and a half years old) to verify that she has included all of the ingredients. She is eagerly anticipating her next cooking adventure. I tip my chef's hat to the authors for combining real food with recipes that are truly suited for kids. Does anyone know if the Culinary Institute of America offers scholarships? I think she's ready!


Great fun for parents and children!   April 4, 1997
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

"Pretend Soup" is thoughtfully written, beautifully illustrated, and a great introduction to cooking for small children. Each recipe has detailed instructions for the grown-up helper, followed by a two-page children's recipe -- step-by-step pictures and simple word instructions. Unlike some other children's cookbooks, the recipes are all "real", healthful foods (Pretend Soup is a real recipe for a fruit salad in a yogurt/orange juice "soup"). This has become one of my standard gifts for the 4-6 year old birthday party circuit.


Adorable!   February 16, 2000
Melanie Wilson (USA)
29 out of 31 found this review helpful

This bright and engaging cookbook written and illustrated by Mollie Katzen will appeal to children of all ages, from the toddler dying to get his hands in the muffin batter to the 9-year-old just learning his way around the kitchen. Easy to follow illustrations demonstrate the recipes for the youngest "readers", while captivating cartoon characters liven the pages. Fun and delicious taste treats that were served to Mollie's panel of kiddie experts and passed the test! She's got the quotes to prove it. Adorable!


a MUST for picky eaters   August 9, 2002
W. Villanueva
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

I am a mother of a 4 year old picky eater. My son would not touch any vegetables. Since purchasing the Pretend Soup, my son thinks it is a treat to read the cookbook at bedtime and decide what he wants to try the next day. The hind and seek muffins are his favorite. I am looking into buying the first book. Wonderful book, with GREAT pictures.