Super Simple Cooking for Kids Review: A Fun, Engaging Introduction to the Kitchen

🍳 Introduction: Why This Cookbook Stands Out

If you’ve ever wanted to introduce your child to the joys of cooking but felt overwhelmed by complicated recipes or messy kitchen disasters, Super Simple Cooking for Kids by Jodi Danen is the perfect solution. This delightful cookbook is designed to make cooking accessible, fun, and educational for young chefs, offering 50 easy-to-follow recipes that cover everything from breakfast to snacks, dinners, and desserts.

What makes this book special? It’s not just a collection of recipes—it’s a confidence-building tool that encourages kids to explore the kitchen with minimal adult supervision. The recipes are structured to be safe, simple, and engaging, making it an ideal choice for parents and educators looking to foster independence and creativity in children.

Whether your child is a budding chef or just starting their culinary journey, this book promises fun, learning, and delicious results. Let’s dive into what makes Super Simple Cooking for Kids a must-have for young cooks.

📖 Book Overview: What’s Inside?

Super Simple Cooking for Kids is divided into four main sections:

  1. Breakfast Bites – Quick and nutritious morning meals like Banana Pancakes and Yogurt Parfaits.
  2. Snack Attack – Healthy and fun snacks such as Apple Nachos and Mini Pizza Bagels.
  3. Dinner Time – Simple yet satisfying meals like One-Pot Spaghetti and Cheesy Quesadillas.
  4. Sweet Treats – Kid-friendly desserts including No-Bake Energy Bites and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

Each recipe includes:
✔ Clear, step-by-step instructions
✔ Minimal ingredients (most are pantry staples)
✔ Helpful tips and variations
✔ Bright, colorful photos to guide young chefs

The book also features safety tips, kitchen basics, and measurement guides, making it a comprehensive starter kit for kids.

👩‍🍳 Character & Author Perspective: Jodi Danen’s Approach

Jodi Danen, a registered dietitian and mom behind the blog Create Kids Club, brings a unique blend of nutrition expertise and kid-friendly simplicity to this book. Her philosophy is clear: cooking should be fun, not intimidating.

Danen’s writing is warm, encouraging, and practical, making kids feel capable rather than overwhelmed. She avoids overly complex techniques, focusing instead on building foundational skills like mixing, measuring, and safe knife use (with supervision).

Her background in nutrition also ensures that the recipes are balanced and wholesome, avoiding excessive sugar or processed ingredients. This makes the book a great choice for health-conscious parents who still want their kids to enjoy cooking.

✍️ Writing Style & Presentation: Why Kids Love It

The book’s conversational tone makes it feel like a friendly cooking coach rather than a strict manual. Key strengths include:

✅ Short, simple instructions – No long paragraphs; just clear, numbered steps.
✅ Engaging visuals – Bright photos help kids see what they’re making.
✅ Encouraging language – Phrases like “You’ve got this!” boost confidence.

Compared to other kids’ cookbooks, Super Simple Cooking for Kids stands out for its minimalist approach. While some books overload with too many recipes or complicated techniques, Danen keeps it focused and achievable.

🎨 Themes & Life Skills: More Than Just Recipes

Beyond cooking, this book teaches valuable life lessons:

🔹 Independence – Kids gain confidence by making their own meals.
🔹 Math & Science – Measuring ingredients reinforces math skills.
🔹 Healthy Eating Habits – Simple, whole-food recipes promote nutrition awareness.
🔹 Creativity – Recipe variations encourage experimentation.

Parents will appreciate how the book balances fun with education, making it a great tool for homeschooling or family bonding.

❤️ Personal Experience: Cooking with My 8-Year-Old

I tested this book with my 8-year-old, and the results were delightful. We started with Banana Pancakes—a recipe with just four ingredients. My child was thrilled to mix the batter (with minimal spills!) and flip the pancakes with supervision.

Next, we tried Mini Pizza Bagels, which were a huge hit. The recipe was so straightforward that my child could assemble them almost entirely alone.

The biggest win? My kid asked, “Can we make another recipe tomorrow?” That’s the magic of this book—it makes kids excited to cook.

⚖️ Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

✅ Strengths:

✔ Truly simple recipes – No obscure ingredients or advanced techniques.
✔ Great for ages 6-12 – Perfect for elementary and middle schoolers.
✔ Encourages healthy eating – No junk food overload.
✔ Sturdy, kid-friendly design – Spiral-bound or lay-flat options available.

❌ Minor Weaknesses:

  • Some recipes require adult help (e.g., using the oven).
  • A few recipes are VERY simple (like “peanut butter on celery”), which might feel too basic for older kids.

🎯 Who Is This Book For?

This cookbook is ideal for:

  • Kids ages 6-12 who want to learn cooking basics.
  • Parents looking for easy, no-fuss recipes to make with their children.
  • Teachers & homeschoolers who want to incorporate cooking into lessons.
  • Grandparents seeking fun activities to do with grandkids.

If you want a stress-free, educational, and fun introduction to cooking, this book delivers.

📌 Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Young Chefs

Super Simple Cooking for Kids is a fantastic first cookbook that balances simplicity, nutrition, and fun. Jodi Danen’s expertise shines through in recipes that are accessible yet rewarding, making it a top choice for families.

Whether you’re looking for weekend cooking projects, after-school snacks, or ways to teach independence, this book has you covered.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

💬 Discussion Questions:

  • What’s the first recipe you’d try from this book?
  • Do you think cooking helps kids develop important life skills?
  • Have you found other kids’ cookbooks that compare to this one?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍽️

Get this book on Amazon

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