The Forest Feast for Kids: Colorful Vegetarian Recipes That Are Simple to Make

Gr 5 Up--Inspired in part by the birth of her son, food photographer and artist Gleeson has written a lushly photographed and illustrated cookbook for young gourmets. Similar in style to her adult cookbook The Forest Feast, this title uses eye-catching photos and colorful watercolor drawings to illustrate every recipe. The first pages explain terms and measurements and show kitchen tools and prep techniques (how to trim kale, how to mince garlic). There are five to seven recipes in each of the five sections with four suggestions for parties that include additional theme recipes. Most recipes call for just a few ingredients. Photographs demonstrate what is meant by "make ribbons" or "cut into 1/4" slices." The dishes assume a sophisticated and adventurous palate. Adult supervision is likely necessary for some--to prepare quinoa or to know how to free the fresh pomegranate seeds for the hot cider. VERDICT A feast for the eyes, with some recipes more likely to appeal to the average child appetite than others. Likely to find its best audience in large, urban libraries and anywhere there are young vegetarian foodies.--Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX