Highlights Press, the book publishing arm of America’s #1 most-read children’s magazine, is thrilled to announce the launch of its first cookbook, The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids (pub date: February 2025). With recipes like Marshmallow Meteorites, Grape and Cheese Towers, and even Edible Exploding Volcanos, kids won’t just cook – they’ll experiment, learn, and customize their creations. Whether they’re curious beginners or confident junior chefs, this cookbook offers easy-to-follow instructions, engaging science insights, and bright food photography that’s sure to make cooking an adventure!
Thanks to Highlights, I received a copy of this book to review. Here is what I thought.
Let’s start out with, “This is not just for kids!” Yes, the title does explicitly state that this book is for kids, and the suggested age is 7 and up, but let’s keep that “and up” in mind. there is no age limit, and this book is amazing. It certainly brings the whole family together for adventures in the kitchen that are for any age, and these adventures make some tasty food!
For example, one of the first recipes my niece wanted to try were the Banana Treats found on page 40. First there is a fun banana writing experiment. Using a toothpick, engrave a word into the banana peel and see what happens. Amazingly, after a few minutes, the word darkens and becomes legible! Of course, the book explains the reason and goes into the enzymes found in a banana. After the science experiment, it’s time to experiment with flavor! Using examples in the book, my niece decided on her favorite combination to try, bananas, peanut butter, and honey. Elvis Presley would be so proud. They were delicious. Perhaps, when I am alone with my science-y ways, I may try a Cool Mint Banana Treat. That is where one places a slice of cucumber and a mint leaf on a slice of banana and eats it. Sounds refreshing and made for the adult reading the book.
As seen in the recipe above, the book features a specific type of food, but shares many different flavor options to make the recipe. The Banana Treats could be made with chocolate, mint, peanut butter, and more. It did not limit the creativity or the imagination of the child foraging forward in an effort to learn new skills and explore the amazing flavors with their developing palate.
And the Banana Treats are not a one off. The second recipe that my niece decided to make was the Fruit Cubes found on page 82. The science in this recipe talks about what objects are made out of and how freezing works. After the quick science lesson, the creator can then begin making their very own delicious Fruit Cubes. My niece selected cucumbers, blueberries, and lemons as her fruits to freeze. If you are looking at the word “cucumber” and buffering as I call them a fruit, you’re not alone. I was today-years-old when I learned that cucumbers are actually classified as a fruit. See, even adults learn something new in a “kids” cookbook.
These types of facts are integrated throughout the whole cookbook making learning fun and delightfully delicious. The recipes are certainly great for ages 7 “and up”.
The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids boasts the fact it contains over 75+ recipes, which, I can say with confidence, is accurate. This book is filled with exceptional recipes many will enjoy, or adjust so that they can enjoy different flavors. However, the book also boasts many other reasons kids and parents will like this book. Since I am reviewing The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids, I thought I would react to each claim.
The Claims:
Claim 1: The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids has open-ended exploration. Inside the pages of this book, readers, crafters, chefs, scientists, and more will find dozens of recipes that allow for experimentation and personalization. From learning why ice freezes to watching it happen in the recipe, the science explains why what we are making works. It also provides several options to adjust, recreate, and personalize each recipe in a fun way. I would say that the open-ended exploration claim is a fact.
Claim 2: The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids is STEM made fun. Science flows through every page, making connections that are seamlessly integrated into each recipe. From learning about enzymes to molecules, each recipe and science experiment is written in an easy-to-understand, playful language. It takes the world of exploration to a whole new level teaching kids and adults about the world. For example, who knew a cucumber was classified as a fruit? I would say that the STEM made fun claim is a fact.
Claim 3: The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids creates kitchen confidence. These kid-friendly recipes encourage children and adults to explore new flavors while learning practical cooking skills. Sure we have seen peanut butter and bananas together, but have you tried bananas, cucumbers, and mint? Also, in order to make these Banana Treats, do you know where to find the necessary utensils or items to create them? It makes kids become familiar with the more alien location in the house leading to a confidant chef as they progress. I would say that the create kitchen confidence claim is a fact.
Claim 4: The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids has a kid-friendly design that features lay-flat binding for ease of use and captivating photography and art. The cookbook features thick pages, bright colors, and fun photographs. The pages seem sturdy enough to take a little abuse with multiple page turns. The cookbook uses primary colors to accentuate the recipe pictures and give it a child-like look that is pleasing and attractive to the eye. I would say that the kid-friendly design claim is a fact.
However, unless I am in the middle of the book, the lay-flat binding doesn’t lay flat. The pages constantly try to turn, making it difficult to stay on the page and recipe I desire. It’s possible that the book I have is just too new, and that over time and multiple presses to the spine, the book will lay flat. But, for now, this claim is questionable.
With only one questionable mark dealing with the spine of the book, I would say that The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids is phenomenal! From the child-like aesthetics to the creative recipes to the science behind each recipe, this book sparks the imagination, removing limitations. It helps create confidence, innovation, and curiosity. This is definitely a SKGaleana Approved book.
If you wish to get a copy of the The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids by Highlights, head over to Amazon.com (affiliate link) and grab the hardcover copy. Once it arrives the science, cooking, and adventures can begin! It is a great cookbook the whole family can enjoy!
