The Forest Feast for Kids

April 1, 2016

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

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2016
Grades 4-8 This children's edition of blogger and former food photographer Gleeson's cookbook, The Forest Feast (2014), is a treat. Taking a Rachel Khoo approach, small watercolor illustrations mingle with spare cooking instructions and a full-page color photo of each completed recipe. The focus of these vegetarian dishes is creativity and simplicitymost need only four or five ingredients. She encourages kids to swap ingredients and trust their taste buds. Preceding the recipes, Gleeson helpfully defines cooking terms and offers illustrated examples of cutting techniques. A caution to have an adult present when using anything sharp or hot is also given, but warnings are generally absent from the recipes themselves. The brevity of the recipes' text assumes a basic cooking knowledgehow exactly does one saute?making this book best suited for youngsters already comfortable in the kitchen. The recipes include edamame hummus, honey-mint lemonade, butternut quesadillas, plum tartlets, and instructions for hosting a grilled cheese party. With its daring flavors and a whimsical, though mature, feel, this eye-catching cookbook is ideal for young foodies.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)