Professor Cook's Dynamite Dinners

Gr 4–8—This set is visually appealing and, with its vivid colors and vibrant design, should attract a wide audience. Each book begins with a basic, informative introduction to the featured food category, some basic rules for both health and safety, a list of the abbreviations that will be used, and symbols that will indicate when adult help is needed. The 12 recipes that follow provide lists of ingredients, numbered instructions, and a "Science Bit" sidebar that explains why certain foods behave in a particular way. Clear, color photos featuring a diverse cast of kids illustrate the steps. Unfortunately, the list of ingredients is often extensive and contains some specific items that might prove difficult to find. For example, "Sticky Chicky Burger Stacks" requires little gem lettuce leaves, "Ice Bowl Fruit Salad" asks for four Gerbera flower heads, Cherry Puff Pie needs English mustard powder, etc. However, budding chefs will welcome the challenge of the complexity of these recipes and the scientific information is a definite plus.