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Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches: Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 100+ simple and creative lunch box recipes for kids, from Lily Payen, author of Feeding Tiny Bellies
One day you’re getting ready to feed your little one solids for the first time, and in the blink of an eye, it’s time to send them off to school. It’s an exciting milestone, but transitioning from planning meals and snacks at home to packing and sending daily lunch boxes can be daunting.
In Feeding Tiny School Lunches, Lily Payen, mom of four and creator of Feeding Tiny Bellies, is here to take the guesswork out of packing lunches. She shares her recipes for nourishing meals that use everyday pantry staples, are easy to prepare, and are realistic for a parent’s busy schedule.
With filling “brunch box” recipes (Everything Bagel Bites), comforting warm lunches (Broccoli and Cheese Soup), creative sandwiches (Tuna Salad Sandwich Bites), and satisfying after-school snacks (Copycat Cosmic Brownies), you’ll never be in a peanut butter and jelly rut again.
One day you’re getting ready to feed your little one solids for the first time, and in the blink of an eye, it’s time to send them off to school. It’s an exciting milestone, but transitioning from planning meals and snacks at home to packing and sending daily lunch boxes can be daunting.
In Feeding Tiny School Lunches, Lily Payen, mom of four and creator of Feeding Tiny Bellies, is here to take the guesswork out of packing lunches. She shares her recipes for nourishing meals that use everyday pantry staples, are easy to prepare, and are realistic for a parent’s busy schedule.
With filling “brunch box” recipes (Everything Bagel Bites), comforting warm lunches (Broccoli and Cheese Soup), creative sandwiches (Tuna Salad Sandwich Bites), and satisfying after-school snacks (Copycat Cosmic Brownies), you’ll never be in a peanut butter and jelly rut again.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 9, 2026
Format: eBook ARC
Feeding Little Bellies was a useful and practical resource, especially as I’ve been teaching my daughter how to build healthy lunches, snacks, and meals more independently.
Lunches are one area where she frequently looks for inspiration, and this book gave her exactly that. We’ve already used the formula provided in the book to pick out some options for next week’s lunches! I really like that it gives kids a framework they can use rather than simply providing a collection of recipes.
There are plenty of photos throughout, which I think is especially helpful for younger readers who may be more likely to spot something that looks appetizing before deciding what they want to make. The book also goes beyond recipes by including food-safety information and recommendations for food containers.
I wouldn’t necessarily describe the recipes themselves as particularly unique, but I don’t think they need to be. They’re approachable ideas that kids and families can realistically use. The Cobb salad skewers stood out to me, and that’s actually one my daughter chose for an upcoming lunch!
I also really appreciated the recipe legend, which makes it easy to see dietary needs, preparation time, and servings at a glance. That’s a small feature that makes the cookbook much more practical to use.
Final Verdict: A practical, visually engaging resource for helping kids become more involved and independent in choosing and preparing their food. The recipes may not be especially unique, but the meal-building formula, photos, food-safety information, and kid-friendly organization make this a resource we’ll actually use.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for providing this eBook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Feeding Little Bellies was a useful and practical resource, especially as I’ve been teaching my daughter how to build healthy lunches, snacks, and meals more independently.
Lunches are one area where she frequently looks for inspiration, and this book gave her exactly that. We’ve already used the formula provided in the book to pick out some options for next week’s lunches! I really like that it gives kids a framework they can use rather than simply providing a collection of recipes.
There are plenty of photos throughout, which I think is especially helpful for younger readers who may be more likely to spot something that looks appetizing before deciding what they want to make. The book also goes beyond recipes by including food-safety information and recommendations for food containers.
I wouldn’t necessarily describe the recipes themselves as particularly unique, but I don’t think they need to be. They’re approachable ideas that kids and families can realistically use. The Cobb salad skewers stood out to me, and that’s actually one my daughter chose for an upcoming lunch!
I also really appreciated the recipe legend, which makes it easy to see dietary needs, preparation time, and servings at a glance. That’s a small feature that makes the cookbook much more practical to use.
Final Verdict: A practical, visually engaging resource for helping kids become more involved and independent in choosing and preparing their food. The recipes may not be especially unique, but the meal-building formula, photos, food-safety information, and kid-friendly organization make this a resource we’ll actually use.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for providing this eBook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2026
Feeding Little Bellies: School Lunches was so inspiring, and I will probably end up buying a physical copy of the book for all of the photos and recipes! Making school lunches for my daughter has taken up so much of my mental energy and time the last 2.5 years since she started in daycare, so it’s so helpful to have examples, recipes and photos of what other parents send their kiddos.
Some of the recipes I can’t imagine my kiddo eating cold, or eating period, but Lily does a great job providing substitutes and accommodating for allergies and items not allowed on school property. I was able to try a couple of the recipes - apple oatmeal bites and everything bagel bites - and both were delicious and I ate much of them myself haha.
Thank you so much to DK for the opportunity to check out this fantastic book and to the author Lily Payen for writing. It’s available now, so if you have a kiddo and want to be inspired or need help with lunches, definitely check it out.
Some of the recipes I can’t imagine my kiddo eating cold, or eating period, but Lily does a great job providing substitutes and accommodating for allergies and items not allowed on school property. I was able to try a couple of the recipes - apple oatmeal bites and everything bagel bites - and both were delicious and I ate much of them myself haha.
Thank you so much to DK for the opportunity to check out this fantastic book and to the author Lily Payen for writing. It’s available now, so if you have a kiddo and want to be inspired or need help with lunches, definitely check it out.
August 16, 2026
I’m currently in my beige era for my daughter’s diet: toast, Eggos, and fries. So this book felt like an explosion of colour, creativity, and ideas! I loved it. There are so many recipes and combinations to choose from, and I’m looking forward to choosing what appeals to us and trying some new things with my daughter. They seem simple enough. I appreciated the reminder that we can think outside the traditional idea of what counts as a “meal.” An assortment of snacks can be a meal!
Thank you, DK, for the advance reader copy.
Thank you, DK, for the advance reader copy.
August 8, 2026
Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches by Lily Payen is a practical and family-friendly cookbook designed to help parents make school lunches healthier, easier, and far more enjoyable. Building on the success of her Feeding Tiny Bellies platform, Payen focuses on one of the biggest challenges parents face once children begin school: preparing lunches that are nutritious, appealing, and simple enough to fit into a busy weekday routine. Rather than promoting picture-perfect lunchboxes or complicated recipes, the book emphasizes realistic meal planning using everyday ingredients and techniques that save both time and stress. With more than 100 recipes for lunchboxes, snacks, and make-ahead meals, the cookbook serves as both a recipe collection and a practical guide for feeding growing children with confidence.
At the heart of the book is the belief that preparing school lunches should not become an overwhelming daily chore. Many parents struggle with packing meals that children will actually eat while also balancing nutrition, food variety, school food policies, and limited morning time. Lily Payen approaches these challenges with empathy, drawing from her own experience as a mother of four. She reassures readers that successful lunchboxes do not require expensive ingredients or elaborate food art. Instead, consistency, balance, and flexibility are the keys to creating meals that children enjoy and parents can prepare without frustration.
The cookbook begins by introducing the principles of building balanced lunchboxes. Rather than prescribing rigid meal plans, Payen explains how parents can combine protein, healthy carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and healthy fats into satisfying meals that provide lasting energy throughout the school day. She encourages variety without overwhelming children with unfamiliar foods, recommending gradual introductions of new ingredients alongside trusted favorites. This balanced approach helps children develop healthier eating habits while reducing lunchtime food waste.
One of the book's most creative sections centers on "Brunch Boxes." These recipes transform breakfast favorites into portable lunches that children can enjoy at school. Items such as Everything Bagel Bites and other breakfast-inspired dishes provide alternatives to traditional sandwiches while remaining easy to prepare. The concept recognizes that many children love breakfast foods regardless of the time of day, allowing parents to expand their lunchbox options without introducing overly complicated recipes. These meals also work well for rushed mornings when leftovers can double as breakfast.
Another standout feature is Payen's collection of homemade versions of popular convenience foods. Instead of relying on heavily processed packaged lunch kits, she teaches parents how to recreate familiar favorites using fresher ingredients. Homemade pizza-inspired lunch kits, protein-packed snack boxes, and customizable lunch combinations allow children to assemble parts of their own meals while giving parents greater control over nutrition. These recipes demonstrate that convenience and healthy eating can coexist with thoughtful preparation.
The cookbook also moves beyond the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich by presenting numerous creative sandwich alternatives. Readers discover bite-sized sandwiches, wraps, sliders, pinwheel rolls, and other handheld meals that introduce variety while remaining practical for school lunchboxes. Recipes such as Tuna Salad Sandwich Bites offer familiar flavors in child-friendly formats. Many ideas can be easily adapted for different dietary needs, allergies, or school restrictions regarding nuts and other common allergens.
Warm lunches receive equal attention throughout the book. Payen demonstrates how insulated food containers can dramatically expand lunch possibilities beyond cold meals. Comforting recipes like Broccoli and Cheese Soup, pasta dishes, casseroles, and hearty leftovers become practical options that children can enjoy even during colder months. She explains how preparing extra portions during family dinners allows parents to pack nourishing lunches the following day with minimal additional effort. This strategy reduces food waste while simplifying weekday meal preparation.
Snacks play an essential role in the cookbook as well. Rather than treating them as an afterthought, Payen presents snacks as opportunities to provide additional nutrition while satisfying children's cravings. Homemade versions of popular store-bought treats—including recipes inspired by favorites like Copycat Cosmic Brownies—allow families to enjoy familiar flavors made with simpler ingredients. Other snack recipes include muffins, bars, fruit-based treats, savory bites, and portable options suitable for lunchboxes, after-school hunger, or weekend outings.
Beyond recipes, the book offers practical strategies that simplify everyday life for busy families. Payen encourages meal preparation ahead of time, batch cooking, freezer-friendly recipes, and organizing weekly lunch plans before the school week begins. These methods reduce the pressure of making daily decisions during hectic mornings. Instead of requiring parents to cook every meal from scratch each day, she demonstrates how thoughtful planning transforms leftovers and pantry staples into appealing lunches with very little additional work.
Another strength of the cookbook is its accessibility. The recipes rely primarily on affordable supermarket ingredients rather than specialty products, making them achievable for families with different budgets. Preparation techniques remain straightforward, allowing both experienced home cooks and beginners to follow the instructions successfully. Many meals can also be customized according to children's preferences, encouraging flexibility rather than perfection.
Visual presentation enhances the cookbook's usefulness. Every recipe includes full-color photography that helps parents visualize finished lunchboxes while inspiring children to become excited about trying new foods. The colorful images demonstrate attractive yet realistic presentations that can be recreated without advanced cooking skills. Instead of promoting unrealistic social media aesthetics, the photographs reflect lunches that are practical enough for everyday family life.
Perhaps the cookbook's greatest contribution lies in its reassuring message to parents. Payen acknowledges that children frequently change their food preferences, refuse once-loved meals, or return home with unfinished lunches. Rather than creating guilt or unrealistic expectations, she encourages patience and adaptability. Feeding children successfully, she argues, is a long-term process built upon repeated exposure to healthy foods, positive mealtime experiences, and realistic expectations rather than daily perfection.
Throughout the book, Lily Payen combines nutritional guidance with genuine understanding of modern parenting. Her background as both a mother and creator of the Feeding Tiny Bellies community allows her to anticipate common questions and frustrations while offering practical solutions rooted in real family life. Every recipe and piece of advice is designed to reduce stress while helping children develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
Ultimately, Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches is far more than a cookbook filled with lunchbox recipes. It is a thoughtful guide that empowers parents to approach school lunches with greater confidence, creativity, and efficiency. By emphasizing simple ingredients, balanced nutrition, make-ahead strategies, and meals children genuinely enjoy, Lily Payen transforms one of parenting's most repetitive daily responsibilities into a manageable and rewarding routine. The result is a valuable resource that helps families save time, reduce food waste, encourage healthier eating, and create lunchboxes that nourish both growing bodies and positive relationships with food.
At the heart of the book is the belief that preparing school lunches should not become an overwhelming daily chore. Many parents struggle with packing meals that children will actually eat while also balancing nutrition, food variety, school food policies, and limited morning time. Lily Payen approaches these challenges with empathy, drawing from her own experience as a mother of four. She reassures readers that successful lunchboxes do not require expensive ingredients or elaborate food art. Instead, consistency, balance, and flexibility are the keys to creating meals that children enjoy and parents can prepare without frustration.
The cookbook begins by introducing the principles of building balanced lunchboxes. Rather than prescribing rigid meal plans, Payen explains how parents can combine protein, healthy carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and healthy fats into satisfying meals that provide lasting energy throughout the school day. She encourages variety without overwhelming children with unfamiliar foods, recommending gradual introductions of new ingredients alongside trusted favorites. This balanced approach helps children develop healthier eating habits while reducing lunchtime food waste.
One of the book's most creative sections centers on "Brunch Boxes." These recipes transform breakfast favorites into portable lunches that children can enjoy at school. Items such as Everything Bagel Bites and other breakfast-inspired dishes provide alternatives to traditional sandwiches while remaining easy to prepare. The concept recognizes that many children love breakfast foods regardless of the time of day, allowing parents to expand their lunchbox options without introducing overly complicated recipes. These meals also work well for rushed mornings when leftovers can double as breakfast.
Another standout feature is Payen's collection of homemade versions of popular convenience foods. Instead of relying on heavily processed packaged lunch kits, she teaches parents how to recreate familiar favorites using fresher ingredients. Homemade pizza-inspired lunch kits, protein-packed snack boxes, and customizable lunch combinations allow children to assemble parts of their own meals while giving parents greater control over nutrition. These recipes demonstrate that convenience and healthy eating can coexist with thoughtful preparation.
The cookbook also moves beyond the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich by presenting numerous creative sandwich alternatives. Readers discover bite-sized sandwiches, wraps, sliders, pinwheel rolls, and other handheld meals that introduce variety while remaining practical for school lunchboxes. Recipes such as Tuna Salad Sandwich Bites offer familiar flavors in child-friendly formats. Many ideas can be easily adapted for different dietary needs, allergies, or school restrictions regarding nuts and other common allergens.
Warm lunches receive equal attention throughout the book. Payen demonstrates how insulated food containers can dramatically expand lunch possibilities beyond cold meals. Comforting recipes like Broccoli and Cheese Soup, pasta dishes, casseroles, and hearty leftovers become practical options that children can enjoy even during colder months. She explains how preparing extra portions during family dinners allows parents to pack nourishing lunches the following day with minimal additional effort. This strategy reduces food waste while simplifying weekday meal preparation.
Snacks play an essential role in the cookbook as well. Rather than treating them as an afterthought, Payen presents snacks as opportunities to provide additional nutrition while satisfying children's cravings. Homemade versions of popular store-bought treats—including recipes inspired by favorites like Copycat Cosmic Brownies—allow families to enjoy familiar flavors made with simpler ingredients. Other snack recipes include muffins, bars, fruit-based treats, savory bites, and portable options suitable for lunchboxes, after-school hunger, or weekend outings.
Beyond recipes, the book offers practical strategies that simplify everyday life for busy families. Payen encourages meal preparation ahead of time, batch cooking, freezer-friendly recipes, and organizing weekly lunch plans before the school week begins. These methods reduce the pressure of making daily decisions during hectic mornings. Instead of requiring parents to cook every meal from scratch each day, she demonstrates how thoughtful planning transforms leftovers and pantry staples into appealing lunches with very little additional work.
Another strength of the cookbook is its accessibility. The recipes rely primarily on affordable supermarket ingredients rather than specialty products, making them achievable for families with different budgets. Preparation techniques remain straightforward, allowing both experienced home cooks and beginners to follow the instructions successfully. Many meals can also be customized according to children's preferences, encouraging flexibility rather than perfection.
Visual presentation enhances the cookbook's usefulness. Every recipe includes full-color photography that helps parents visualize finished lunchboxes while inspiring children to become excited about trying new foods. The colorful images demonstrate attractive yet realistic presentations that can be recreated without advanced cooking skills. Instead of promoting unrealistic social media aesthetics, the photographs reflect lunches that are practical enough for everyday family life.
Perhaps the cookbook's greatest contribution lies in its reassuring message to parents. Payen acknowledges that children frequently change their food preferences, refuse once-loved meals, or return home with unfinished lunches. Rather than creating guilt or unrealistic expectations, she encourages patience and adaptability. Feeding children successfully, she argues, is a long-term process built upon repeated exposure to healthy foods, positive mealtime experiences, and realistic expectations rather than daily perfection.
Throughout the book, Lily Payen combines nutritional guidance with genuine understanding of modern parenting. Her background as both a mother and creator of the Feeding Tiny Bellies community allows her to anticipate common questions and frustrations while offering practical solutions rooted in real family life. Every recipe and piece of advice is designed to reduce stress while helping children develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
Ultimately, Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches is far more than a cookbook filled with lunchbox recipes. It is a thoughtful guide that empowers parents to approach school lunches with greater confidence, creativity, and efficiency. By emphasizing simple ingredients, balanced nutrition, make-ahead strategies, and meals children genuinely enjoy, Lily Payen transforms one of parenting's most repetitive daily responsibilities into a manageable and rewarding routine. The result is a valuable resource that helps families save time, reduce food waste, encourage healthier eating, and create lunchboxes that nourish both growing bodies and positive relationships with food.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Feeding Tiny Bellies is a well organized and graphically appealing tutorial guide with recipes on planning, choosing, and packing perfect school lunches by Lily Payen. Due out 28th July 2026 from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in flexibound and ebook formats.
The author has a warmly encouraging writing style and the tips she gives are usable, practical, safety conscious, and appealing. She has developed a solid system of mix-and-match menus with lots of options for protein, carbs, fruit, and veggies. There are a lot of great tips in the introduction about selecting safe and appropriate containers, drink flasks, bags, and more. She's very very inspirational and so organized. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, readers have a clear plan set out where they can choose one option from each list and get an almost endless variety of choices.
She includes practical tips about variety (whilst honoring the fact that most kids want their favorites on repeat, until they -don't-), food safety, accessories like fruit and vegetable cutters to make fun shapes, and getting your kids involved in planning and helping making their lunches to help with mastering tasks and independence. She's included numerous sample lunch plans which can be mix-and-matched. All of the tasks also include the rationale and explanations for what purpose they fulfill. It's crystal clear she's an educator at heart (and a very good one, if this book is any indication).
She even includes a pretty comprehensive overview over cleaning, food safety, and navigating food allergies and sensitivities.
The following chapters include the varied recipes, grouped thematically: brunch boxes, DIY lunch kits, beyond the PB&J, from dinner to thermos, copycat snacks & treats (including goldfish copycats!), and after-school snacks. Recipes are written with a title/description (including labels for gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and vegetarian (may contain eggs)), followed by a bullet list of ingredients and step-by-step prep directions. Ingredient measurements are given in imperial (American) and metric (yay!). Most ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocery store in North America.
The book is beautifully photographed throughout and the food styling is attractive and realistic. The author and her beautiful family also appear frequently, a homey touch.
Five stars. This is a wonderful resource and usable - full of good tips and recipes. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library as well as gift giving.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Feeding Tiny Bellies is a well organized and graphically appealing tutorial guide with recipes on planning, choosing, and packing perfect school lunches by Lily Payen. Due out 28th July 2026 from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in flexibound and ebook formats.
The author has a warmly encouraging writing style and the tips she gives are usable, practical, safety conscious, and appealing. She has developed a solid system of mix-and-match menus with lots of options for protein, carbs, fruit, and veggies. There are a lot of great tips in the introduction about selecting safe and appropriate containers, drink flasks, bags, and more. She's very very inspirational and so organized. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, readers have a clear plan set out where they can choose one option from each list and get an almost endless variety of choices.
She includes practical tips about variety (whilst honoring the fact that most kids want their favorites on repeat, until they -don't-), food safety, accessories like fruit and vegetable cutters to make fun shapes, and getting your kids involved in planning and helping making their lunches to help with mastering tasks and independence. She's included numerous sample lunch plans which can be mix-and-matched. All of the tasks also include the rationale and explanations for what purpose they fulfill. It's crystal clear she's an educator at heart (and a very good one, if this book is any indication).
She even includes a pretty comprehensive overview over cleaning, food safety, and navigating food allergies and sensitivities.
The following chapters include the varied recipes, grouped thematically: brunch boxes, DIY lunch kits, beyond the PB&J, from dinner to thermos, copycat snacks & treats (including goldfish copycats!), and after-school snacks. Recipes are written with a title/description (including labels for gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and vegetarian (may contain eggs)), followed by a bullet list of ingredients and step-by-step prep directions. Ingredient measurements are given in imperial (American) and metric (yay!). Most ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocery store in North America.
The book is beautifully photographed throughout and the food styling is attractive and realistic. The author and her beautiful family also appear frequently, a homey touch.
Five stars. This is a wonderful resource and usable - full of good tips and recipes. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library as well as gift giving.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 31, 2026
With my youngest starting kindergarten in the fall (and being a bit of a picky eater) I jumped at the opportunity to get this cookbook. I was hoping for a variety of recipes and I was pleasantly surprised by how in depth the author went over EVERYTHING. From lunch box essentials and why each item was important, to nice-to-have items and how to build a base lunch box meal (protein/fruit/etc) I knew the author went all in when she made this resource. She includes tips on involving kids in their lunch choices, sample weekly meal plans including grocery lists, and lunch prep tips that even veteran parents could use a refresher on, and it took the stress out of trying to remember how to start packing school lunches for a kid who's never had them before. The simple logic behind trying out the meals at home to make sure your kiddo could open their lunchbox, and knew how to assemble do-it-yourself lunch kits made everything feel so incredibly easy and logical, and my own kids were so excited to plan ahead for the new school year.
I loved how the author broke down how to pack lunches for morning of packers and night before packers (this genuinely was SO helpful), food safety and food allergies, and how to manage meals coming back home barely eaten. I actually laughed out loud at her section of what she sent vs what came home and her kids feedback, because it was so authentic. A child not touching their carrots and saying it was their favourite part of lunch? I've never felt more seen.
From there, the recipes are wonderful and there are tons of photos of them and how you'd put them in a lunch box. My picky eater easily picked a dozen recipes right off the bat that he was wanting to try and I breathed a sigh of relief knowing we could start his first year off without food stress! On top of that, my eldest was enchanted by all of the "build your own" kits that he initially found daunting, and immediately was able to select ones he wanted in his own lunch in the new year.
All in all, this is a fantastic resource for parents of kids either starting at school, or returning with a broader palate and wanting to test out new meals!
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for sending this my way!
I loved how the author broke down how to pack lunches for morning of packers and night before packers (this genuinely was SO helpful), food safety and food allergies, and how to manage meals coming back home barely eaten. I actually laughed out loud at her section of what she sent vs what came home and her kids feedback, because it was so authentic. A child not touching their carrots and saying it was their favourite part of lunch? I've never felt more seen.
From there, the recipes are wonderful and there are tons of photos of them and how you'd put them in a lunch box. My picky eater easily picked a dozen recipes right off the bat that he was wanting to try and I breathed a sigh of relief knowing we could start his first year off without food stress! On top of that, my eldest was enchanted by all of the "build your own" kits that he initially found daunting, and immediately was able to select ones he wanted in his own lunch in the new year.
All in all, this is a fantastic resource for parents of kids either starting at school, or returning with a broader palate and wanting to test out new meals!
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for sending this my way!
August 14, 2026
Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches
Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids by Lily Payen (2026)
Feeding Tiny Bellies #2
256-page Flexibound
Genre: Child Nutrition, Cooking, Food, Health, Mind & Body
Movie Rating Equivalent: G
Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🥪🍌🌯🥙🍝🧃🥯🥝
Featuring: Full-color Photos, Table of Contents, Introduction Lunch Box Basics, Involving Kids in Their Lunch Choices, Sample Lunch Box Menu Plans, Prep Tips, Food Waste & Feedback, Recipe Guide, Brunch Boxes, DIY Lunch Kits, Beyond The PB&J, Dinner to Thermos, Copycat Snacks, After-School Snacks, Index, Acknowledgments
Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches is the cookbook I didn't know I needed. My lunch-packing days for tiny bellies are over, but there is still so much valuable information packed inside these pages. I was expecting this to be a book I wished I had 20 years ago, but I was definitely not expecting it to be a resource I could still actively use today! I will certainly be using quite a few of these lunch ideas for my husband, my mom, my teen son, and myself. Decision fatigue often has me feeling frustrated with meal planning, so I loved that she included a photo for every single lunch idea. Plus, the basics section at the beginning should honestly be turned into its own seminar or workshop—it was just so helpful. I am so impressed that I am tempted to gift a copy to a mom I know. I've already added Feeding Tiny Bellies to my TBR list, and I am really hoping there will be more books released in this series!
Recommend to others: Absolutely! This is the perfect lunch box guide to get you through the school year.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from DK via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Series
1. Feeding Tiny Bellies: Over 100 Baby-Led Weaning, Toddler, and Family Recipes: A Cookbook (2024)
2. Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches
Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids (2026)
Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids by Lily Payen (2026)
Feeding Tiny Bellies #2
256-page Flexibound
Genre: Child Nutrition, Cooking, Food, Health, Mind & Body
Movie Rating Equivalent: G
Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🥪🍌🌯🥙🍝🧃🥯🥝
Featuring: Full-color Photos, Table of Contents, Introduction Lunch Box Basics, Involving Kids in Their Lunch Choices, Sample Lunch Box Menu Plans, Prep Tips, Food Waste & Feedback, Recipe Guide, Brunch Boxes, DIY Lunch Kits, Beyond The PB&J, Dinner to Thermos, Copycat Snacks, After-School Snacks, Index, Acknowledgments
Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches is the cookbook I didn't know I needed. My lunch-packing days for tiny bellies are over, but there is still so much valuable information packed inside these pages. I was expecting this to be a book I wished I had 20 years ago, but I was definitely not expecting it to be a resource I could still actively use today! I will certainly be using quite a few of these lunch ideas for my husband, my mom, my teen son, and myself. Decision fatigue often has me feeling frustrated with meal planning, so I loved that she included a photo for every single lunch idea. Plus, the basics section at the beginning should honestly be turned into its own seminar or workshop—it was just so helpful. I am so impressed that I am tempted to gift a copy to a mom I know. I've already added Feeding Tiny Bellies to my TBR list, and I am really hoping there will be more books released in this series!
Recommend to others: Absolutely! This is the perfect lunch box guide to get you through the school year.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from DK via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Series
1. Feeding Tiny Bellies: Over 100 Baby-Led Weaning, Toddler, and Family Recipes: A Cookbook (2024)
2. Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches
Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids (2026)
August 4, 2026
I received this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is an amazing book to use for both kid lunches, and adult ones too! I got so many great ideas for my own lunches too! I love that it teaches you how to balance protein, carbs, and everything else so that they get the right nutrition. I liked that is also showed us at what time to do things, like the night before, in the morning, and also what foods can be frozen in advance so they will stay cool until lunch.
There was also a great guide that gives a ton of info about how to clean lunchboxes, especially those divided ones, and small containers. They can be really tricky sometimes with all the little corners and places for food to get trapped. The food allergy section was also very helpful, and with things like peanuts can prevent allergic reactions in those around you. There was also a good section about reducing food waste. We can all learn from that!
The photographs were gorgeous, and full of bright colors. It made me really hungry looking at them. The recipes were simple, and easy to follow. Even the most basic cook can make anything in here, including the kids (with adult help). I really liked that a lot of them can be made in batches and frozen, then popped right into a lunchbox from the freezer. There were so many great ideas, and the photos also showed you some fun combinations you could put together too. So many of them were interactive, where the kids can build their own things, like pizza, nachos, tacos etc. The hands on aspect really helps them to want to eat more.
I'm going to be making a ton of these recipes for my own lunches, so don't be scared off by it being a kid's lunch book. You only need to increase the portion sizes for this to work for an adult lunch.
Overall this was fantastic, and this is one I would be thrilled to have on my shelf!
This is an amazing book to use for both kid lunches, and adult ones too! I got so many great ideas for my own lunches too! I love that it teaches you how to balance protein, carbs, and everything else so that they get the right nutrition. I liked that is also showed us at what time to do things, like the night before, in the morning, and also what foods can be frozen in advance so they will stay cool until lunch.
There was also a great guide that gives a ton of info about how to clean lunchboxes, especially those divided ones, and small containers. They can be really tricky sometimes with all the little corners and places for food to get trapped. The food allergy section was also very helpful, and with things like peanuts can prevent allergic reactions in those around you. There was also a good section about reducing food waste. We can all learn from that!
The photographs were gorgeous, and full of bright colors. It made me really hungry looking at them. The recipes were simple, and easy to follow. Even the most basic cook can make anything in here, including the kids (with adult help). I really liked that a lot of them can be made in batches and frozen, then popped right into a lunchbox from the freezer. There were so many great ideas, and the photos also showed you some fun combinations you could put together too. So many of them were interactive, where the kids can build their own things, like pizza, nachos, tacos etc. The hands on aspect really helps them to want to eat more.
I'm going to be making a ton of these recipes for my own lunches, so don't be scared off by it being a kid's lunch book. You only need to increase the portion sizes for this to work for an adult lunch.
Overall this was fantastic, and this is one I would be thrilled to have on my shelf!
August 14, 2026
A well-organized and inspirational cookbook sure to please parents with young children.
The photography is beautiful, the writing is well organized, and the recipes are easy to follow. Helpful for getting out of a "what to send for lunch" rut!
At the heart of this cookbook is the goal of helping children feel nourished and cared for, even while they are away during the day, and author Lily Payen conveys that beautifully. A fun aspect of this cookbook is that it encourages parents to introduce new foods into their children’s lunches and simply see what happens.
An especially nice part of the book for me was “Real Life Sample Lunches and What Came Home,” complete with photos and quotes from the author’s children about what they thought of the meals. What stood out to me was the reminder that not all the food gets eaten, not everything is a favorite, and that’s okay. It was refreshing to see these real-life examples included in the book.
Many fun and simple recipes are included, beginning with brunch boxes and then moving on to lunch and dinner boxes and snack boxes. An especially helpful feature was the suggested pairings for each recipe, along with photos for inspiration.
As a mom with slightly older children, I can say I would have loved having this book when I had littles. And even though they are older now, I will still be implementing many of these new recipes and lunch ideas into my big-kid lunches.
Anyone who regularly feeds children, or who simply loves looking through a beautiful cookbook, will enjoy reading this one and keeping a copy on hand for reference!
Thank you to NetGalley and DK Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The photography is beautiful, the writing is well organized, and the recipes are easy to follow. Helpful for getting out of a "what to send for lunch" rut!
At the heart of this cookbook is the goal of helping children feel nourished and cared for, even while they are away during the day, and author Lily Payen conveys that beautifully. A fun aspect of this cookbook is that it encourages parents to introduce new foods into their children’s lunches and simply see what happens.
An especially nice part of the book for me was “Real Life Sample Lunches and What Came Home,” complete with photos and quotes from the author’s children about what they thought of the meals. What stood out to me was the reminder that not all the food gets eaten, not everything is a favorite, and that’s okay. It was refreshing to see these real-life examples included in the book.
Many fun and simple recipes are included, beginning with brunch boxes and then moving on to lunch and dinner boxes and snack boxes. An especially helpful feature was the suggested pairings for each recipe, along with photos for inspiration.
As a mom with slightly older children, I can say I would have loved having this book when I had littles. And even though they are older now, I will still be implementing many of these new recipes and lunch ideas into my big-kid lunches.
Anyone who regularly feeds children, or who simply loves looking through a beautiful cookbook, will enjoy reading this one and keeping a copy on hand for reference!
Thank you to NetGalley and DK Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is a cookbook that is catered towards making school lunches for toddlers and young children. I personally have a son going into kindergarten this fall, so I was very excited to read this!
What I liked about this book:
- it breaks down all of the food groups and shares the must-have items like ice packs and containers (good ones so they last)
- it reminded me to make lunches fun since children like to spice things up (I will definitely be purchasing some fun food cutters for fruits and veggies)
- advocating for your kiddos to be involved in making their lunch with you so they are more likely to eat it
- sample lunch plans and grocery lists!
- acknowledging food comes back home and that's okay! (its a good reminder to all parents that there are distractions everywhere at school)
- ANDDD real life examples of school lunches the author sent and what came home from her kiddos
What I didn't like:
- the recipes about making your own goldfish etc. However, I do realize this is more of a me problem than the book because I just don't have the time to make everything from scratch but kudos to other parents who do want to do that!
- picky eaters may struggle with some of these recipes but again, that's not really a criticism of the book
Overall I would recommend this book to any parent with young kids/toddlers because I think the advice at the beginning of the book is really solid and the recipes are new and exciting. I hope to make some before summer is over for my son!
A big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC read! All opinions are my own
What I liked about this book:
- it breaks down all of the food groups and shares the must-have items like ice packs and containers (good ones so they last)
- it reminded me to make lunches fun since children like to spice things up (I will definitely be purchasing some fun food cutters for fruits and veggies)
- advocating for your kiddos to be involved in making their lunch with you so they are more likely to eat it
- sample lunch plans and grocery lists!
- acknowledging food comes back home and that's okay! (its a good reminder to all parents that there are distractions everywhere at school)
- ANDDD real life examples of school lunches the author sent and what came home from her kiddos
What I didn't like:
- the recipes about making your own goldfish etc. However, I do realize this is more of a me problem than the book because I just don't have the time to make everything from scratch but kudos to other parents who do want to do that!
- picky eaters may struggle with some of these recipes but again, that's not really a criticism of the book
Overall I would recommend this book to any parent with young kids/toddlers because I think the advice at the beginning of the book is really solid and the recipes are new and exciting. I hope to make some before summer is over for my son!
A big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC read! All opinions are my own
October 21, 2026
This cookbook has so many amazing-looking recipes! I was expecting school lunch ideas, but this book covers so much more than just lunches, which was a really nice surprise. There are so many creative options, and the pictures make everything look delicious.
One of my favorite things is all the extra information included with the recipes. The tips and suggested pairings are incredibly helpful, and I especially appreciate the substitution recommendations for different school restrictions and personal allergies. Those little details make it easier to figure out how a recipe might work for your own family rather than having to follow everything exactly as written.
Of course, not every recipe is going to be a fit for us. Some would take more time than I realistically have, some might be difficult to keep warm until lunchtime, and others just aren't things I think my kids would enjoy. But that's the great thing about having so many options! Even if I don't use every recipe, there are plenty that I can see us trying.
I also came away with ideas for summertime meals when the kids are home, so I love that this book can be useful beyond packing school lunches. It's a great source of inspiration for adding variety to family meals and finding new things to try.
Overall, this is a lovely cookbook with plenty of ideas to explore. Not every recipe will work for every family, but with so much variety, helpful advice, and allergy-conscious substitutions, there's a good chance you'll find plenty that do!
Thank you to DK, NetGalley, and Lily Payen for providing me with an e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of my favorite things is all the extra information included with the recipes. The tips and suggested pairings are incredibly helpful, and I especially appreciate the substitution recommendations for different school restrictions and personal allergies. Those little details make it easier to figure out how a recipe might work for your own family rather than having to follow everything exactly as written.
Of course, not every recipe is going to be a fit for us. Some would take more time than I realistically have, some might be difficult to keep warm until lunchtime, and others just aren't things I think my kids would enjoy. But that's the great thing about having so many options! Even if I don't use every recipe, there are plenty that I can see us trying.
I also came away with ideas for summertime meals when the kids are home, so I love that this book can be useful beyond packing school lunches. It's a great source of inspiration for adding variety to family meals and finding new things to try.
Overall, this is a lovely cookbook with plenty of ideas to explore. Not every recipe will work for every family, but with so much variety, helpful advice, and allergy-conscious substitutions, there's a good chance you'll find plenty that do!
Thank you to DK, NetGalley, and Lily Payen for providing me with an e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 18, 2026
What a great book! First of all, the pictures are GORGEOUS. Everything looks so appetizing, but what I really appreciate is how realistic the recipes are. She’s not expecting us to spend hours cutting sandwiches into elaborate shapes or turning every lunch into some kind of Pinterest masterpiece. These are lunches that look delicious and that I can actually see myself making.
My daughter went through the book herself and bookmarked all the lunches she wants me to make!
Do you know how much easier that makes my life???
Instead of me sitting there trying to figure out what to pack every day, she can flip through the book, show me what she wants, and we can plan from there. I LOVE that.
I also really appreciated how thorough the book was. There are little sections showing what the author’s own son actually ate, along with his feedback, which I thought was such a great touch. She also shares the different bento boxes and lunch containers she’s used and how they worked for her.
I love that we’re getting more than just recipes. We’re getting her actual experience packing lunches for her child, including what worked and what didn’t.
And the photography, the presentation, this gorgeous family…I just really enjoyed all of it. I also love getting to support another Black mom who’s sharing something so useful with other families.
This is exactly the kind of cookbook I want in my kitchen. Beautiful, practical, detailed, and something my daughter is already excited to use.
Highly recommend!
My daughter went through the book herself and bookmarked all the lunches she wants me to make!
Do you know how much easier that makes my life???
Instead of me sitting there trying to figure out what to pack every day, she can flip through the book, show me what she wants, and we can plan from there. I LOVE that.
I also really appreciated how thorough the book was. There are little sections showing what the author’s own son actually ate, along with his feedback, which I thought was such a great touch. She also shares the different bento boxes and lunch containers she’s used and how they worked for her.
I love that we’re getting more than just recipes. We’re getting her actual experience packing lunches for her child, including what worked and what didn’t.
And the photography, the presentation, this gorgeous family…I just really enjoyed all of it. I also love getting to support another Black mom who’s sharing something so useful with other families.
This is exactly the kind of cookbook I want in my kitchen. Beautiful, practical, detailed, and something my daughter is already excited to use.
Highly recommend!
October 15, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Creative Lunchbox Ideas Every Parent Can Appreciate!**
*Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches: Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids* sounds like a wonderful resource for parents who want to make school lunches more enjoyable, varied, and convenient. Packing lunch every day can become repetitive, so having a collection of fresh ideas is a welcome way to bring creativity back into the routine.
I especially appreciate the focus on both lunch boxes and snacks, giving parents more inspiration for preparing food their children can enjoy throughout the school day. A variety of options can help families move beyond the same sandwiches and familiar treats while making room for different tastes and preferences. The emphasis on kid-friendly meals also makes this book appealing to parents looking for practical ideas that fit into busy mornings.
This cookbook could be particularly useful for families trying to organize weekly lunches, discover new combinations, and make meal preparation feel less stressful. It also offers inspiration for turning everyday lunch packing into an opportunity to introduce variety and encourage children to explore different foods.
Overall, this book is an appealing choice for parents, caregivers, and anyone responsible for preparing children's lunches. I would recommend it to families looking for fresh lunchbox inspiration, convenient snack ideas, and simple ways to make school meals more exciting and enjoyable.
**Creative Lunchbox Ideas Every Parent Can Appreciate!**
*Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches: Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids* sounds like a wonderful resource for parents who want to make school lunches more enjoyable, varied, and convenient. Packing lunch every day can become repetitive, so having a collection of fresh ideas is a welcome way to bring creativity back into the routine.
I especially appreciate the focus on both lunch boxes and snacks, giving parents more inspiration for preparing food their children can enjoy throughout the school day. A variety of options can help families move beyond the same sandwiches and familiar treats while making room for different tastes and preferences. The emphasis on kid-friendly meals also makes this book appealing to parents looking for practical ideas that fit into busy mornings.
This cookbook could be particularly useful for families trying to organize weekly lunches, discover new combinations, and make meal preparation feel less stressful. It also offers inspiration for turning everyday lunch packing into an opportunity to introduce variety and encourage children to explore different foods.
Overall, this book is an appealing choice for parents, caregivers, and anyone responsible for preparing children's lunches. I would recommend it to families looking for fresh lunchbox inspiration, convenient snack ideas, and simple ways to make school meals more exciting and enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2026
**An Absolute Lifesaver for Creative, Stress-Free, and Kid-Approved Lunch Packing!**
*Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches: Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids* is a phenomenal resource that completely transforms the daily routine of packing school meals. Finding fresh inspiration day after day can feel exhausting, but this brilliant cookbook delivers an incredible variety of over 100 wholesome, imaginative, and practical lunch box ideas that both parents and children will adore.
What makes this book truly stand out is its perfect blend of nutritional balance and real-world simplicity. The recipes and snack combinations utilize everyday, accessible ingredients without requiring complicated culinary techniques or hours of morning preparation. Every single lunch box idea is thoughtfully designed to appeal to young eaters, making it easier than ever to combat picky eating and ensure your kids actually eat what you pack. The clear layouts, smart prep tips, and visual inspiration take all the guesswork and stress out of meal planning.
If you want to streamline your morning routine, banish lunchbox fatigue, and send your little ones off to school with nourishing, delicious food they look forward to eating, this cookbook is an absolute must-have. An invaluable addition to any family kitchen! Highly recommended!
*Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches: Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids* is a phenomenal resource that completely transforms the daily routine of packing school meals. Finding fresh inspiration day after day can feel exhausting, but this brilliant cookbook delivers an incredible variety of over 100 wholesome, imaginative, and practical lunch box ideas that both parents and children will adore.
What makes this book truly stand out is its perfect blend of nutritional balance and real-world simplicity. The recipes and snack combinations utilize everyday, accessible ingredients without requiring complicated culinary techniques or hours of morning preparation. Every single lunch box idea is thoughtfully designed to appeal to young eaters, making it easier than ever to combat picky eating and ensure your kids actually eat what you pack. The clear layouts, smart prep tips, and visual inspiration take all the guesswork and stress out of meal planning.
If you want to streamline your morning routine, banish lunchbox fatigue, and send your little ones off to school with nourishing, delicious food they look forward to eating, this cookbook is an absolute must-have. An invaluable addition to any family kitchen! Highly recommended!
August 3, 2026
Lily Payen’s cookbook of lunch box recipes is great! There are tons of ideas for making lunchbox meals healthy and fun for your little one to be interested enough to eat. I have a picky kiddo, and least year I sent PB&J and Turkey sandwiches all year, but this year I want to give more of a variety and definitely be healthier! Payen goes over lunch box basics and essentials, and an easy formula to make sure it’s balanced nutritionally, how to make kids more interested in their lunches, and some great real life sample lunch boxes! There are some meals my kids won’t touch with a ten foot pole, at least for lunch, but I might try them for dinner to see if we can incorporate them. I loved the reviews her kids gave, and that she actually put their honest reviews, and what the lunch box looked like before school, and after! It helps to know that its normal sometimes your kid isn’t going to eat every last bite in their lunch box. There are even sample grocery lists. Incorporating breakfast items, wraps, and fun shapes for foods was something I had not thought of and we will definitely be trying out ASAP! Thank you Lily Payen, DK, and Netgalley for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy.
August 11, 2026
Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches is a fantastic resource that simplifies packing nutritious meals. The helpful lists at the start offer quick inspiration, but the stellar "copycat" section is easily the best part of the book. The Cracker Lunch Kit and Pizza Lunch Kits completely reinvent store-bought Lunchables with fresher, higher-quality ingredients. Other major hits include the freezer-friendly Cinnamon Vanilla Waffles, Mini Banana Bread Loaves, and the hearty Sausage Egg Bake. For quick options, the low-sugar Raspberry Banana Oat Bars, fun Corn Dog Bites, and simple Turkey and Cheese Roll-ups are absolute favorites. However, a few heavy-assembly concepts miss the mark for a chaotic school cafeteria. The Taco Lunch Kit, Build Your Own Fajitas, and Build Your Own Sushi Wraps are simply too messy and impractical for short school lunch periods, making them better suited for weekends at home. Despite these few complicated ideas, this cookbook delivers an abundance of stress-free, kid-approved staples. It earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars for any parent looking to break out of a sandwich rut.
August 13, 2026
I’ve followed Lily Payen on Instagram for ages, so getting the chance to dive into her newest book felt like opening a lunchbox packed with comfort and creativity. I’m genuinely thankful to the publishers and NetGalley for letting me enjoy this delightful cookbook — it’s exactly the kind of resource busy families need.Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches is a breath of fresh air for parents who want to keep things simple while still making sure their little ones are eating healthy, happy meals. Every recipe feels doable, not daunting. Lily’s attention to detail shines — she’s mindful of allergies, freshness, safety, and the real‑life pace of a parent trying to pack a lunch while someone is asking for a second breakfast.The “brunch boxes,” warm lunches, creative sandwiches, and after‑school snacks all feel like tiny victories waiting to happen. Everything is easy to understand and follow, and nothing requires a culinary degree or a three‑hour prep window. It’s practical magic for the lunch‑packing stage of life.This is absolutely a book I’ll use again and again — the kind you keep on the counter, dog‑ear pages, and reach for on those mornings when inspiration is running on fumes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a lovely book. There is a huge variety of lunch ideas (which is good, because some of these are way too time-consuming for me, and some might not be a bit with my kids). The recipes have clear step-by-step instructions and BEAUTIFUL pictures. I appreciate the above-and-beyond thought Lily Payen put into pretty much everything (e.g., reminding parents that lunches should include an ice pack and utensils). However, some of the recipes required time and equipment (e.g., air fryers, crinkle cutters, fancy lunch boxes, mini doughnut pans) that many parents just don’t have. I’m still going to buy the book because I have a feeling I’m going to refer to it many times. There are some ideas I’m just not going to use, but there are so many I can try! I recommend this to other parents who want to want to give their child(ren) nutritious and filling lunches, just don’t feel guilty if you don’t have the time or kitchen gear to do all of Payen’s ideas.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
September 29, 2026
★★★★★
Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches is such a practical and inspiring resource for making kids’ lunches feel easier, more varied, and more enjoyable. With over 100 lunch boxes and snack ideas, it offers plenty of inspiration for those mornings when it feels like the usual lunch rotation has run out of ideas.
I love the focus on simple, kid-friendly combinations that can work for everyday school days. The recipes and suggestions feel approachable rather than overly complicated, which is especially valuable for busy parents who want to pack something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
The variety also makes this book stand out. There are plenty of ideas to help keep lunch boxes interesting while giving parents a useful starting point for creating balanced meals and snacks that children will actually look forward to eating.
Overall, this is a wonderfully practical cookbook for families looking to bring more creativity and variety to school lunches. It is easy to browse, full of inspiration, and a great addition to any parent’s kitchen shelf. Five stars!
Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches is such a practical and inspiring resource for making kids’ lunches feel easier, more varied, and more enjoyable. With over 100 lunch boxes and snack ideas, it offers plenty of inspiration for those mornings when it feels like the usual lunch rotation has run out of ideas.
I love the focus on simple, kid-friendly combinations that can work for everyday school days. The recipes and suggestions feel approachable rather than overly complicated, which is especially valuable for busy parents who want to pack something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
The variety also makes this book stand out. There are plenty of ideas to help keep lunch boxes interesting while giving parents a useful starting point for creating balanced meals and snacks that children will actually look forward to eating.
Overall, this is a wonderfully practical cookbook for families looking to bring more creativity and variety to school lunches. It is easy to browse, full of inspiration, and a great addition to any parent’s kitchen shelf. Five stars!
July 29, 2026
As a long time follower of Feeding Tiny Bellies I was so excited to be granted this copy on Netgalley! This is such a great tool for parents with littles that have to pack lunches. Lily does such a great job of laying out plans for how to prep kiddo lunches - both with specific ideas (with GREAT pictures included) and with plans for how to lay out the lunches to be fully balanced to keep our kids healthy.
Bonus points for all her explanations, suggestions on "vessels" (aka lunch boxes and serving containers) to have on hand to be prepared, and of course my favorite photos of the kids helping because that is what gets kids excited in the first place.
Please never stop having the commentary on Instagram of Kai and Myles opinions please, it's what makes these even better to me. Knowing they are fully tested and approved by real life kids who may not be as picky as my kids but definitely have their own strong opinions!
Bonus points for all her explanations, suggestions on "vessels" (aka lunch boxes and serving containers) to have on hand to be prepared, and of course my favorite photos of the kids helping because that is what gets kids excited in the first place.
Please never stop having the commentary on Instagram of Kai and Myles opinions please, it's what makes these even better to me. Knowing they are fully tested and approved by real life kids who may not be as picky as my kids but definitely have their own strong opinions!
July 29, 2026
After loving Lily's last cookbook, I was so excited about this one and it did not disappoint! This cookbook has a TON of school lunch options that I would imagine could appeal to even the pickiest eaters. As a 90s kid, I especially love the section on DIY lunch kits, that remind me of lunchables, and the section on copycat snacks and treats, that allow me to take a healthier approach on some of the classics like pop-tarts and fruit roll-ups. I also appreciate Lily's advice on giving little ones the option to choose their school lunches, and her cookbook allows that by providing photos of EVERY single recipe, making it a fun activity for kids to look through their "menu" of options. Truly a great book with creative ideas that help take the stress out of figuring out what's for lunch.
September 25, 2026
Feeding Tiny Bellies is exactly what I needed to help me tackle the busy mama life I have. Although I do not always send my boys to school with a lunch, I still found the recipes to be perfect for at home meals too.
I loved how the book has different sections, listing recipes based on if they are breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks. I found myself wishing I could grab a sample of some of the pictures, because they look so good! Yes, the recipes are not intricate nor will you see them on Top Chef, but if you are a parent, you know you need to keep meals (and flavors) simple.
In addition to the recipes, which is my favorite part, we also have comprehensive sections that walk us through meal prepping, bento boxes, food safety and what to do if you have food come back home.
I loved how the book has different sections, listing recipes based on if they are breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks. I found myself wishing I could grab a sample of some of the pictures, because they look so good! Yes, the recipes are not intricate nor will you see them on Top Chef, but if you are a parent, you know you need to keep meals (and flavors) simple.
In addition to the recipes, which is my favorite part, we also have comprehensive sections that walk us through meal prepping, bento boxes, food safety and what to do if you have food come back home.
October 14, 2026
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an E-ARC of this book.
This is my first year having school-aged children so this book truly could not have come at a better time for me! I have already used so many ideas from this book.
Not only are the ideas extremely simple, but the photography in this book is amazing and there are a LOT of options for people with dairy intolerances. That’s one thing I always struggle with in cookbooks because we are a DF family. It’s truly SO appreciated. I would highly recommend this book to any family who is looking for new and exciting ways to spruce up their kiddos lunches.
This is my first year having school-aged children so this book truly could not have come at a better time for me! I have already used so many ideas from this book.
Not only are the ideas extremely simple, but the photography in this book is amazing and there are a LOT of options for people with dairy intolerances. That’s one thing I always struggle with in cookbooks because we are a DF family. It’s truly SO appreciated. I would highly recommend this book to any family who is looking for new and exciting ways to spruce up their kiddos lunches.
July 29, 2026
Being a mom of an 8 year old, this book is perfect! I am always worried about the school lunches not being enough or tasting good enough for my child. This had more recipes than I thought it would and I love the copycat recipes as well! Even the little notes from her boys about their thoughts on their lunch choices for the day. This is a book I highly recommend for any parent wanting to start making their child's lunches but don't know where to start.
August 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for this copy of the EPUB to read, my review is my own.
I am not maybe the typical audience, I have arfid and emptying issues so balancing small but nutritious meals is hard. I was investigating for myself and my much older child as inspiration but bigger. This was great and well thought out. The options are easy to mix and match. Everything was thought of including a section about allergy friendly substitutes.
Highly recommend in the back to school season!
I am not maybe the typical audience, I have arfid and emptying issues so balancing small but nutritious meals is hard. I was investigating for myself and my much older child as inspiration but bigger. This was great and well thought out. The options are easy to mix and match. Everything was thought of including a section about allergy friendly substitutes.
Highly recommend in the back to school season!
July 29, 2026
This book is absolutely AMAZING. I preordered it a few months ago just hoping it’d be a helpful resource for packing lunches but it completely EXCEEDED my expectations. It feels like so much more than just a cookbook, but a guide and ultimate lunchbox packing resource as well. Definitely recommending copies to family and friends with little ones attending school this year.
August 17, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a free e copy. I have a preschooler starting in a couple weeks and was clueless on how to pack lunches for her especially with her peanut and egg allergies. This book gave options for avoiding all the main allergens. Some of the options I never would have thought about. Definitely worth the read if you are new to making school lunches.
September 7, 2026
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I wish I had read this during the summer when I was packing the kids lunches! Not only do you get lunch ideas but you get tips and tricks for how to prep, clean, and evaluate if your kiddo likes their lunch. It also normalized pickier eating which I know is challenging when trying to pack more healthfully.
I wish I had read this during the summer when I was packing the kids lunches! Not only do you get lunch ideas but you get tips and tricks for how to prep, clean, and evaluate if your kiddo likes their lunch. It also normalized pickier eating which I know is challenging when trying to pack more healthfully.
July 29, 2026
This book is exactly what I needed to help with packing school lunches this year for the first time. Very excited to use.
September 18, 2026
So thankful that I purchased this book, it has made packing school lunches and figuring out what to make SO much easier.
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