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Busy Little Hands
Busy Little Hands: Food Play!: Activities for Preschoolers
Preschoolers learn how to prepare their own food with activities that foster fun in the kitchen and promote healthy eating habits. Colorful photo-driven recipes for making fruit wands, noodle bowls, chocolate smoothies, and more encourage kids to discover and expand their tastes and experience the joy and pride that come from making with their own hands the foods they eat.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published November 10, 2020
1 person is currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Amy Palanjian
7 books28 followersI'm a writer, editor, and crafter who lives in a small town near Des Moines, IA. I also love to cook, bake, sew, and run around with my toddler.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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August 26, 2020Super cute and simple toddler cookbook. This little book is packed with yummy recipes for tiny chefs ( with minimal grown up help). With this recipe book preschoolers learn how to prepare their own food with activities that foster fun in the kitchen and promote healthy eating habits.
Must have for all the little chefs out there!
I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Must have for all the little chefs out there!
I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2020
This is a cute cookbook with easy to follow instructions for the kids and adults. It is probably not for the feint of heart, as I can guarantee there will be a mess, but isn’t that part of the fun? The projects create a lot of learning opportunities. I look forward to trying some of the recipes out with the little ones in my life.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
October 2, 2020
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I just love cooking and baking, and I love reading cook books. Especially books featuring recipes for kids because often there are fun recipes with food in a cute way. This one shorter than I had expected when I requested it (Netgalley doesn’t put in page numbers), but it was a cute one.
This book is for pre-schoolers and features some very simple recipes to try out with them. From making delicious yogurt with just a few simple ingredients to pick and mix breakfast. The recipes are very easy to follow with arrows with text pointing to big photographs of what one needs to do. There are tips on how to prepare and suggestions for what you could add to make it just a bit more special or extra. The adults are also around of course, most of the recipes start with what the grown-ups can do to prepare, which I quite like.
Foods get fun faces and I just love it. It is quite simple of course, but I can’t help but giggle when I see a face in food. Eyes with olives, a nose of mozzarella. Or make monsters! So much fun.
The food is mostly, if not all, very healthy. Fruit, veggies, hummus, yogurt, that kind of stuff. I did like that it was all so healthy, though maybe I would have liked some less healthy options as well. But maybe that is for another book!
I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to everyone with kids. It is a fun and yummy book with tons of fun recipes that are very easy to follow.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just love cooking and baking, and I love reading cook books. Especially books featuring recipes for kids because often there are fun recipes with food in a cute way. This one shorter than I had expected when I requested it (Netgalley doesn’t put in page numbers), but it was a cute one.
This book is for pre-schoolers and features some very simple recipes to try out with them. From making delicious yogurt with just a few simple ingredients to pick and mix breakfast. The recipes are very easy to follow with arrows with text pointing to big photographs of what one needs to do. There are tips on how to prepare and suggestions for what you could add to make it just a bit more special or extra. The adults are also around of course, most of the recipes start with what the grown-ups can do to prepare, which I quite like.
Foods get fun faces and I just love it. It is quite simple of course, but I can’t help but giggle when I see a face in food. Eyes with olives, a nose of mozzarella. Or make monsters! So much fun.
The food is mostly, if not all, very healthy. Fruit, veggies, hummus, yogurt, that kind of stuff. I did like that it was all so healthy, though maybe I would have liked some less healthy options as well. But maybe that is for another book!
I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to everyone with kids. It is a fun and yummy book with tons of fun recipes that are very easy to follow.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 26, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Busy Little Hands: Food Play! is one of a series of new activity books for preschoolers and their caregivers. Due out 10th Nov 2020 from Storey Publishing, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is an absolutely exuberant, brightly colored, and fun little book chock full of great ideas to engage young kids in mastering simple cooking skills. The text is very simple and the included recipes are well photographed, tasty and will appeal to almost everyone. The dishes do not require cooking or baking and food prep steps don't require cutting with sharp tools. The steps which require some (minor) help from an adult helper are clearly marked in highlighted text sidebars in each recipe tutorial.
There are gentle tips in the text for youngsters covering manners and etiquette (it's ok to like different foods, before having seconds, make sure everyone has had firsts, it's not nice to "yuck" someone else's "yum"). The foods are tasty and nutritionally responsible. Nearly all of the recipes are vegetarian, and some of them are vegan. There is one included recipe which mentions and shows lunchmeat as an ingredient, but could easily be converted to vegetarian by substituting meat for vegetarian friendly ingredients. All of the recipes have clear photos included in the tutorials. Serving suggestions are appealing and appropriate.
This would be a superlative gift, excellent classroom or library group selection for activity groups, a wonderful parent/caregiver activity, or even for babysitters and child-minders looking to up their playfood activity time game with their small charges. Cooking allows children to improve fine motor skills, gives them a feeling of accomplishment and control.
I loved this one. It's simple but so well done. The recipes are simple and the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Busy Little Hands: Food Play! is one of a series of new activity books for preschoolers and their caregivers. Due out 10th Nov 2020 from Storey Publishing, it's 48 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is an absolutely exuberant, brightly colored, and fun little book chock full of great ideas to engage young kids in mastering simple cooking skills. The text is very simple and the included recipes are well photographed, tasty and will appeal to almost everyone. The dishes do not require cooking or baking and food prep steps don't require cutting with sharp tools. The steps which require some (minor) help from an adult helper are clearly marked in highlighted text sidebars in each recipe tutorial.
There are gentle tips in the text for youngsters covering manners and etiquette (it's ok to like different foods, before having seconds, make sure everyone has had firsts, it's not nice to "yuck" someone else's "yum"). The foods are tasty and nutritionally responsible. Nearly all of the recipes are vegetarian, and some of them are vegan. There is one included recipe which mentions and shows lunchmeat as an ingredient, but could easily be converted to vegetarian by substituting meat for vegetarian friendly ingredients. All of the recipes have clear photos included in the tutorials. Serving suggestions are appealing and appropriate.
This would be a superlative gift, excellent classroom or library group selection for activity groups, a wonderful parent/caregiver activity, or even for babysitters and child-minders looking to up their playfood activity time game with their small charges. Cooking allows children to improve fine motor skills, gives them a feeling of accomplishment and control.
I loved this one. It's simple but so well done. The recipes are simple and the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 14, 2020
Fun, Creative Food for Preschoolers
This brightly colorful book encourages children to explore nutritious foods, like fruits and vegetables, in a creative way. Have a child who isn't quite sure about certain fruits or veggies? They might be more open to trying them in inventive, sometimes silly recipes if they can do so in a hands-on way. This book is meant to be used by a parent or caregiver alongside the child. The adult does most of the prep except for what can safely be done by small hands. However, the child is encouraged to do as much as she or he can and taste and experiment along the way. They can work with simple kitchen implements, measure ingredients, and count things like the number of dates in a recipe. Many recipes are presented with options, so the adult can select a healthy combination of choices and let the child make the ultimate decision. I like the idea of children starting to help Mom or Dad “cook” at an early age. By the way, the recipes are typically no-cook, no-bake… usually assembling from ingredients that a parent or caregiver prepares (which may require cooking or toasting). Some recipes actually look tasty as well as fun. If you want to help your child get comfortable in the kitchen, lay the foundation for important life skills, and continue to expose him or her to healthful foods (and we all know that kids require multiple exposures to some foods before they will eat them without complaint), this book could give you some inventive ideas, providing kitchen and food fun for all concerned.
I received a free copy of this cookbook, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This brightly colorful book encourages children to explore nutritious foods, like fruits and vegetables, in a creative way. Have a child who isn't quite sure about certain fruits or veggies? They might be more open to trying them in inventive, sometimes silly recipes if they can do so in a hands-on way. This book is meant to be used by a parent or caregiver alongside the child. The adult does most of the prep except for what can safely be done by small hands. However, the child is encouraged to do as much as she or he can and taste and experiment along the way. They can work with simple kitchen implements, measure ingredients, and count things like the number of dates in a recipe. Many recipes are presented with options, so the adult can select a healthy combination of choices and let the child make the ultimate decision. I like the idea of children starting to help Mom or Dad “cook” at an early age. By the way, the recipes are typically no-cook, no-bake… usually assembling from ingredients that a parent or caregiver prepares (which may require cooking or toasting). Some recipes actually look tasty as well as fun. If you want to help your child get comfortable in the kitchen, lay the foundation for important life skills, and continue to expose him or her to healthful foods (and we all know that kids require multiple exposures to some foods before they will eat them without complaint), this book could give you some inventive ideas, providing kitchen and food fun for all concerned.
I received a free copy of this cookbook, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
August 26, 2020
What a delightful recipe book for children, I adore it.
I'm a Nursery Nurse and know that children both pre-school and in Key Stage 1 will have huge fun using this book.
The instructions are simple and written in such a friendly style, the photography and illustrations are bright, clear and the children all look as if they're having a great time.
If I had to criticise it at all, it would be that I would have liked to see some representation of disability amongst the photos of the children, maybe this could be something to consider for future publications.
There's a wide range of foods in the recipes and with many of the recipes not needing to be baked or cooked this makes this book an excellent investment for playgroups and toddler groups without direct access to kitchens.
The recipes are in American cups, but these are easily purchased in the UK and substitutes can be used for items such as Graham crackers, which I've not seen here.
I have been fortunate enough to review this book, and it is a book I would definitely purchase for my childcare setting.
I'm a Nursery Nurse and know that children both pre-school and in Key Stage 1 will have huge fun using this book.
The instructions are simple and written in such a friendly style, the photography and illustrations are bright, clear and the children all look as if they're having a great time.
If I had to criticise it at all, it would be that I would have liked to see some representation of disability amongst the photos of the children, maybe this could be something to consider for future publications.
There's a wide range of foods in the recipes and with many of the recipes not needing to be baked or cooked this makes this book an excellent investment for playgroups and toddler groups without direct access to kitchens.
The recipes are in American cups, but these are easily purchased in the UK and substitutes can be used for items such as Graham crackers, which I've not seen here.
I have been fortunate enough to review this book, and it is a book I would definitely purchase for my childcare setting.
June 12, 2020
"The Busy Little Hands: Food Play!" is a new children's book from the kitchen of Amy Palanjian. This collection of simple recipes for kids is a must have in every young family's kitchen! The book offers activity options for breakfast, lunch and snacks specifically geared towards children while featuring a diverse range of healthy ingredients.
This book hits the spot in terms of children's activities! Although the recipes are no bake and require minimal adult assistance, the ideas are fun and easy for kids to enjoy. Adult preparation is minimal which is always ideal for busy parents or caregivers! The book itself is brightly colored with great graphics and clear instructions for making each item. If you're looking for a way to entertain children or introduce them to the world of cooking, this book is an amazing first step!
This book hits the spot in terms of children's activities! Although the recipes are no bake and require minimal adult assistance, the ideas are fun and easy for kids to enjoy. Adult preparation is minimal which is always ideal for busy parents or caregivers! The book itself is brightly colored with great graphics and clear instructions for making each item. If you're looking for a way to entertain children or introduce them to the world of cooking, this book is an amazing first step!
October 6, 2020
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 10th November 2020 - publication day!
I really liked the idea behind this book.
The target age range was children ages 2 to 5 years old – my daughter was three in July so she is the perfect age range. As a busy working mum I am always on the lookout for ideas for her food and ways to get het to try different things (not always successful as you can imagine).
It is a well laid out book, the images are nice, bright and clear and fun
It is 4 stars from me for this one – highly recommended!
I really liked the idea behind this book.
The target age range was children ages 2 to 5 years old – my daughter was three in July so she is the perfect age range. As a busy working mum I am always on the lookout for ideas for her food and ways to get het to try different things (not always successful as you can imagine).
It is a well laid out book, the images are nice, bright and clear and fun
It is 4 stars from me for this one – highly recommended!
July 23, 2020
I love this book and it will definitely become a staple in our kitchen when released! I've already told all my mum friends about it and made a bunny face porridge, which my 2 and a half year old loved!
With bright, colourful illustrations throughout and easy to follow, healthy recipes - this book will transform how your toddler eats!
I can already see that involving my little one in the process of preparing food, is making her less reluctant to eat. A must read!
With bright, colourful illustrations throughout and easy to follow, healthy recipes - this book will transform how your toddler eats!
I can already see that involving my little one in the process of preparing food, is making her less reluctant to eat. A must read!
August 18, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to review! This is a very cute cookbook for little kids with bright and colorful pictures, a variety of fun and simple recipes, and plenty of ideas to customize each recipe according to your own preferences. As a lifelong picky eater, I really appreciated the "table manners" at the end that tell kids it's okay to like different foods, and this book even gave me some nice ideas for things to make for myself!
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November 12, 2020Whether you’re looking to get your kids in the kitchen or simply want to prepare more kid-friendly food, this cookbook will be your new go-to. FOOD PLAY! is the perfect way to teach healthy recipes, positive food relationships and kitchen safety in a fun way that encourages creativity.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2020/11/12/foste...
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2020/11/12/foste...
July 5, 2020
This book is very cute and it has 22 easy recipes for kids to make. You will need to help your kids but they can do most of the decoration work. The recipes are very easy and silly to make (like pizza using english muffins and then decorated with silly faces). Great cookbook for small kids. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
September 25, 2020
Busy Little Hands: Food Play! By Amy Palanjian.
A really wonder full book for the foodies, though it is kids book it has some wonderful dishes mentioned which are again healthy and easy to make. I really liked this book very much and tried a few of them personally.
I will recommend this to foodie parents for them and their kids.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for this e-ARC.
A really wonder full book for the foodies, though it is kids book it has some wonderful dishes mentioned which are again healthy and easy to make. I really liked this book very much and tried a few of them personally.
I will recommend this to foodie parents for them and their kids.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for this e-ARC.
June 21, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to everyone with kids. It is a fun and yummy book with tons of fun recipes that are very easy to follow.
*Thankyou Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review"
*Thankyou Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review"
July 1, 2020
Busy Little Hands: Food Play! by Amy Palanjian is a handy book full of lots of food ideas for children. Made for older children but could be adjusted for younger children. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this.
October 10, 2020
This is a colourful and well presented read, offering easy to follow, no-cook recipes for children. As a teacher, I can imagine laying the ingredients out and letting my Year Five class get on with it. The photos and instructions are very clear, my only complaint is how short the book is!
March 27, 2025
Several fun, easy to incorporate activities. Some new snack ideas. Lots of ways to have fun in the kitchen. I liked the variety/multicultural recipes, but I think there could have been more included. Photos and steps are helpful/easy to follow. Good idea adding in nut butter alternatives.
July 26, 2020
Fun,easy and very yummy.Tried a few recipes with my young ones and enjoyed the company and the book together.
August 17, 2020
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Really great kids cookbook!! very straight forward with easy to find foods too!
December 26, 2020
Wow! So many cool, creative ideas for kids to play with and eat. Can't wait to try them!
August 19, 2024
Cute book with some fun creative ideas to get kids involved in the kitchen. I’m sure this book will really appeal to kids, too, with lots of beautiful pictures of interesting looking food.
December 30, 2020
This is a great cookbook for involving young children in the kitchen. The pictures are colorful and help the reader to see what the final project should look like. It has lots of easy recipes perfect for little appetites. It teaches life and math skills to young children as they learn how to prepare food. It would be a great gift for parents of young children, child care workers, and grandparents!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
March 16, 2021
Let preschoolers get involved in cooking with this enjoyable colorful book filled with simple easy to follow healthy recipes that include preparation to be done before hand by an adult. It makes a great gift and also is a fun way to develop fine and gross motor skills of young children.
Reviewer #15
Reviewer #15
July 20, 2021
Amy is one of my favorite bloggers and her book does not disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews