I purchased this book for my 8.5 year old daughter who has enjoyed cooking at my side and has an interest in learning to cook. This cookbook provides a wonderful introduction to the world of culinary arts, beginning with an understanding of basic food ingredients, cooking and baking tools and terms and continues with advise on safety and menu planning.

The level is probably best suited to children from 10 - 14, however, with some guidance and supervision my 8 year old can prepare most of the recipes.

Recipes include all the basics from Vegetable soup to Chili to Banana Nut Bread, Brownies, Pies and Punch. All recipes inlcude an equipment list along with the ingredient list and clear, easy to follow step-by-step instructions with important safety tips like "wearing oven mits, remove the cookie sheet from the oven."

We've tried several of the recipes and have not been disappointed. This junior version of the classic compares well. I expect that my daughter will one day take this cookbook off to college.