LITTLE CHEF

Lizzie thinks you’re never too little to dive into the kitchen and start cooking.

After a grand introduction, Lizzie dons her full chef’s uniform and begins extensive preparations for a visit from Grandma, whom she calls “the greatest chef in the world.” Lizzie exuberantly awakens her parents and whips up a big breakfast to ensure she has the stamina for cooking the “perfect dinner.” Grandma’s Super Special Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Lizzie’s secret ingredient are on the menu! Lizzie’s parents eagerly support her activities; she is still so little that Mom and Dad must handle the stove and sharp knives, but Lizzie enjoys doing her own shopping at the farmers market to find the freshest ingredients, as does her animated little white dog, who does some “shopping” of its own. Making excellent use of white space, Keiser employs what looks like watercolor and pen and ink to portray Lizzie in perpetual motion as she demonstrates her culinary prowess. With amazing curly hair that sometimes appears almost as big as she is, Lizzie could be a biracial child given her dad’s brown skin and her mom’s lighter complexion. The recipe in the backmatter will inspire young readers to follow Lizzie’s fearless lead.

Kids who devour cooking shows, collect recipes, and enjoy stirring up their own creations will find much to love in this book