cook & book
Why play this way?
Cookbooks tell stories—about food, memories, and favorite meals! In this activity, your little one will dive into recipe creation and storytelling, crafting a family keepsake that brings together their favorite foods with meaningful memories. What’s better than a hands-on way to connect cooking and reading while creating a personalized treasure for your library? Bookie and Cookie would say, “Nothing!”
SET THE STAGE FOR PLAY: 2 Minutes
Ready
- Or, gather several blank sheets of paper to make your own.
Writing & drawing materials
Stapler or paperclip
Set
Choose a prompt from the image to the left to create your first recipe for your cookbook.
Talk about why you chose that food.
- For example, tacos remind me of my mom. She sets up all the toppings so my sisters and I can choose how we want to make them. I always love Taco Tuesdays.
Play!
Write your recipe on the template or blank paper.
- Include plating preferences (e.g., cut the sandwich diagonally, create a face on the pancake using fruit, etc.).
Illustrate your recipe to tell the story you shared.
Choose another prompt and start a new recipe page for your book!
Make your cookbook’s cover by decorating the template or creating one of your own.
- Don’t forget to write your name!
Staple or clip your recipes together for safekeeping.
