Welcome to Kids in the Kitchen.  This blog series highlights great cookbooks for kids. In this entry, the spotlight is on some fun pop culture inspired cookbooks.

Barbie Cooks! a Healthy Cookbook
Library Catalog

“In this colorful cookbook of over 50 recipes, Barbie encourages kids to make healthy choices by developing their culinary skills and kitchen creativity. Breakfast bites like Loaded Avocado Toast and Mini Frittatas; filling lunch and dinner fare such as Summery Minestrone, Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad, and Spaghetti Squash Pizza bowls; and sweet and savory shareables like Sweet Potato Oven Fries and No-Bake Cheesecake Jars, provide kids with the nourishment they need using the flavors they love. Included alongside full-color photography are tips for navigating a kitchen, step-by-step for basic culinary skills, and a guide to preparing a nutritionally-balanced meal.” –Publisher Marketing

Bluey and Bingo's Fancy Restaurant Cookbook: Yummy Recipes, for Real Life
Library Catalog

“Bluey has a cookbook! Let the children rejoice! With illustrations matching the show, the expected parent-aimed humor, and diverse recipes, this title checks all the boxes. The book is designed for young chefs and their adults to work together and opens with safety, hygiene, and allergen tips. There is a brief supply list and the items are mostly standard kitchen fare, but a grill or “barbie” is also requested. Recipe titles frequently relate to the show, and ‘trifficulty' ratings and yield listed make this a user-friendly title. Offerings range from pancakes and pizza to poffertjes, lamb curry, and pavlova. The recipes are time- and skill-friendly; for example, the pizza recipe uses premade crust and sauce while another recipe calls for self-rising flour. Instructions are cute and humorous; from the omelet recipe: ‘How quickly can you crack the eggs into a bowl (not on the floor!)? Make sure the shells go in the bin (not the bowl)!' VERDICT A cute title with easy recipes encouraging children to cook and use their imagination to operate their own restaurant. Plus, it's Bluey–need we say more about this must-purchase title?” –School Library Journal

The Disney Princess Cookbook
Library Catalog

“Disney enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in this magical collection of Disney Princess–inspired dishes. Organized by mealtime, the included 50 recipes and their accompanying full-page color photographs will appeal to even the pickiest of palates, with dishes like Triple-licious Fruit Salad and Cozy Cottage Chicken Tenders. Each recipe is connected loosely to a specific princess or individuals within her world through the recipe title, a movie-related anecdote, and an accompanying illustration from the animation. A recipe difficulty scale consisting of one to five crowns helps readers gauge which dishes are within their skill level. Useful information about cooking and food safety, measuring ingredients, and cleaning up precedes the recipe sections. While it might not appeal to readers unfamiliar with the Disney Princess universe, this upbeat, colorful cookbook is sure to be a hit with fans young and old. For added fun, illustrations also feature the princesses' animal friends or important male characters from their world, like Merida's brothers or Tiana's beau Prince Naveen. VERDICT Recommended for youth cookbook collections, especially where Disney-themed books are popular.” –School Library Journal

The Disney Villains Cookbook
Library Catalog

“This villain cookbook from Disney is designed for children with kitchen experience who still require adult supervision or assistance. It opens with a thorough Before You Begin list, including instructions to tie back hair, push up sleeves, and wear an apron. The how-to pages are comprehensive and encourage kitchen clean up. An apple symbol is used to indicate a recipe's difficulty level, and the photographs with every recipe will also aid success. Recipes cover all meal categories, and each is related to a villainous Disney character. However, these villains are healthy eaters. Recipes call for kale, whole grains, fresh veggies, and fruits. Budding chefs have the opportunity to experiment with flavors and learn new techniques. For recipes requiring more skill, step-by-step pictorial instructions are included. Not every recipe is intense, as several use pre-made pizza crust, purchased sugar cookie dough, and the ice cream is no-churn. For those with dietary needs, there is a list of recipe titles with notations as to whether they are gluten or dairy free, vegetarian, or vegan. VERDICT A must-purchase for collections serving Disney fans.”  –School Library Journal

Encanto: The Official Cookbook by Patricia McCausland-Gallo and Susan Illera Martinez
Library Catalog

“Celebrate the cuisine of Colombia with more than 70 dishes from the enchanted world of Encanto! Filled with magically tasty mains, appetizers, and desserts inspired by La Casita, this family-friendly cookbook includes a delicious roster of recipes that fans will love, including, of course, Magical Arepas, Ajiaco Colombiano Soup, and more! With this deluxe cookbook, you'll have many reasons to bring the whole familia together to share an exceptional meal. Featuring full-color photography, comprehensive nutritional information, and helpful tips and tricks, Encanto: The Official Cookbook is the essential guide to cooking like a Madrigal!” –Publisher Marketing

Marvel Eat the Universe: The Official Cookbook by Justin Warner
Library Catalog

“‘If there's a Marvel fan in your life who cooks even occasionally, they need this!' Prepare to eat like a Marvel Super Hero with Marvel Eat the Universe: The Official Cookbook. Chef Justin Warner invites you to pull up a chair and explore the Marvel Universe through these creative dishes inspired by Marvel's heroes.” –Publisher Marketing

My Pokémon Baking Book: Delightful Bakes Inspired by the World of Pokémon by Jarrett Melendez
Library Catalog

“The My Pokémon Baking Book is a great purchase for fans of the franchise, no matter how skilled a baker they are. Full of vibrant and fun recipes, the book is filled with character and charm. The baked goods are as yummy as they look and help fans incorporate their fandom into their everyday life and use it to bond with others, as baking is always more fulfilling when done together.” –Comingsoon.net

The Padawan Cookbook by Maki Kudo
Library Catalog

“Star Wars fans of all ages can find fun in this thematic cookbook. Recipes follow a series of Trials, just like the ones a Padawan must complete to become a Jedi Knight. These trials not only serve a thematic purpose, but they also help to logically organize the cookbook by difficulty, as each trial increases in skill level. The book contains 10 trials in total, starting with no-cook recipes like Fruit and Cheese Lightsaber Skewers and ending with multistep showstoppers such as Naboo Shepherd's Pie and Scavenger Scones. Each recipe includes an illustration and a blurb about how the recipe relates to the Star Wars universe. Not every recipe has a photograph of the finished product. Some recipes include fun facts about cooking science in ‘Did You Know?' callouts; others have fun facts about Star Wars. In addition to the Trials, the book provides a glossary and dietary considerations, including gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan, for each recipe. VERDICT Combining cooking with the epic Padawan journey to becoming a Jedi is a surefire way to entice young Star Wars fans to branch out with cooking. Recommended for juvenile collections, especially where Star Wars is popular.” –School Library Journal

The Pokemon Cookbook: Easy and Fun Recipes by Maki Kudo
Library Catalog

“Pokemon fans will gather around this adorable cookbook that features all kinds of nutritional food created to resemble creatures from the popular franchise. This is a serious guide with practical lessons on nutrition and cooking skills. The recipes are designed to mold the food into a specific character shape. Many of the examples are suggested as party fare, but others are for everyday lunches and snacks. It is recommended that a parent assist in the cutting and cooking for safety reasons. It is also noted that some of the ingredients are specifically found in Asian-centered supermarkets or groceries, but substitutions are often given in asides. Drawings of the character portrayed accompany each entry, and diagrams laying out the cooking and decorating are provided. Full-color photographs of each recipe are labeled with the name of the dish. VERDICT For kids who are crazy about not only Pokemon but also cooking. An entertaining selection for home or programming use.” –School Library Journal

The Princess Dessert Cookbook: Desserts Inspired by Disney, Star Wars, Classic Fairy Tales, Real-Life Princesses, and More! by Aurelia Beaupommier
Library Catalog

“Based on princes and princesses from books, movies, classic fairy tales, history, and more, these delicious desserts are perfect for boys and girls both young and old. Whether you want a snack for yourself or your children, these recipes will put a bit of magic in your life. Explore enchanted universes and discover extraordinary flavors in these original desserts. These treats can be enjoyed at any time of day, and range from simple to sophisticated, perfect for any beginning or expert baker. With easy to follow instructions, entertaining tidbits, and beautiful photos, these fantastic desserts will be your crowning glory at any party or get-together (or at your own dinner table)!” –Publisher Marketing

Sesame Street Let's Cook Together: With 40 Fun, Healthy Recipes by DK
Library Catalog

“The title of this beginner-friendly book sets the tone for its collaborative and empowering spirit. From the beginning, simplicity is the name of the game: there is information about food safety, nutrition, kitchen tools, and basic cooking skills, all presented in large text and straightforward language. Chapters focus on breakfasts, snacks, dinners, lunches, and treats, with 40 recipes in total. While a few recipes are character-specific (like the blueberry Super Grover Smoothie), most are included because they are easy, healthful, and would be fun for a child and their caregiver to work on together. Each one is accompanied by a bright full-page photo of the finished product, and the book also boasts plenty of appearances from favorite characters such as Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, and Zoe. There is a friendliness and ease of use that is in keeping with the gentle tone of a Sesame Street episode, including a thoughtful section on the benefits of cooking with children, stressing the learning opportunities to be found when working together in the kitchen. A two-page glossary nicely rounds out this introduction to cooking. VERDICT Sesame Street fans and novice chefs will find much to appreciate in this collection of easy recipes.” –School Library Journal

Star Wars Everyday: A Year of Activities, Recipes, and Crafts from a Galaxy Far, Far Away by Ashley Eckstein
Library Catalog

“Join Ashley Eckstein and live your best Star Wars life, with this 12-month guide to party planning, crafting, and cooking inspired by a galaxy from far, far away! She may be the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, but first and foremost, Ashley Eckstein is a lifelong fan of the Star Wars galaxy–a passion that led her to start the fangirl fashion brand Her Universe, and become a pillar of the Star Wars fan community. Now, you can celebrate your fandom with Ashley, as she shows you how to bring Star Wars into your everyday life, with this unique lifestyle book! Ashley herself guides you through crafting projects, recipes, mindfulness exercises, and party planning ideas that are fun and accessible for Star Wars fans of any age. Designed to be used throughout the year, this book features family friendly activities that are organized by monthly themes, such as Hope, Friendship, and Adventure. This book is a fantastic way to create engaging galactic adventures for both parents and children.” –Publisher Marketing

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Cookbook by Peggy Paul Casella
Library Catalog

“Straight out of the sewers and right into the kitchen, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' favorite pizzas are finally yours to create and enjoy! Join Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo on a seriously ooey, gooey, cheesy, adventure inspired by the beloved original cartoon series. This cookbook contains sixty-five righteous recipes, from old-school classic such the New York Style Pepperoni to newfangled feasts such as the Lean, Mean, and Green and Shredder's Revenge. There's a pizza for every occasion — breakfast pizzas, mini-pizzas, party pizzas, and even dessert pizzas. So get on the ninja diet and be prepared to eat your hearts out! Cowabunga!” –Publisher Marketing

The Unofficial Super Mario Cookbook by Tom Grimm
Library Catalog

“Start your culinary journey through the Mushroom Kingdom with The Unofficial Super Mario Cookbook, filled with 50+ delicious recipes inspired by the iconic video game franchise! Power up with dishes such as Super Mushrooms, Stupendous Stew, the Mistake, and more with this all-ages cookbook that every Super Mario fan will love! The Unofficial Super Mario Cookbook will help you level up in the kitchen alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and more friends! Mario fans of all ages will love this comprehensive cookbook filled with recipes inspired by all their favorite games, alongside full-color photos, helpful tips and tricks, and fun Super Mario facts! Filled with a delicious and clever range of appetizers, main dishes, snacks, and desserts that will make you say, ‘Mamma Mia!' Easy-to-follow recipes and everyday ingredients make this cookbook an ideal option for beginners, kids, families, and experienced chefs alike.” –Publisher Marketing