FICTION

Lights, Camera, Cook!

by POP
HARPER, Charise Mericle. Lights, Camera, Cook! illus. by Aurélie Blard-Quintard. 192p. (Next Best Junior Chef: Bk. 1). HMH. Sept. 2017. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780544912601.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2–5—Food-infused fiction that combines celebrity chefs, reality TV, and a focus on healthy eating. This first installment in an anticipated series is about a lively televised cooking competition featuring four talented tweens: energetic Tate, charming Rae, worldly Caroline, and hypercompetitive Oliver. Through numerous interviews, taste tests, and chopping challenges, readers get to know each character. The black-and-white illustrations complement the story and add humor. There is a bonus in the back matter that includes techniques for aspiring young chefs.
VERDICT A mouthwatering read for all foodies. Be sure to save room for the next two volumes.
Reviewed by Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN
Four preteens participate in a TV cooking competition. As the contestants seesaw between confidence and nervousness, friendship and rivalry, triumphs and flubs, they learn about cooking and even more about themselves. Scattered interview-style speech bubbles let readers in on contestants' personal thoughts; emotive illustrations are also included. Who will be eliminated? Readers will excitedly tune in to the series' next episode for answers.
 , May 01, 2017

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