This time of year can be hectic for families. Getting back into the school routine without letting other things slide is hard. Sometimes cooking and eating healthy are sacrificed to the clock. One way to help keep this from happening is to get your child involved in food preparation. Here are three cookbooks that are easy enough for kids to use with parent help and fun enough that kids want to help.

Dora and Diego Let’s Cookby Nickelodeon

This cookbook has 50 fun recipes featuring Dora, Diego and their friends. It also includes health and nutrition tips for preschoolers, tips on how to have the kids help, and features words in Spanish. If your kid likes Dora or Diego, this is a good book to get them interested in cooking.

The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook: From Cauldron Cakes to Knickerbocker Glory – More Than 150 Magical Recipes for Wizards and Non-Wizards Alikeby Dinah Bucholz

This is for a little bit older child, but it’s a hit with most kids. The chance to make something from the magical world of Harry Potter is irresistible. The recipes are fairly easy with parental help. Each recipe has a quick write-up to tell you where the recipe is eaten in the books. If your kid loves Harry Potter, this is the perfect book to get them interested in cooking. It’s also great if you’re throwing a Harry Potter party!

Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cool Kids’ Cookingby Sandra Lee

This book is great for those short on time. Lee mixes premade ingredients with fresh for quick easy recipes that turn out yummy! If your kid is expressing an interest in cooking, this is a great starter cookbook. It’s also great for those nights when cooking seems like such a long chore.

Find these and other great cookbooks at your local library. Visit us at www.ppld.org.