This one is the perfect introduction to French cooking for any young chef in the family. I would say though, it is likely best for ages 10 and up. There are lots of really easy (and tasty) recipes in here. I especially like that they break down French cooking techniques and focus on herbs and spices - something that even the most seasoned chef (pun intended) must know. A great gift for any kid (or big kid) that loves to cook.

Ooh La La this book isn’t just for kids. Although the publisher has listed this a a children's cookbook there is nothing childish about it’s lovely slick presentation of classic French style recipes. From basic sauces and vinaigrettes to delicious chicken cordon bleu to easy sweet pastries.. Everyone will find something to add to their culinary skills here.

Ooh La La! Kids Cook French by bestselling children’s cookbook author Barbara Beery is a delightful and sophisticated introduction to French cuisine that transcends its “children’s cookbook” label. Aimed at grades 5 to 9 (ages 10 to 14), this book is a treasure for young chefs and adults alike, offering a vibrant, extremely doable, and beautifully presented collection of classic French recipes. With its full-color photographs and clear instructions, it’s a perfect blend of education and inspiration for anyone eager to explore the art of French cooking.

While marketed for children, it’s far from childish. The book’s sleek presentation and carefully thought out selection of recipes make it a standout among cookbooks for the young. From the five French mother sauces—béchamel, hollandaise, velouté, espagnole, and tomato—to toothsome savory dishes like chicken cordon bleu and quiche Lorraine, to sweet treats like macarons and crêpes, the recipes are both authentic and approachable. Each dish is presented with its name in both English and French, adding a touch of cultural flair that immerses readers in the French culinary experience without overwhelming them.

Instructions are concise and kid-friendly, never talking down to the reader, which makes the book perfect for budding cooks. The focus on herbs, spices, and foundational sauces is particularly noteworthy, equipping readers with skills that even seasoned chefs value. Whether you’re whipping up a sparkling pink lemonade, French onion soup, or a batch of fresh baguettes, the recipes are designed to be achievable yet impressive.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its stunning photography. Each recipe is accompanied by drool-worthy, full-color images that make you want to dive into the kitchen immediately. The visuals not only inspire but also guide young cooks (and older ones as well) by showing what the finished dish should look like. The range of recipes is impressive, covering savory soups, hearty mains, breads, and pastries.

I tested two recipes from the book—French carrot soup and tomato soup—and both were outstanding. The instructions were straightforward, and the results were rich, flavorful, and true to their French roots. These dishes alone convinced me of the book’s value, as they delivered restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The inclusion of recipes like French potato salad and mushroom crepes further showcases the book’s versatility, offering something for every palate and occasion.

Ooh La La! Kids Cook French is more than just a cookbook; it’s a gateway to a lifelong love of cooking. Its universal appeal makes it an ideal gift for young chefs, families, or anyone who appreciates French cuisine. It’s also a fantastic hostess gift, especially for households with children, as it encourages shared cooking experiences.

Many thanks to NetGalley, author Barbara Beery, and Familius Publishers providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

"From delectable patisserie to savory soups, and from baguettes to the five French mother sauces—béchamel, hollandaise, velouté, espagnole, and tomato—Ooh La La! Kids Cook French is a child-friendly take on classic French cooking. Developed by bestselling children’s cookbook author Barbara Beery and filled with simple instructions and full-color photos, this cookbook is the perfect gift for kids who feel at home in the kitchen."

This is a great cookbook for kids (and me) who want to expand their cooking skills and try some traditional French recipes. There's recipes on herbs, mother sauces, baking, and cooking that are well laid out and easy for chefs of all levels to work with. Lots of full colour photos and detailed instructions makes this a great book for chefs young and old(er)!

I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Wow, I love how simple and sleek this cookbook is. Not too fussy and pictures with every recipe. They show a level of difficulty next to the recipe. They even use a premade puff pastry in a recipe which I appreciate. They show you how to make croissants, I am so excited to try this one with my daughter. I like how the author explains why not to use a certain ingredient. Even tells how to make creme fraiche. I see that in a lot of overseas cooking shows.

Definitely will be buying for the library and my daughter. Thanks for allowing me look at this cookbook!

French food has a reputation for being the best food in the world. So why not learn to cook traditional French food? Kids also need to learn to cook, and that said, it would also be nice for them to learn to cook French. Ooh La La! Kids Cook French, is an excellent cookbook that will act as a primer for children to learn how to cook French food. However, this cookbook is also great for teaching adults how to cook French. While this book doesn’t include lots of varied dishes, it does include many basics that will be valuable to anyone who likes to cook and wants to improve their skills.

The recipes are written in the traditional manner with the ingredients listed first, followed by step-by-instructions. They are easy to follow for anyone, beginning cooks, advanced cooks, and older children. The recipes are for basics, including sauces, herbs, and well-known dishes that are fairly easy to make. While things are easy to understand, the prose doesn’t seem to be geared to kids; they will need to go over the recipes with an adult.

Each of the recipes is accompanied by beautiful photographs that will appeal to both children and adults; there are definitely dishes that look mouthwatering, and will appeal to both children and adults.

All told, this is a good cookbook with easy recipes to prepare. It’s a good one to have on the shelf and has plenty of appealing dishes.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.