Tomorrow is National Young Author’s Day. Two of the things I love the most in life are kid’s books and food. I loved picture books as a child, and now as a teacher and a mom I still have a passion for great children’s literature. Since the time my son could climb up on a chair, he has been making a mess (just like his mom) in the kitchen. It got him reading, measuring, and talking. Here’s a list of ten great stories that provide some culinary options to get kids excited in the kitchen.

My #1 kid’s book choice will be in tomorrow’s post, along with the original recipe that my son and I baked up that was inspired by the book. Check back to see how it turned out!

# 2 Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza by Philemon Sturges and Amy Walrod – This book screams of having kids help make a homeade pizza starting with the dough. It’s also great fun doing the voice of the Little Red Hen.

 #3 If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by by Laura Joffe Numeroff and Felicia Bond - Cookies, muffins, cupcakes, and pancakes in this series will get kids excited to help bake.

 #4 Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett (Author), Ron Barrett (Illustrator) – The weather in the town comes in the form of food – mashed potatoes for snow, juice for rain and more. Kids can come up with new foods that could fall down from the clouds.

 #5 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. I got to hear John Archambault read this to my class one year. I felt like I was in the prescence of a celebrity. Boy, is he is talented! I think the infamous coconut tree could spare a few coconuts for some sweet recipes.

 #6 Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban – This was an all-time favorite of mine as a little girl. Now I don’t know if I’d be brave enough to tackle making jam with little ones since there isn’t a lot of room for mistakes, but what’s easier than toast and jelly to serve at a tea party?

 #7 Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett ( just released – a new take on a classic story!) _ It’s that time of year to make that batch of gingerbread, and just think of how good your house will smell.

 #8 An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco – This is a great read for the season from one of my favorite authors. Her stories are beautifully crafted. This book takes place long ago when kids were exstatic to receive a simple, juicy orange for Christmas.

  #9 Alphabet Adventure by Audrey Wood (Alphabet Rescue, Alphabet Mystery also in the series) – These books captivate young pre-readers. If you child is already reading, he or she will still enjoy the clever stories. You can follow it up by baking letter shaped sugar cookies. Alphabet cookie cutters are usually at Marshall’s or other discount stores.

 #10 Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook by by Georgeanne Brennan and Dr Seuss – Not really my favorite, what can I say green eggs and ham just don’t appeal to me. But trust me on this, your kids will enjoy the wacky recipes such as Sneetch Salad and Cat in the Hat Pudding.