Cooking, Gardening, Crafting—Oh My! The Best How-To Books for Curious Kids

It’s true—kids are like little sponges, ready to soak up the world around them! As parents, guardians, and mentors, we have an incredible chance to nurture their curiosity and creativity. From cooking and baking to gardening and crafting, there are loads of activities that help kids learn new skills, express themselves, and even understand the world in a fresh way. And while there’s nothing wrong with finding tips and tricks on the internet, there’s something timeless (and just plain awesome) about having a book they can hold, flip through, and learn from step-by-step.

I've scoured Amazon to pick out the top three how-to books for kids in each category: Easy Cooking and Baking, Gardening, and Crafting. Each of these books is filled with fun, engaging projects that even the most reluctant reader or least experienced baker can dive into. Let’s jump right in and see which ones made the cut!

Easy Cooking & Baking: A Little Dash of Flour, a Whole Lot of Fun

1. “The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs” by America’s Test Kitchen Kids

I can’t start this list without talking about The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs. This one’s a classic for a reason! It’s not just a recipe book; it’s like a baking mentor in book form. Every recipe has been tested by real kids to make sure it’s achievable but still challenging enough to be exciting.

• What Kids Love: This book doesn’t just hand over recipes; it explains the science of baking! Young bakers can get answers to their big questions like, “Why does bread rise?” or “What happens if I forget the eggs?” The “Tips from the Pros” section makes them feel like they’re training for the next season of Junior MasterChef.

• What Makes It Easy to Follow: Colorful step-by-step photos make this book a piece of (pun intended!) cake to use. And if your little chef has dietary restrictions, it’s got you covered with gluten-free and dairy-free options.

2. “Kid Chef: The Foodie Kids Cookbook” by Melina Hammer

If you’ve got a mini-Gordon Ramsay in the making, Kid Chef is the book you need. While it’s not entirely focused on baking, it has a killer section of desserts and treats that are beginner-friendly but super tasty.

• Why Kids Love It: This book dives right into the basics without making things too easy or too hard. It lets kids explore flavors beyond the usual PB&J or mac-n-cheese, with options like breakfast tacos and homemade pasta. Plus, it’s full of fun facts about food history, which gives it a little extra depth.

• For the Family Dinner Prepper: This book has plenty of savory options too, so you might find your kiddo volunteering to help with dinner once they’ve mastered a few recipes!

3. “The Ultimate Kids’ Baking Book” by Tiffany Dahle

Tiffany Dahle’s baking book is perfect if your child is particularly interested in sweets and desserts. With over 60 recipes, they’ll learn everything from cookies to cakes to no-bake bars. It’s a great book to have on hand for any kid who likes sweets and wants to try making them from scratch.

• Why It’s Awesome: This book has themed recipes like “Movie Night Popcorn Balls” and “Holiday Sugar Cookies” that keep things fun and give kids something to look forward to with each project.

• Perfect for Young Creative Bakers: There’s lots of room for creativity, so if your child has an artsy side, they’ll have a blast decorating their masterpieces and making them their own.

Gardening: Get Those Green Thumbs Growing!

1. “Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children” by Sharon Lovejoy

This is the ultimate beginner’s guide to gardening with kids. It’s colorful, imaginative, and perfect for anyone with a small patch of land or even a few pots on a balcony.

• Why It’s a Favorite: Sharon Lovejoy has a way of making gardening feel magical. Each section introduces a new “theme garden” idea, like the Pizza Garden or the Moon Garden. These ideas make it super easy for kids to get interested, especially if they can eat what they grow.

• What Makes It Special: Lovejoy includes activities beyond planting, like bug hunting and bird watching. It’s not just about the plants; it’s about connecting with nature.

2. “Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun Experiments to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy Your Garden” by Renata Fossen Brown

Gardening Lab is the perfect choice for hands-on kids who love experiments. It’s packed with 52 projects, so you could tackle one every week of the year if you wanted!

• What Kids Love: There’s something so satisfying about seeing a plant grow from seed to sprout to flower, and this book takes them through it all. From “Soil Testing” to “Growing Pumpkins,” there are tons of activities that make gardening feel like an adventure.

• Why It’s Kid-Friendly: Brown keeps things simple and straightforward, with projects that use easy-to-find supplies and clear directions. Each experiment encourages kids to try things on their own, but parents can jump in too.

3. “The Curious Garden” by Peter Brown

While technically a picture book, The Curious Garden earns its spot because it’s such an inspiring story for young gardeners. Following the tale of a boy named Liam who transforms a gray city into a lush, green oasis, it’s all about how small acts of care can make a big impact.

• Why It Inspires: It’s a beautiful story with vibrant illustrations that shows kids the beauty of growing plants even when they live in urban areas. It doesn’t have step-by-step instructions, but it makes them want to get outside and try gardening for themselves.

• Perfect for Beginners: After reading, kids are usually ready to get their hands dirty, even if it’s with a tiny plant on the windowsill. It’s a book that makes gardening feel exciting and full of possibilities.

Crafting: Creative Projects for Little Hands

1. “Crafting with Kids: 35 Projects for Fun and Learning” by Catherine Woram

This is a great starter book if you’re new to the crafting scene and want something straightforward but fun. Each project uses everyday items you probably already have around the house.

• Why Kids Love It: Every project has photos, so kids can see exactly what each step should look like, which is super helpful. They can make everything from sock puppets to paper kites to flower crowns.

• Parent’s Best Friend: Let’s be real—crafts can be messy. This book keeps things neat with simple instructions and clean-up tips, which makes it ideal for a rainy day activity.

2. “Kid Made Modern: 52 Weeks of Fun Crafts and Activities” by Todd Oldham

If you’re looking for a year’s worth of crafting, look no further. This one has 52 projects, one for each week, so your kids will always have something to work on. And they’re cool projects, like superhero capes and space helmets!

• What Kids Love: The projects are genuinely fun to use afterward. Who wouldn’t want to wear a cape or use a homemade musical instrument? This book encourages kids to think creatively and personalize each item.

• For the Budding Designer: With lots of options for colors, textures, and designs, this book gives your child creative freedom while still providing structure. They’ll love that they can make these crafts uniquely theirs.

3. “Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make” by Andria Lisle and Amie Petronis Plumley

This one’s for kids who want to learn how to sew! It’s a bit more advanced than your average “craft” book, but with patience and a little help, they can learn real sewing techniques.

• Why It’s Worth It: Learning to sew is a life skill, and this book makes it fun with projects like stuffed animals, pillows, and mini backpacks. It gives kids a sense of accomplishment, and they get something they can actually use at the end.

• Kid-Friendly Factor: Clear illustrations, step-by-step photos, and a spiral binding make it easy for kids to keep their place while working. If they stick with it, they’ll be sewing pros by the end of the book.

Wrapping Up

Whether your kids are whipping up muffins, planting their first seeds, or crafting their own superhero capes, each of these books is here to make learning new skills an adventure. There’s something special about the pride they feel when they create something with their own two hands. And honestly? It’s pretty amazing for us, too.

So next time they say, “I’m bored,” grab one of these books, roll up your sleeves, and dive in together. Who knows—you might just have a future chef, gardener, or artist on your hands!