What People are Saying

Reviewed by adventuresinallthingsfood.blogspot.com

I really enjoyed sharing Mimi's Adventures in Baking with my 5-year old daughter. She is learning to read and really excited to help me out in the kitchen. Besides having cute and colorful illustrations, the book walked her through the basics of making chocolate chip cookies without being dry like a printed recipe.
We started by reading the story together.

Then we made a date to bake and re-read the story as we went through the recipe. The story included great explanations for simple skills like measuring flour and breaking eggs.


In the end, we had a great afternoon, practiced reading a cute story, AND ended up with a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies that my daughter had the confidence to make with my supervision.

I applaud Alyssa Gangeri for her creative book and highly recommend this story to give children an opportunity to learn and experience baking for themselves. I truly hope she creates more stories like this to encourage children to tackle even more kitchen skills and recipes.




Reviewed by www.amamascorneroftheworld.com

Mimi's Adventures in Baking is Part Children's Book...Part "Cookbook".  As Mimi and her grandma bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies; the author shares the recipe (which is also included in a traditional "recipe" format at the end of the book) for readers to follow along with--and even bake a batch of cookies together.    The author offers some helpful baking advice (via Mimi's Grandma) and explains some of the mysterious, frequently asked questions of baking....like why we add salt to a cookie recipe.....and how to get a level cup of flour (without making a ginormous mess!)  This book is really a fun way to introduce the kids to the kitchen with a recipe that they will love to both make--and eat!

The Author Makes Baking a Fun Adventure with this Book.  I know that, as a parent, sometimes you don't feel like dragging out all of the ingredients and explaining baking soda and parchment paper to the kids on a busy weeknight.  If you are like me; however, you are probably already reading a story with them for a nightly school reading log.  This chocolate chip cookie recipe uses minimal ingredients--you probably have them on-hand in your pantry or refrigerator--takes less than 10 minutes to make and about 10 minutes to bake--and encourages the kiddoes to read, work on math and fractions with some measuring cup conversions, gain some confidence with some life-long, kitchen skills--and enjoy some one-on-one time with you!    I loved that the author offered a few "substitutions" and "add-ins" for her recipe--and encouraged readers to create their own too. Cooking is a creative process--and there is no 100%, set-in-stone formula.  Every "chef" has an opportunity to get creative, be inspired and make their own special masterpiece.

Would I recommend Mimi's Adventures in Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies?  I love the layout of this book.  It's really as much a family activity guide as a picture book--but, it does a nice job merging the two.  If you are looking for a simple, easy to follow, fun introduction to a baking adventure with your family--this book is perfect.  The story follows a recipe, shares a lot of useful kitchen tips--and yields a pretty yummy chocolate chip cookie in the end!





Reviewed by Meghan at www.joytroupe.com

Thanks to the review copy I received from Mimi’s Adventures in Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies, we embarked on a Cookie adventure with our friends! Baking is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the kitchen, because they are really interested in the results. (I mean… chocolate chip cookies! Who doesn’t want those?) Mimi’s Adventures in Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies presents kitchen processes and food safety in a warm, engaging storybook format. These aspects of learning to cook are extremely important, but also pretty boring, so a picture book is a great way to get kids to take in the information before they start playing with sharp things and working near a hot oven. As we all know, my kiddos are prone to orthodoxies, where they want things one way and only one way, and nothing else will do. So no amount of encouragement would get consent to experiment on an ENTIRE batch of chocolate chip cookies… so we made a big batch of the straight-up cookie recipe, and created a “cookie bar” where each child could add their own mix-ins to their cookie. The rest of the dough was baked up into “just plain” chocolate chip cookies, and with a safety net of standard cookies on board, off they went on their own adventures.

I will admit that I increased the chocolate chips in our “base” recipe to two full cups. I’M NOT ASHAMED. Then I created a cookie decorating station (ok, so it was also an “M&M eating station”) where each of my little chefs could add candy, craisins, MORE chocolate chips, and chopped pecans to their cookies. They were sufficiently proud of their creations to pose graciously (mostly) for photos with their masterpieces before eating them. Possibly they were already half full on the cookie decorating supplies they munched while they waited for the timer. I can’t say for sure.

For food safety reasons, remember to wash hands before and after the decorating. Also, um, you probably shouldn’t let them eat from the bowls they’ve been dipping their hands in while they are decorating. Nobody died after doing it at my place, but let’s just say I don’t recommend it.





Reviewed by 2ndbooktotheright.blogspot.com

RATING: 5 STARS (my daughters would actually like to give the book "one hundred thousand infinity" stars, but I told them it can only go up to 5)

MY REVIEW: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little leery of reviewing any baking or cook books simply because I am (rightfully) banned from the kitchen for being a natural disaster in it. Stoves and ovens have a healthy respect of me, and it is mutual. Food tends to cry if I walk towards it with the intent of cooking or baking, knowing it will end up inedible in some way, shape or form.
My older daughter was in charge of reading, my younger daughter in charge of listening. I had to split the food duties between them equally, and then we started. Somehow, more through the amazing recipe of the author, and less from my legendary baking skills, we ended up with some edible, and actually, REALLY good chocolate chip cookies!
This was a great book to introduce kids to the world of baking, and gave them cute ways of doing things, like cracking an egg (without the shell going in too!), correctly measuring the dry ingredients, etc. We really enjoyed our time together in the kitchen that I normally would have avoided.



Reviewed by Leanne of www.themamachronicles.com

My boys and I had so much fun making cookies together.  The story is very cute and sweet.  I can remember making cookies and things with my grandmother as I was growing up.  Those are great memories.  

The main character, Mimi, wants to make cookies with her grandmother.  So Nonni helps Mimi get all the ingredients out and they make them together.  They have great fun together.  And that's what stuck out most to me.  The fun they have.  

The story is short and easy to follow with your own little baker.  They will enjoy listening to the story and the illustrations are just right.  And the most fun part, the author adds in the recipe at the end of the book!  We followed the recipe, mostly.  I had milk chocolate chips on hand.  I told them we could add nuts or crazins.  They decided our cookies would be extra chocolately.  So along with the chips we smashed some semi-sweet baking chocolate and white baking chocolate.  With that much chocolate, we didn't use as much sugar.

The cookies turned out really well.  They were quite yummy and all of us loved them!  If you're looking for a way to get your kid(s) involved in the kitchen, this book is a great way to start.  Have fun and get baking!




Reviewed by Ellen of www.in-our-spare-time.com
Mimi’s Baking Adventure is a fun children’s picture book about a little girl who makes chocolate chip cookies with her grandmother. They walk through the ingredients and the baking process and then share the recipe at the end of the book so you can make the cookies yourself. This was a fun read with bright, colorful illustrations that any child is sure to enjoy




.Reviewed by Jaimie Hope of jaimiehopesjourney.blogspot.com
Turning what is essentially a cookbook into a storybook for children is an ingenious idea. The story that was cute and one I could relate to. As I read, I couldn't help comparing it to my own memories of baking with my grandmother when I was a child. This book was pretty spot on to my own experience. The illustrations were adorable as well. Whether you're a nonni, grandmother, or related to a child in any way you should get this book and make some sweet memories of your own.


Laura Pol of craftybooksheeps.blogspot.com
This is such a fantastic children’s cook book! From the very beginning it grabs children’s attention and continues to build excitement while teaching how to bake chocolate chip cookies. The cute facial expressions and bright colors only help keep a child’s attention.

The book is very descriptive with each step, but it’s not over done where a child could lose interest such as the gathering of the ingredients/equipment and talking about safety. I liked how the steps are also broken down in a fun way with comparisons that kids can relate too such as swiping off the extra flour with a knife like a “snow shovel.” I also liked how it was encouraged to ask an adult for help.

The only thing I wasn’t fond of is that Mimi dipped her finger in raw cookie dough and ate it. Now don’t get me wrong, raw cookie dough is good. However I don't want to encourage my little one to do it so I rather have that part been excluded.

Overall, I really enjoyed this children's cookbook. It's very unique and a creative way to help teach baking skills. I recommend this to families who are looking for an engaging cookbook for their young ones.

I give Mimi's Adventures in Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies 5 out of 5 stars!


Reviewed  by http://the-gal-in-the-blue-mask.blogspot.com/
Anyone who follows my reviews knows that I love children's books and have a group of children that I share these stories with (our "reading time" on my front porch), plus I love anything having to do with cooking, so when I was asked to take part in the blog tour for this book, I could not pass it up.
I think I am especially hard on children's books.  I don't want children growing up thinking that bad writing is okay, that you have to settle on books that are not exciting or fun, or get misinformation from books (I have seen quite a few use words in the wrong contest, and these books are where children begin to learn their words).

This one was a really good book and I'm glad I said yes to it.  The cover is beautiful - as is the artwork throughout the rest of the book.  I like how it takes the young readers step-by-step through the baking process, explaining why certain things are done, giving them tips for when they are baking (with adult supervision, of course), teaches them about cooking in general (i.e. how to measure flour, how to crack an egg), and even includes kitchen safety before they get started.

The characters of Mimi and her Nonni are so much fun, and remind me of when I would spend time cooking with my mother when I was little.  
Mimi even includes her recipe for these chocolate chip cookies in the back of the book, which includes different variations.  I can't wait to give them a try. :)



Lynda Dickson of booksdirectonline.blogspot.com.au
Mimi dreams of clouds of flour and mountains of chocolate chips and, when she wakes up, all she wants to do is bake chocolate chip cookies. But she's never done it before, so she asks for Nonni's help. Nonni finds the recipe and teaches Mimi how to collect all the necessary ingredients and materials before starting. Then Nonni shows Mimi how to measure each ingredient. She also answers all of Mimi's questions, including why we add salt to a sweet recipe. And finally, they get to bake! This is a cute and funny book, and the illustrations by Chiara Civati are delightful. The text clearly explains all the basic steps for your young baker. There are safety instructions, tips on getting ready, explanations as to why certain things are done, and - best of all! - a delicious recipe, plus variations. I read this book with my daughter, and then we baked the chocolate chip cookies. She was quoting the book back to me as we cooked (e.g. the brown sugar "making a sand castle", placing the cookies "four fingers apart", and being on "cookie guard" duty). Let me tell you, the cookies were delicious! Our verdict: "Best cookies ever!"  I love the relationship between Mimi and her Nonni (her grandmother) and the fact that they set the table for the whole family to share milk and the cookies they bake. My only concern is that the oven temperature is described as 325°, without specifying whether it's Fahrenheit or Celsius. While it would be okay to just use F in the story, both temperatures should be provided in the recipe at the end. By the way, 325°F is equivalent to 160°C.




Reviewed by Michelle Bowles of www.whatisthatbookabout.com
Can you remember the first time you baked your first batch of chocolate chip cookies? Chances are, like me, it was with your Grandma. Mimi’s Adventures in Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies, was a delightful book that would appeal to the hearts of the younger child who has expressed interest in being in the kitchen as well as rekindling fond memories of what it was like experiencing the same experience. This sweet, fun story complimented with beautiful illustrations not only allows the reader to follow along but learn and experience baking right along with Mimi. As an extra perk, the book includes the recipe used, would be a great way to make this an interactive experience as the story describes how to and for you can create a great memory as you go along. I encourage if your child aspires to be a chef, baker or just likes to help in the kitchen to have their own copy. Looking forward to seeing what other fun adventures Gangeri brings for Mimi! 




Reviewed by www.theseriousreader.org
I absolutely loved this book! When I first heard the idea and concept of it, I loved it because I thought it was fresh, smart, and original. The idea of a interactive, storybook cookbook for children is just awesome! After having read it, I love it even more. This book is the first in what is going to be a series. and I can honestly say that will definitely try and stay on the lookout for the rest of the books because I want to add them to my children's library. My kids loved the book, as I did. The illustrations were super cute and the story sweet. The chocolate chip cookie recipe is also awesome! Yes, I made them and have eaten waaaaay too many since. Definitely an enthusiastic 5 of 5 stars! I would give it 6 if I could.





Reviewed by mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com
My son loves cooking and this book was just the book for us.  It was such fun to read it together!  It is about cooking, making memories and about doing what you love!  The illustrations were brilliant and the recipe at the end wrapped things up nicely!   I really loved this book and my son had this to say about it: "This story makes me want to get to the kitchen and to get baking!" 4.5 stars





Reviewed by www.mikishope.com
This is a perfect 1st cookbook for children to start learning the art of baking. There is only one recipe but it comes with a storyline. Mimi wants to bake cookies and Grandma is going to teach her the correct way!! What fun--you have to be real careful with the measurements and ingredients and you also have to know when to let a grown up take over! This little book has it all covered. Actually I might even be able to bake cookies after having read this!!

This is only one in a series of books with recipes-one to a book that this chef author has written. I suggest you read about the author below-it is intriguing. Then go and pre order this book for your little chef/baker!





Reviewed by www.confessionsoftheperfectmom.com
My daughters (well Tink in particular) LOVE to cook. They would help with every meal if you let them. Here is the issue: I don’t cook. It makes it hard to teach them how to cook, when I don’t do it. Just this year alone (yes as in the month January and only January) I have exploded a turkey dinner (as in one of those heavy glass dishes), set a pan on fire (while just boiling water), and dropped more then a few finished dishes. So not only don’t I cook, I am a danger to be in the kitchen with. Sadly for them, this means that even when I do cook. They often don’t get to cook with me.

My daughters just loved this book. It is an incredibly sweet story about Mimi baking chocolate chip cookies with her grandma. Not only is it a great story, it walks you through how to make chocolate chip cookies in a way that ANYONE (even myself) can bake them. It is step by step directions all dressed up like a story.

If you have kiddos that are interested in baking, then Mimi’s Adventures in Baking will be a must have book for your collection. It would make a perfect first cookbook.

What are your thoughts, would you like a book that mixes storytelling with a recipe? Have you read anything like this before?




Reviewed by cookingfromasahm.blogspot.com
This book follows a Grandma and her granddaughter as they make chocolate chip cookies. The best part about this book, is that it tells a story AND gives you the recipe. You and your kids can read a book AND cook at the same time. This is very unique. My kids loved this book and asked me to read it multiple times.  If you have a chance and can please make go and purchase this book if you have kids or even grandchildren. You won't be worry :-)  Besides who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies? I haven't seen any kid books like this. She has came up with a great idea. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I do!




Reviewed by www.thebookloverslounge.com
Do your kids have an inclination for baking or just simply love sweets (cookies, to be exact)? I highly suggest using this book to encourage that interest and to also teach other things such as reading and math!

Mim’s Adventure in Baking is really just a very simple story about a little girl wanting to bake some cookies with her grandma. Readers of this book will have a different experience though because they are given the chance to make it interactive. Alyssa puts in the exact ingredients and measurements to make the perfect batch of cookies and I really love it (mostly because I have no experience in baking and this will definitely help me out should I want to test the waters). Kids are given very simple step-by-step instructions so they can bake on their own. Kids will learn to improve their reading and their math while enjoying the book.

Of course, make sure there is adult supervision whether you use the book for reading or for baking.





Reviewed by Kirstin Pulioff  at www.kirstinpulioff.com
My Review - 5 Stars

Since my daughter wants to be a chef when she grows up, I have read several cooking books and cookbooks with her, but nothing comparable to Mimi's Adventure in Baking Chocolate Cookies. What a fabulous book!

Not only does this book describe the technique and recipe for baking cookies, but it also focuses on a story. There are many ways to read this story. You can simple read it as a wonderful book. You can focus on the bright illustrations. The ingredients and steps make for the perfect math focus... and it also reads as an activity book that you can read while you bake.

In every way, this book earns my 5 star review... And now, I'm going to bake some cookies.


Reviewed by Dietre of  www.aleisuremoment.com
When I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to read it.  Growing up, my home was always filled with the aroma of cooking.  Especially, yummy, sweet things.  I remember that I was always around to taste whatever sweet treat my mother was cooking up.  However, the baking talent really didn’t spread to me, but to my daughter.  She and Nanie find every opportunity to get my cook together, and boy does she love it!  She will be my baker one day.  So I could truly relate to the relationship in the characters of Mimi and Nonnie.  Mimi knows all the rules of the kitchen.  Wash your hands, knives are sharp, ovens are hot, etc. etc.  Those were the terms that every little baker had to know to ensure their safety.

Nonnie takes Mimi through all the steps of making wonderful chocolate chip cookies.  While reading the book, I kept saying to myself, I will try these.  I can make them too, just like Mimi and Nonnie.  In the end, Ms. Gangeri makes it super easy for her readers by providing a great recipe on the very last page.  The illustrations of the picture book are crystal clear and just right for this book.  In the end, we find out how important time spent with others and doing things we love is so valuable and enables us to have lasting memories.