Kids in the Kitchen Book & Kit [With Rolling Pin, Whisk, Chef's Hat and Denim Apron and Wooden Spoon, Measuring Spoons]

This was such a great hit with my kindergarten son at Christmas - a special gift for him from mom - that we bought another for his same-age girl cousin for her birthday. Both kids love the apron and having their own personal rolling pin, measuring spoons, mixing spoon and whisk. We use the parts individually when the kids help out with dinner, rolling cookie or pizza dough, scrambling eggs. These have been acclimated into our kitchen. I particularly like that I can give him his own dough and keep the little paws out of whatever I am trying to roll-out. The cook book has some great easy recipes - some of which the kids can make themselves. These go from ants on a log type snacks to more complicated. Since purchasing six months ago, my son has mastered reading to the point where he can now follow some of the easier recipes. I can see us using this with the kids for a few more years. Even my ten year old boy likes to play head-chef and direct the littles through the recipe. I recommend this as a way for parents to engage the kids - the whole family - in something fun the kids can really do themselves. My boys are always very proud that they have made food for the family! Parents should pitch in to work the stove, monitor the mess, and generally engage with the kids. A good opportunity to teach "wash up as you go" and such. This was well worth the money for us. The only problem is the chef hat was too small --- but my kids are in the 95th percentile for huge heads. The chef hat fits dainty cousin very well. The apron also seems to be getting too tiny, but is in great condition after several washes and has already handed down nicely to our 3 year old son (who MUST help big brother cook!) This set was well used during the blizzard!