Esther Coombs is the illustrator of the award-winning Kids Can series including Kids Can Cook Vegetarian, Kids Can Cook and Kids Can Bake, and four children's activity books, The New York Activity Book, The London Activity Book, Birds, Bees and Bug Houses and Plant, Sow, Make & Grow (all published by Button Books). She is a professional illustrator probably best known for drawing buildings; however, she also works with domestic objects and more organic 'natural' subjects such as animals, plants and people. Recent clients include Hampshire Cultural Trust, Kyle Books UK, The Watts Gallery and commercial developers. Coombs lives in Canterbury, England.

What a great book! Kids Can Cook gives plenty of instruction on cooking safely, from handling knives and the oven hob to correct hygiene for handling food – this is a foundation step for a lifetime of food preparation so it’s vital to instil the important concepts well and early. Packed with ideas for everything from pizzas to pancakes, including breakfasts, snacks, main meals and sweet treats, there’s plenty to keep kids busy in the kitchen.

• Before you beginEquipmentBasic techniquesBreakfast, snacks & breadScrambled eggs on toastFruit smoothiesPancakesMuffinsSausage rollsCorn quesadillaEasy-bake breadCheese strawsFlatbreadSkewersBanana breadMini frittatasMain meals & saucesPasta saucesMeatballsPizzaPasta bakeSpaghetti bologneseRisottoBaked potatoesSlidersChicken fajitasFishcakesCurrySweet treatsIce popsStrawberry sundaeApple pieOatmeal barsCupcakesCookiesChocolate crispy treatsVanilla fudgeGingerbread peopleChocolate brownies