The Monster Cook Book
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'The Monster Cook Book,' Shalini Vallepur offers a playful and imaginative culinary adventure exploring the fantastical world of monster cuisine. From Dragon-Scale Dip to Ghostly Goulash, each recipe is designed to delight and surprise with its whimsical presentation and unexpected flavors. Interspersed with charming anecdotes about the mythical creatures that inspired the dishes, this cook book is as much a feast for the mind as it is for the palate. Perfect for cooks of all ages looking to add a little magic to their meals, 'The Monster Cook Book' is a celebration of creativity in the kitchen that will make every dinner party monstrously fun. The monsters from the moon want to cook some treats for the monsters on earth. How will they know what to cook? By using The Monster Cook Book of course!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the monster in the book unique?
How did the monster feel when cooking, and can you relate to those feelings?
If you could create a dish with the monster, what ingredients would you use and why?
What did you learn about trying new things from the monster's cooking adventure?
How would you help the monster if you were a character in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them.
Discuss the emotions of the monster as the story progresses. This can help in understanding emotional cues and empathy.
Invite your child to imagine their own monster and what unique dish it would cook, enhancing their creativity and engagement.
Relate the book's events to your child's experiences, such as trying a new activity or making something in the kitchen, to make the story more relevant.
Ask your child to draw or describe a meal they would like to invent, fostering a connection between the story and real-life skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Through the variety of monsters in 'The Monster Cook Book,' children learn that differences in appearance and background enrich our experiences. Each monster brings a unique dish to the table, symbolizing diverse cultures and tastes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing openness and curiosity towards classmates from different backgrounds and trying diverse cuisines or cultural activities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The monsters must work together to prepare a feast. This part of the story underscores the importance of cooperation and each character using their strengths to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice teamwork during group projects or while playing sports, learning to value each member's contribution for overall success.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: When ingredients go missing or recipes don't work, the monsters get creative with substitutions and solutions. This encourages problem-solving skills and thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in a child's life by encouraging them to find innovative solutions to everyday problems, like using household items for crafts or school projects.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of following cooking instructions to make a dish correctly, which teaches children the value of paying attention to detail and the steps involved in processes.
Real-World Application: In real life, children can apply this by following rules in games or instructions in school assignments, improving their ability to obtain successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: At the feast, each monster shares their dish with others. This act of generosity fosters a sense of community and kindness among the characters.
Real-World Application: Children learn the joy of sharing whether it's toys, snacks, or their time, helping to build friendships and empathy towards others.