By: Editors of Parenting Magazine
Publisher: Chronicle Books 
Publication Date: March 2010
ISBN: 978-0811871310
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: May 9, 2010

There are thousands of man-made food additives and many conscientious parents are striving to avoid or at least minimize them in their child's diets. Many who desire nutritious, tasty meals for their infants and toddlers in hopes of minimizing the chemical additives so commonly found in commercially made baby/toddler foods are making their own. It may seem like a daunting task to prepare separate meals, but in reality this book proves otherwise. You can prepare an assortment of nutritious foods and not spend hours in the kitchen or stress your household budget.

Essentially this book is divided into chapters which are applicable to the nutritional needs of several age groups: ages 4 to 6 months, 7 to 8 months, 9 to 11 months, and 12 to 18 months. The first time parent will wonder when to introduce solid foods and a brief introduction casually answers a few of those questions. Preparation hints and safety suggestions also ease the mind with a few pointers. The reader will find numerous informative sidebars, sections on "color" choices ("serve up the rainbow"), eating green, organic foods, and things such as safe food preparation.

So just what types of recipes are in this book? Not all of them will appeal to a general audience, but hopefully there are enough to satisfy the palate of your child. Each recipe has step-by-step instructions, prep time, it tells if it is freezer safe, how much the recipe makes, and gives an assortment of helpful suggestions. A brief selection of recipes includes, vegetable purees, fruit purees, first meats (turkey, lamb, pork, etc.), cereals, soups, fish, hummus, finger foods, plus much, much more!

This marvelous book is one that any parent concerned about what their child eats will welcome into their kitchen. There are enough recipes in here to satisfy every little one, including the extremely picky eater. For example, one of my favorite recipes in this book was the one for the sweet potato fries, a recipe that everyone in the family will enjoy. I liked the fact that there were many suggestions for preparing meals ahead and freezing them, a real plus for the on-the-go parent.

Quill says: If you want a happy, healthy start for your child, this is one book you might want to put on your wish list!