Mexico

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-These bright, vibrant books offer inviting introductions to international cooking. Both titles include brief discussions of the history, traditions, and ingredients of food in their respective countries. "Kitchen rules" outline basic safety precautions, timing, measurement, and utensils. Each spread then focuses on one recipe and includes colorful, close-up photographs of selected steps as well as the finished dish. Substitutions are recommended for ingredients that may be difficult to find. Both books have large print and clear, simple instructions. Readers may be tempted to try some of the recipes marked "Easy" or "Medium" on their own. However, all but one or two of the dishes require some adult supervision. Most of the steps involving cutting ingredients and using the stovetop to boil or saut are marked with a symbol recommending adult help. Libraries owning the "International Food Library" series (Rourke) and the "Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks" series (Lerner) may not need these volumes as they duplicate many of the recipes. However, McCulloch's appealing volumes will satisfy those wishing to expand their international-cookbook sections.-Rita Hunt Smith, Hershey Public Library, PA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.