• Age: 6 to 12
• Grade: 1 to 7
• Reading age: 6 to 12

This cool cookbook sets the stage for kids to help in the kitchen and learn about the science happening when they are cooking.

Gastro Blast is a food and science show from Ontario's TVO, where kids explore and uncover fascinating scientific principles in action by preparing and cooking everyday foods. This book uses the Gastro Blast team's knowledge and experience in making science fun and appealing.

In this cookbook, kids will find twenty-six great recipes and learn about the science behind each one. The recipes are easy to follow and can be used with help or independently depending on the age of the child. There are illustrated lists of ingredients and kitchen gear to make set-up easy and each recipe includes a photo for each step of the process.

Gastro Blast host Link and his friends provide fun-to-read, easy-to-follow explanations of the science that is involved in every recipe. The result is a great way for kids to learn about and understand oxidation, binding agents, viscosity, lactic acid and more!

Included are fun comics, starring some of the Gastro Blast characters such as Link, IQ, Captain Cook and Gastro Bob, helpful quizzes and Q&A sections.

Among the recipes:

• Empanadas
• Chicken Fingers
• Guacamole
• Sushi

VICTORIA STEVENSON is a science and nature educator and television producer based in Ontario. She has worked on television shows including Poppestown for TVO and the Disney Channel, Franny's Feet for Family Channel and PBS Kids, and Dirtgirlworld for CBC Kids, ABC Kids Australia, and CBeebies in the UK. She is currently heading the Educational Division for Brain Power Studio which produces the Gastro Blast TV show.

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AMANDA MCNEICE is a screenwriter from Toronto, Ontario. Since her post-secondary education in Film and Television Production Amanda has worked in the animation industry. She has written and story edited on television shows for Nickelodeon Jr., CBC and TVO such as Julius Jr., The Adventures of Napkin Man and Lazoo. She also writes live action family films and screenplay adaptations with Brain Power Studio.

Amanda McNeice's profile page

• Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens -- Canadian Children's Book Centre