So You Want To Be A Chef (So You Want To Be A...)
About
The restaurant opens at six. You have been there since nine in the morning.
Before the first guest is seated, before the first order is called, you have already broken down a hundred pounds of produce, reduced three stocks, tested every dish on tonight’s menu, and briefed a kitchen full of people who will execute your vision in the next four hours with the speed and precision of a surgical team. The dining room is calm. The kitchen is controlled chaos that looks, from the outside, like nothing at all.
So You Want To Be A Chef takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most demanding and most creative professions on earth — not the television version, but the real one. The years of training and kitchen floors that happen before a cook earns the title of chef. The specific discipline of working with heat, time, texture, and flavor simultaneously — making a hundred small decisions every hour that will determine whether a dish is merely good or genuinely extraordinary. The brigade of line cooks, sous chefs, pastry chefs, and kitchen porters working in relentless coordination so that every plate that leaves the pass is exactly right. The service that flows like clockwork — and the one that tests every skill you have ever built.
This is a book about what chefs actually do: the culinary techniques they master across cuisines and traditions that took generations to develop, the flavor science they study to understand why ingredients behave the way they do and how to make them behave better, the kitchen leadership they develop to hold a team together under pressure that most workplaces never approach, and the restless creative vision they bring to ingredients that have existed for centuries and somehow still have something new to say. It’s also a book about what the work costs, what it gives back, and why the people who do it say that feeding someone well — truly well — is one of the most intimate and most generous things one human being can do for another.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- What a real chef’s training and kitchen life actually looks like — from culinary school to line cook to the helm of their own kitchen
- The science of cooking — heat, chemistry, fermentation, and what actually happens when ingredients transform
- The physical endurance and creative demands the profession makes — and how chefs learn to sustain both over a long career
- The extraordinary range of the culinary world — from fine dining to street food to food science to private cheffing — and what each path offers
- What young people can do right now to discover if this might be their calling
Honest, specific, and genuinely illuminating, So You Want To Be A Chef doesn’t talk down to young readers — it brings them all the way in. Because the child who wants to know what this work is really like deserves a real answer.
For readers who feel the pull toward something that is equal parts science and soul. For the kid who is never just eating — who is tasting, analyzing, wondering how it was made and how it could be made better.
The greatest meal anyone has ever eaten began with someone who cared enough to make it extraordinary. Maybe that someone will be you.
Ages 10–14 · Nonfiction · Careers & Professions · Illustrated
Praise for this book
"So You Want to Be a Chef by Linda Soules introduces young readers to cooking by showing what it means to work in a kitchen and create food for others. The book invites readers to imagine standing at a stove, balancing tools, timing, and decisions as they prepare a meal that will make someone happy. It moves through the daily realities of a chef's life, explaining that cooking is not a single task but many things happening at once, from preparing ingredients to managing a busy service. The reader is guided through different aspects of the profession, including where chefs work, the tools they rely on, and the people who make up a kitchen team. It also offers a look at how chefs develop skills over time, from tasting and adjusting flavors to learning from mistakes. Through examples of real chefs and simple explanations of techniques, the book gives a picture of a profession that combines creativity, discipline, and care for others.
Linda Soules's writing guides the reader step by step through a complex profession in an engaging way. Vivid examples and everyday language help explain technical ideas such as timing, taste, and kitchen organization. Short sections and thoughtful transitions keep the story steady and easy to follow, while the consistent focus on real kitchen experiences adds authenticity. The illustrations complement the text, making it easier for young readers to comprehend. Readers who enjoy learning how things work will find this approach appealing, especially those curious about food and creativity. The combination of practical advice and reflective moments makes So You Want to Be a Chef enjoyable for young readers who are beginning to think about their interests."
"If you're a parent looking for a smart, motivating nonfiction read for ages 10-12, So You Want to Be a Chef is a strong choice. Linda Soules treats kids like capable learners and makes cooking feel meaningful, not just fun.
What your child gets here is a clear picture of what 'chef' actually means. Soules walks through the roles in a real kitchen — prep, pastry, line cooks, even dishwashers — and shows how the team comes together once service starts. She's refreshingly honest about the hard parts too: food will burn, seasoning will go wrong, and feedback can sting. Instead of turning that into drama, she frames it as part of learning, which is exactly the message most kids need. There's also plenty of food science and practical advice (tasting, keeping notes, knife skills with an adult), and the final pages gently widen the topic to hospitality and access — who gets fed, and why it matters.
The writing is brisk and sensory, broken into short sections that read well in small sittings. The illustrations and photos help explain the tools and kitchen world, and they keep the pages inviting. The glossary and 'fun facts' make it approachable, and the book's respect for the reader is its biggest strength. For a kid who loves cooking shows, asks to help in the kitchen, or just enjoys learning how things work, this book can be the nudge that turns interest into a real habit. It's practical, encouraging, and thoughtfully bigger than recipes."
"A deliciously engaging guide for kids with big appetites and bigger culinary dreams.
Soules delivers another energetic, eye-opening journey into an extraordinary career in her lively book. Aimed at readers ages 10–14, this illustrated career guide moves past cooking-show glamour to examine the knowledge, physical stamina, precision, and temperament required to turn an interest in food into a profession.
Soules is particularly effective at showing how much happens beyond the stove. Executive chefs, sous chefs, line cooks, pastry chefs, prep cooks, dishwashers, servers, farmers, and suppliers form an interconnected system, while a detailed day-in-the-life sequence takes readers from an early farmers’ market visit through preparation, dinner service, cleanup, and late-night reflection. The discussion of culinary science is equally accessible, explaining how heat changes ingredients and how repeated tasting teaches cooks to recognize shifts in seasoning, acidity, texture, and concentration.
The book is strongest when addressing failure. Burned food, ruined sauces, returned dishes, criticism, fatigue, and long hours are presented as routine parts of developing professional skill rather than dramatic setbacks. Soules also makes room for less obvious necessities, including sensory intelligence, business sense, cultural curiosity, memory, and an emotional connection to food. Profiles of Julia Child, Edna Lewis, and René Redzepi add useful historical perspective. Colorful illustrations, a glossary, practical activities, and further resources support independent exploration, though readers seeking detailed information about culinary-school costs, salaries, or specific training routes will need supplementary sources. Informative, specific, and respectful of its young audience, this is a useful addition to public and school library career collections."
"I really enjoyed watching my child's expressions seeing what chefs do from start of the day to the end of the day. She even said 'I thought being a chef would be easier.' This helped me show her no matter what field of work she wants to do it is always going to take time and work."
"A realistic look at the ups and downs of being a chef. This book gives kids a lot to think about and practical ways to get started if they think they'd enjoy being a chef."
"I'm so delighted that these books are a series and look forward to adding several more of them to my son's library!"
"I never realized how much work and time goes into making a dish. From the time the chef picks the right ingredients to the time cooking and tasting to make the perfect dish. Being a chef would take a lot of work and dedication."
"Fantastic book, that shows what a chef really does! It's more than just cooking! This fast paced job is super rewarding. Even the world's best chefs may burn a sauce once in a while! Read this book to take a deeper dive into the behind the scenes job of a chef!"
"You can tell that this book was made with love. It explains how food means more than just sustenance and how you can help people besides the ingredients. The graphics are also spectacular."
"This book is really great for all ages but especially children that aspire to be a chef when they grow up. The book gives background knowledge on what a chef really does and elaborates on skills that you might not know about that line of work as well as a bunch of other great information. I would even give a copy of this to a young adult interested in becoming a chef."
"My daughter has watched every season of MasterChef Junior twice. I finally found a book that matches what she already knows the job is actually like. Soules doesn't pretend it's glamorous. The section on ruining food being part of learning it stuck with her in a way I didn't expect. She's asking to cook dinner once a week now."
"This book is great for kids who think they want to be a chef! It tells them the reality without sugarcoating it - you stand/work for long hours (10-12 hour shifts), it's hot, it's fast paced, people will send food back, etc. But it also tells them the joy of it, how rewarding it is to cook for people and watch them enjoy the food. All good things for kids to read."
"Fantastic book, that shows what a chef really does! It's more than just cooking! This fast paced job is super rewarding."
"It highlights the rewards of a culinary career while being transparent about the challenges, which helps set realistic expectations for young readers. I also appreciated the practical advice on what kids can do right now to build their skills if they're serious about a future in the kitchen."
"This book is fantastic for a kid with a passion... It gives a very detailed overview of a day to day of a chef, vocabulary words, includes a glossary. As a teacher this could be an excellent mentor text for some text features too. The illustrations are vibrant and detailed. You can tell these books are well thought out."
"An educational book about what it takes to be a chef. I enjoyed how this book covers the chemistry behind cooking. It touched on each member of a kitchen's team and the purpose behind serving others. I think this book would be great for children or young teens interested in the culinary world."
"What a great book explaining what it means to be a chef! This book doesn't pull any punches, it describes exactly how hard it can be both physically and mentally. At the same time it describes the pleasures of the job, and how fulfilling it can be for the right person. It also talks about what a day looks like, and what you need to know and do to be successful. To top it off, the illustrations are fun and very accurate. It is written for a young teen exploring their future, but I would also recommend it to someone looking at a career change."
"We loved this book! What a great way to introduce children to cooking as a career. The information was well researched and presented. The author did a great job explaining the many intricacies of being a chef and the colorful images also helped tell the story."
"Great example of what it’s like to be a chef. Told in a way a younger person can comprehend. Not too overwhelming with long drawn details. I like the examples of cooking times and variations at the end and instructions on a basic way to get started now."
"I am a chef, I went to Culinary School-trained for years and worked various positions to hone my craft. I have been a line cook, a sous chef, a head chef, and a pastry chef. This book is spot on and covers everything that a chef does in their craft. I love the photos and the descriptions included. The break down of their day is 100% accurate—I like the added bonus of well known chefs and interesting facts. This book fit a lot into its small self—great read!"
"THE perfect book for your future Chef! Explains the ins and outs of all things cooking. Even covers history, important terms, and actions children can take now to get ready to wow the world with their culinary creations! Loved!"
"I love the illustrations!! Such detail. I also love how in depth the book got as far as how hard a chef works. It highlighted great detail without being boring."
"I really enjoyed So You Want to Be a Chef by Linda Soules. Like the other books in the series, it is very easy for children to follow and presents the information in a clear, engaging way.
What I appreciated most is how it walks the reader through a chef’s entire day, from purchasing ingredients to preparing meals and even closing down the kitchen at the end of the day. This step-by-step breakdown really helps children understand what the job is actually like behind the scenes.
I also liked that the book includes additional resources for continued learning, which encourages kids to explore the topic further if they are interested. Overall, it is both informative and accessible, making it a great introduction for young aspiring chefs."
"As a mother and an elementary school teacher, I really liked this book for young children looking for advice and information about the chef world. The book does a wonderful job of showing children that cooking is about much more than making food—it’s about creativity, hard work, teamwork, and caring for others. The engaging illustrations and easy-to-understand explanations will keep the interest of young readers from beginning to end, and I can see it inspiring many little ones to explore new skills in the kitchen. This is an excellent resource for curious children who dream of turning their passion for food into a future career!"
"What a wonderful book for the kid that wants to Beat Bobby Flav and take people to their own Flavortown. I knew some of what was discussed and described thanks to Disney’s Ratatouille, but the things the movie didn’t cover the book did. This was such a great read, easy to follow, and was eye opening for all future chefs. Definitely recommend!!"
"As an elementary teacher, I am always looking for books that help students connect what they learn in school to real-world careers, and So You Want to Be a Chef by Linda Soules does exactly that.
This engaging and easy-to-read book gives young readers an inside look at what it takes to become a chef. Linda Soules presents the information in a way that is both educational and exciting, making it accessible for students while still providing meaningful details about the profession. The book highlights the creativity, hard work, dedication, and problem-solving skills that chefs use every day, helping students see that cooking is about much more than simply making food.
What I appreciated most as a teacher is how the book encourages career exploration and inspires curiosity. Students often have big dreams, and this book helps them understand the steps involved in turning an interest into a future career. The vocabulary, facts, and real-world connections make it a valuable addition to classroom libraries, career units, and independent reading selections.
Linda Soules has a wonderful way of presenting career information in a format that keeps young readers engaged. So You Want to Be a Chef is informative, encouraging, and inspiring. I would happily recommend it to fellow educators, parents, and any student who loves cooking or is curious about careers in the culinary world."
"Another great addition to this series! The author does her research before explaining what each job entails. I enjoyed learning about the important tools of this trade - especially the knife and spoon. For any child who has ever enjoyed the experience of a wonderful family meal, this book shows them what a good chef does from start to finish. I love how the author includes what a typical day in the life of a chef looks like. It’s longer than most might expect. Again, I’d love to see this in an elementary library. I look forward to reading more in this series!"
"This interesting, fact-filled book is perfect for kids - and adults too - who dream of becoming a chef! Topics include what exactly a chef does and what a day in the life looks like; people who work alongside chefs; qualities of great chefs; the best, hardest, and most surprising parts of the job; famous chefs in history; fun facts; and much, much more. Anyone who loves cooking for others or learning more about what being a chef entails will enjoy reading this fun book!"
"I loved this book!! It says so you want to be a chef but it recognizes every one in the kitchen all the way to the dishwasher that’s so important it’s not just one person it takes a team!! It’s important to teach kids that it’s not about one person but a whole team!! Recommend!!"
"This is an amazing book. It contained so much more information than I anticipated. Although it is written for kids, it goes into detail about the good and more difficult aspects of being a chef; it explains the different parts of the job, the job environment, who the chef interacts with and so much more. It even suggests what to do next if the child wants to become a chef. I highly recommend this read."
"Very good book for my kids. Teaches a lot about chefs & cooking. The pictures show what the text is about. The book showed us cool facts about some foods, and showed us what being a chef really means. Very good book. You can learn a lot about chefs from it."
"I love how this book tells you exactly what it takes to be a good chef. From being able to be on your feet for long hours in a hot kitchen to knowing what is missing from something and being able to add the ingredient in and keep going. Cooking is a love language. It is not exact. Baking is chemistry and requires you to be exact that's why I'm better at baking but wish I could cook better. This book gives information such as famous chefs in history to chef terminology. Cooking takes a very long time to master. It gives kids helpful things they can start now to become a great chef."
"As someone who went to culinary school and prioritizes cooking as a family I love this book. It is a great way to introduce becoming a chef to young little ones that love to help out in the kitchen!"
"Another well written book in its series. I love to cook at home, so felt quite connected with a lot of the parts in the book. The fun facts at the end were also great!"
"I thought this book was great for kids. I have an 11 year old grandson who wants to be a chef. This book addresses challenges, has kids examine why they want this job. How demanding it can be and why its so satisfying. It covers terminology, kitchen tools and so many things you don't think about being part of a chefs job. The pictures were beautiful!"
"Great book! Obviously there are hundreds of thousands of restaurants all around the world, but I think it's easy to forget the people actually running the day to day. Chefs are a huge part of the food world that are usually behind the scenes and they do not have an easy job! There are days I think the world revolves around food and the chefs that make that happen do not get enough credit. Love that this book showcased the hard work it takes to do this job!"
"Excellent book for exploring what goes into being a chef. Lots of great illustrations. Gives the pros and what some might find to be a challenge. I also enjoyed the Day in the Life of a Chef portion. I really like this series and can’t wait to read others. They are perfect for my classroom."
"Neat insight for a curious kid interested in possibly being a chef when they grow up. Children and adults alike will learn a lot from this book. Depending on the age, might be a good read aloud book and would allow for lively discussion. I loved that it included a glossary and list of future books, websites and organizations to consider for a child interested in being a chef in the future. This book discussed the skills a chef needs, what their day looks like, who they work with, etc."
"What I like about this book is how the author breaks down explaining what a chef actually does. The author touches on topics about where chefs work, tools of the trade, the best parts of the job, the hardest parts of the job and the day in the life of a chef. I think this book is a great introduction for a child interested in becoming a chef. The author does a great job in keeping the information detailed, interesting, and simple; making for a very interesting read. I think any child who is interested in cooking and/or becoming a chef will enjoy this book."
"This is an excellent book for kids that are interested in a career in the culinary arts. The book explained many parts of the job - the best and hardest aspects, the tools used by chefs, a typical day in the life, and how chefs help people - in adequate detail. Fortunately, the job was written about bluntly and in a straightforward manner, despite having a younger target audience. Everything was well articulated and honest, describing both positive and negative sides of becoming a chef, rather than focusing one solely one or the other. I would highly recommend this book as a tool for kids that are interested in this field. The visuals are also detailed and captivating, which can further captivate readers."
"What a fun book! The pictures are absolutely beautiful in this book. This book shares everything about being a chef... from the beginning to the end. It goes over the typical day of a chef: the hard parts, the fun parts, ingredients, the correct pieces to use, and how to help people. The author keeps it simple and easy to understand."
"Great book! Fun to learn about all of the tasks a chef completes daily. This book lists further reading, organizations to join like 4H clubs, and websites to check out to learn more about cooking. Another fun book from the series."
"This is definitely the perfect book for the kid who dreams about being a chef and making that perfect, delicious gourmet dish. I’m not a kid and I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last page, I loved how the book explained everything in a way that a child can easily understand and comprehend what being a chef means. The book goes into great detail about the day in the life of a chef…eight in the morning they are already at the Farmers Market checking out the delicious, fresh produce and see what’s in season and how they can prepare it into something delicious for their customers. It also tells how the chef has to deal with a lot in the kitchen, such as preparing the menu, deciding the specials and describing them to the servers so they describe it correctly to customers when they ask about it, chefs are also chemists in a way since they have to know correctly mix ingredients together so the dish comes out right…they have to know a whole lot and understand how flavors and textures go together. In closing, being a foodie, I definitely enjoyed this book, it gave great insight on what being a chef is like and what they deal with on a daily basis."
"From the very first pages, I could tell this book was created with passion, creativity, and a genuine love for cooking and education. The illustrations are gorgeous, vibrant, and engaging, and they truly help tell the story of what a chef does every single day. Children will not only enjoy looking through the pages, but they will also learn so much about the culinary profession in a fun and approachable way.
As a self-published cookbook author and personal chef myself, I especially appreciated how well the author represents the many different paths a chef can take. This book does a fantastic job explaining that there is not just one kind of chef. Some chefs work in busy restaurant kitchens, some are personal chefs preparing meals for families or private clients, some cook amazing meals from food trucks, and others serve delicious creations on the streets at festivals and events. It gives children a broad understanding of the culinary arts while showing just how creative and exciting the food industry can be.
I also loved that the book introduces readers to famous chefs, including Julia Child, which adds both inspiration and educational value. Young readers can see how chefs have influenced food culture and inspired generations through their love of cooking.
One thing that truly stood out to me was the heart behind the message. The book shows that chefs do more than simply prepare food — they create experiences, memories, comfort, and joy for others. That deeply resonated with me because I personally love cooking for people and watching them enjoy the meals I prepare. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing someone smile after taking that first bite of a delicious dish, and this book captures that feeling beautifully.
This is an outstanding resource for children who love food, creativity, and learning about future careers. Informative, visually beautiful, and inspiring from beginning to end. Highly recommended for classrooms, libraries, homeschool families, and any child dreaming of becoming a chef someday."
"I really enjoyed reading So You Want to Be a Chef? by Linda Soules. It was an interesting and informative book that gave a realistic look into what it takes to become a chef. One thing I liked most about the book was how it explained both the exciting and difficult parts of working in the culinary field. Instead of making the job sound easy, the author talked honestly about the hard work, long hours, and dedication it takes to succeed. I appreciated that because it made the book feel more real and believable.
Having a son who wants to become a chef someday made this book even more meaningful for me. We actually read parts of it together and had a lot of good conversations about cooking, restaurants, and future career goals. My son especially enjoyed learning about the different skills chefs need and the many opportunities available in the food industry. It was nice to see him excited and inspired while reading.
I also liked how easy the book was to understand. The writing was clear, organized, and detailed without feeling boring. The author included helpful information about culinary school, kitchen responsibilities, teamwork, and creativity in cooking. It helped me better understand what chefs really do behind the scenes every day.
Overall, I think this is a great book for anyone interested in cooking or considering a career as a chef. It is educational, honest, and encouraging at the same time. After reading it, both my son and I came away with even more respect for the hard work and passion that goes into becoming a chef."
"This series over all is excellent for breaking down professions that even adults can enjoy and learn from. Giving this one to my kiddo!"
"This book encompasses a day in the life of a chef from soup to nuts. Any kid that is dreaming about this profession should read this book. The artwork is pleasing, as well."
"If your child loves helping in the kitchen or dreams of becoming a chef, So You Want To Be A Chef: A Kids’ Guide to Cooking, Culinary Arts, Restaurant Kitchens, and the Creative Chefs Who Turn Ingredients into Masterpieces is a wonderful choice. It introduces young readers to the exciting world of cooking, from learning basic kitchen skills and culinary techniques to exploring what it’s like to work in a professional restaurant. The book is engaging, easy to understand, and encourages creativity, curiosity, and confidence in the kitchen. It’s an inspiring read for any aspiring young chef!"
"This series is really engaging. Lots to learn about what a career could actually look like and what the day-to-day would look like."
"My daughter has always loved cooking and baking... this book was perfect for her. We have enjoyed several books in this series, and this was one of her favorites. As an adult, and long time self proclaimed chef myself, even I learned a thing or two. Another great addition to the series. Bravo!"
"Interesting book! This books explains how being a chef is more than just cooking food. It takes creativity, teamwork, and having a passion for food. It takes you behind the scenes of what happens in a restaurant kitchen. It may inspire your child to try a new food or maybe even be a chef!"
"I adore this book for young minds, I was intrigued when the author said a chef is not someone who just cooks food but conductor, chemist and sprinter at once in a room hotter and faster than most office will ever be.
This book will inspire your child to get in the kitchen at the appropriate time, I also like the graphic design of each page. They are telling actual story which make it more interesting. I highly recommend getting a copy."
"Linda Soules is a master at her craft. She is so skilled at evoking that emotional connection to reading. I love how she makes sure to provide a glossary of terminology specific to each career with definitions that are age appropriate but still pushing young readers to expand their vocabulary. I appreciate that book is gender neutral allowing all children to capacity to dream their dreams. This series is not just a story; Soules is encouraging children to dream out loud and dream big. She is serving up endless opportunities."
"So You Want to Be a Chef by Linda Soules is a wonderful children's book that introduces young readers to the creativity, science, and skill behind cooking. Rather than only focusing on recipes, the book shows that being a chef involves understanding ingredients, experimenting, and continuing to learn.
I especially enjoyed how the book introduces concepts like the Maillard reaction in a way that makes the science of cooking accessible and interesting for children. It’s a great example of how cooking is both an art and a science. Learning about the work and experiences of chefs, including the examples of professional chefs featured in the book, also helps children see that a passion for food can grow into a real career.
The book encourages curiosity and hands-on learning while showing kids that skills like creativity, patience, teamwork, and problem-solving all play an important role in the kitchen. The explanations are engaging without feeling overwhelming, making it a great choice for young readers who are interested in cooking or exploring different careers.
So You Want to Be a Chef is a fun, informative read that can inspire children to experiment, ask questions, and see cooking as a way to create, discover, and grow."
"I really enjoyed this book because it gives a good idea of what it takes to become a chef. It talks about the work, skills, and dedication needed in the kitchen without making it feel too complicated. I also liked learning about the different parts of a chef’s career. It’s an interesting and helpful read for anyone who loves cooking or is thinking about working in the food industry. I would definitely recommend it."
"This is a great book for kids about becoming a chef. It explains how someone becomes a chef and their day to day duties. It has a graphic novel feel to it which kids respond to. The pictures are vivid and make the text come to life."
"An absolutely excellent book for the young person in your life that is possibly aspiring to become a chef. The book really breaks down the job, lifestyle and work in a language any age can understand and relate. I would highly recommend giving this to anyone of any age to help them make a sound decision for there potential future as a chef."
"One of the things I appreciate about these books is how detailed each profession is. Being a chef isn't just being the expeditor or garnishing. It's so much more. It's art and science and love and passion. It's understanding and executing how food can make a person feel."
"A very descriptive and kid friendly in depth look into what it takes to become a chef. If you an aspiring chef or a child that is dreaming of their future this would be a great gift for them. It has wonderful pictures and really depicts the aspects of being a chef. It goes pretty in depth and doesn't just sit on the surface."
"This book teaches us passion, patience, and perseverance as we pursue our dreams. Becoming a chef isn't just about cooking food it involves creativity, hard work, learning from mistakes, and dedication. It encourages us to embrace challenges and stay committed to our goals, showing that success comes with effort and love for what we do!"
"These little books are great. I remember growing up and having my own little play kitchen where I would make little dishes with the play food. This book goes into the different parts of actually being a chef and not just "you get to make cool food". There is so much more about being a chef than making food. It's about creating an experience. Creating art in the form of something edible. It's also about helping people develop a love and understanding of the food they put into their bodies. Chefs are literally culinary scientists in the best way!"
"This is such a terrific overview of what it means to be a chef, what the intricacies of working in a kitchen are (including kitchen tools and responsibilities), and the benefits of this wonderful, necessary profession. This book brilliantly outlines all aspects of the role of a chef in a way that is both palatable and engaging."
"Calling all aspiring young chefs! This book is for you! The author, Linda Soules, does a wonderful job detailing all of the different aspects of a professional chef’s role in the kitchen. The book is well written for the target age (10-14) and I can see it being useful for classroom research projects or simply for the curious reader who wants to know more about being a chef."
"Must have! This book has very detailed pictures. It explains what a chef does. What tools they need to complete job, what is the hardest part about the job, what is the most rewarding. It goes into all the details you wouldn’t think of. This is perfect if you're doing career days or teaching little ones different jobs."
"This book is ideal for the older child who aspires to be a chef. It gives an insight into the life of a chef and the different aspects that go into making a great one from naming the team that you’ll be working with to the skills you’ll need to hone. But what I liked best was that it encouraged children to keep trying and acknowledged that even the greatest chefs have ruined their dishes at one point but they learned from their mistakes and kept showing up."
"This is part of a series of 'So You Want To Be…' and it is not necessary to read them all. This one is about cooking as a job or career choice. Reminding us that 'The knife work, the timing, the balance of flavors define a dish before a single plate leaves the kitchen,' the book dives into what a chef actually does for a living. The book then goes into where they work, what tools would be used, the best and worst parts of the job and what is surprising about it. As with all the books I have read in the series, it has a 'day in the life' section, famous chefs, how to prepare and a glossary along with a 'learn more' area with books and websites, etc. to really dive deeper. This is a tasty entry into the series."
"Such a fun and informative guide for any kid who dreams of becoming a chef. I loved learning about the culinary world, and the illustrations were such a fun addition! They really bring the book to life and make it even more engaging for kids."
"This is a kids guide to a career they may not have known much about, being a chef. It gives new details about what the life of a chef could be like. It is not just about cooking food, but about the whole experience that goes into being a chef in a restaurant. There are fabulous details about a day in the life of a chef, some famous chefs from history, and some new words or foods you may not have known. This is a great starter for those that may be interested in a more unique career and also gives some follow up resources to use if interested."
"This is the first book I have read in the So You Want To Be series. The subject I chose was So You Want To Be A Chef. What an amazing read, well researched, interesting and full of enthusiasm; but also careful to point out the long working hours, years of dedication and inevitable failures. I really enjoyed it and learnt a lot of new things."