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."
"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."
"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!"