Kalich et al. who teach health science and nutrition at Keene State College, offer about 60 recipes for teachers, child care providers, and parents to help preschool children develop healthy eating habits. The recipes, based on their Early Sprouts approach for a nutritionally purposeful preschool environment, incorporate vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and other nutrient-rich ingredients. The authors outline early learning guidelines, ways to cook with young children and partner with families, and the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements for children aged three to five years. Recipes include nutrition information and food suggestions. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

"The Early Sprouts Cookbook" is written in the tradition of encouraging healthy food choices such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, in young children. To that end, "The Early Sprouts Cookbook" is part cookbook, part nutrition re-educator for adults and small children. A plethora of delicious, kid friendly recipes are nonetheless featured, for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and special seasonal celebrations, with an additional chapter on original Early Sprouts recipes, including Cheddar and Chard Quesadillas, English Muffin Pizzas with Homemade Sauce, Green & Orange Pasta Salad, and Butternut Squash Fries. Many excellent food choices are incorporated into recipes that are easy to adapt to helping hands of little ones. Fresh foods and whole grains and other healthy choices are always featured and encouraged. "The Early Sprouts Cookbook" is a frontline fighter in the national battle against childhood obesity, and as such, it belongs on the shelves of parents, families with young children, preschools, libraries, and consumer health education resources.