Reading is only one of the skills children learn while cooking. They also learn about time, temperature, measurement, math, sequencing and even chemistry. Cookbooks connect reading with all of these essential everyday skills. When cooking, focus on one or two other skills besides reading and building vocabulary and children will see the connecting relationships between words, math and science.
Preschoolers need to build their vocabulary. Read the recipe to them and demonstrate measurements. If the child encounters an unfamiliar word, explain what it means. If the recipe asks for one cup of sugar, help the child measure one cup. Useful cookbooks for a preschool child should have simple recipes. One good cookbook for a preschool-aged child is "C is for Cooking," by Susan McQuillan.
Kids at the elementary age need to build on their vocabulary and learn more complex math. Let the child read the recipe and measure ingredients with your assistance. If the recipe calls for one cup of sugar you might explain that one cup equals eight fluid ounces. One good cookbook for an elementary-aged child is "Kids' Fun and Healthy Cookbook," by Nicola Graimes.
When kids have reached secondary school, they should do more in the kitchen such as using knives or the stove. Focus on giving children more cookbook-reading choices and allow them to discover new recipes while building cooking techniques. Cookbooks for adults are suitable for teens. One good cookbook is "Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat," by Megan Carle, Judi Carle and Jill Carle.