How I Wrote a Kids' Recipe Book
- Lori-Ann Preston
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
A question I often get asked when I visit schools is: “Where do you get your ideas from?” or “What inspires your writing?” Well, honestly, it could be absolutely anything - another book, a movie, a childhood toy, a conversation, or even a tree.
The inspiration for my kids' recipe book - What Do Monsters and Mermaids Munch? - came from my mom’s recipe box which was filled with her handwritten and typed recipes.
THE BIG IDEA - A KIDS' RECIPE BOOK
During Lockdown, I cooked up a storm, fondly reminiscing about my favourite childhood recipes and feeling wonderfully nostalgic. Then, an idea struck - ah-ha! What if I wrote my own recipe book? But not just any recipe book - one with stories. But what kind of stories?
Well, I didn’t have to think for long. I knew kids loved fantasy creatures, and that’s when it hit me - why not link each recipe to a fantasy character, like a dragon, a monster (the nice kind), a mermaid or a unicorn?
And that’s how the journey began.
PITCHING THE IDEA
I presented my idea to my amazing editor, Shawna-Leze Meiring, and after consulting with the team at LAPA Publishers, it was decided the recipe book was a go. Yay! Happy dance!
When it came to the pictures, the plan was to combine illustrations with actual photographs of the food. I agreed, but uh-oh… did that mean I had to cook 14 recipes from scratch for a professional photoshoot?
Yup, it did indeed.
BRINGING THE IDEA TO LIFE
A date was set for me to cook in Cape Town, and I wasted no time recruiting family as backup. My stepmom, daughter and her partner were roped in. Thank goodness I managed to precook a few items before the big day. You see, I wasn’t used to the oven and had to remake the condensed milk biscuits three times – yikes!
I was curious to see how the food stylist would style my cooked items, imagining that glue and fake spray might play a part – well, that never happened. Every piece was authentically placed, styled and photographed by The Cook and the Camera – a fantastic duo!
Watch this reel for a behind-the-scenes look at how the recipes were brought to life.
It turned out to be a magical day. Everything went smoothly and the atmosphere was brimming with joy. Naturally, everyone got to snack on the completed goods.
THE IDEA ON PAGE
The joy continued when I saw Tayla De Beer's stunning illustrations - such fun! The layout was designed, the book was proofread and off it went to the printers.
I was over the moon when I got to hold my first printed copy. Then… it was time to see how others would react. I will say it’s rather nerve-wracking having your recipes cooked and tasted by others - doubt definitely creeps in. Will people enjoy the recipes as much as I did?
I’m excited to share that I’ve only received positive feedback – phew! It’s so heartwarming to see photographs of families cooking together in the kitchen.
Thanks, Mom, for the inspiration, and … happy munching everyone!
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