WE REALLY LIKE COOKING SLOP!

The Willemses rescue “slop” from its unfortunate tech associations.

Donning toques and aprons and relying on their inimitable cartoon-bubble chat, Elephant and Piggie welcome younger readers. Recipe entries offer historical info (French toast didn’t originate in France!) and frequent reminders to seek help from adults. Piggie’s extended family (plus Gerald’s ancient mammoth Great-Great-Uncle Maurice) pitch in to oversee chapters: Pearl-wearing Auntie Pearl presents breakfast ideas; Uncle Stew the Smorgasboar supervises snacks; second cousin Suzie Sous Chef suggests soups, stews, and salads; third cousin Irvine Fine Dine Van Swine covers the main courses. Maurice handles desserts, which include cakes, puddings, Popsicles, and popcorn. Each recipe is carefully labeled with the appropriate abbreviation (gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, vegetarian) and given a naming boost: “Cha-cha-cha Chia Pudding,” “Humdinger Hummus,” and “Hooray, Yogurt Parfait!” Preparation ranges from simple (the aforementioned hummus, grain bowls) to fairly complex, like “Chicken Mole Hurray,” but ingredients are available year-round and are easily sourced. Dishes like Arabic shakshuka, Italian minestrone, Dutch stamppot, and Brazilian fish stew cater to global tastes. Among other helpful inclusions: a list of common culinary staples, kitchen equipment, basic skills (dicing an onion, cracking an egg), safety rules, and cooking terms. A generous helping of puns and Pigeon cameos—as well as childlike Gerald’s hilarious antics—ensure this one will appeal to all. The color photos are mouthwatering, the instructions are clear, and the enthusiasm is contagious.

All the ingredients for fun and healthy cooking and feasting.