A Practical Guide to Child Nutrition (second edition). By Angela Dare and Margaret O'Donovan. (Nelson Thornes, 10, 01242 267100)
Reviewed by Fiona Hamilton-Fairley, principal and chief executive of the Kids' Cookery School
I think this book is a really important resource for professional carers.
The value of cooking is very close to my heart, and teaching the curriculum through practical cookery is paramount for our children, if they are to learn this vital life skill.
The first two chapters provide the knowledge and nutritional information needed to ensure that a child maintains a well balanced diet. There are charts, diagrams and pictures to help you to understand the food groups and quantities that are required daily.
The book includes sections on infant feeding, breast and bottle, the nutritional needs of the growing child, school meals, packed lunches and useful equipment. There is also a section on how to prevent children from developing food fads and minor eating problems.
The book would have benefited from a brighter layout and coloured charts, pictures and interactive material, especially as nutrition can be a daunting subject if its presentation is too dry and serious. But this doesn't deflect from the fact that this is an extremely useful manual and a welcome tool for childcarers.
