Cookbook Reseach (1)

For the main brief of my project, I decided to undergo research in the area of children's cookbooks, looking from vintage books to modern. 

Fun To Cook Book

- First published in 1951 by the Carnation Company.
- Created to advertise advertise the Carnation Company, as the book uses several Carnation products in the recipes given.
-  Illustrative style is charming. The red-headed girl is sweet and has a pleasing simplistic visual language. This young character would appeal to children, as they would be able to identity with her.

- The first page introduces this red-haired character. She is introduced as Margie Blake, the daughter of the author, Mary Blake. The introduction reads: "When I teased Mother to let me cook, she looked in book stores for a cook book for me. Some books had too many long words. Some books were too babyish and just had play recipes... So Mother decided to write a cook book especially for me and other girls my age... I thought up the name "Fun to Cook Book". I know you'll have fun cooking too."
- Therefore, this book was designed specifically with children in mind.

 - The inside layout of the book is easy to read and understand. Chunks of text are not overwhelming to a younger audience with the inclusion of bright illustrations, which usually contain primary colours.
- The language of the book is informal. As though it's a conversation between the character and the child cook. 

- Typical of children's cooking books, there is a health and safety section.
- The character appears throughout the book on post pages.

 - There is also a storyline developed, to involve the children more in the book. The voice of the book is told through a child, which makes it easier for a young person to read and get involved in.
- These books are said to be aimed at children 7-9. Though I think even younger children would be able to enjoy the language and illustrations of the book, though they might need help with the recipes.


100 Yummy Things To Cook & Eat

- First published in 1995 by Usborne Publishing.
- Each recipe contains a ‘You will need’ list, simple instructions, clear step-by-step illustrations and a  photograph of the end result.
- Contains mainly treats, such as cakes and cookies.
- Photography mixed with sweet illustrations. Loosely drawn.

 - Double page spreads. Photography one side of final results, illustrations of step-by-step progress on next page.
- Calming colours. Soft blues, yellows, purples pinks etc.
- Each page has a consistent style and layout.
- Language is very to the point, with no added frills. This makes it easier for children to understand.


The Children's Cookbook

- Published by Perrem & Cave. 
- Playful front cover. Typography created from fridge magnets. Mixed with children's illustrations. Objects from a child's world.

- Photography mixed with chunks of text. I think this text may be difficult for the child to read, especially since they have such a short attention span; they may get bored by these thick paragraphs.
- This book seems more designed for the parent and the child. The parent would be the one in charge of reading the instructions, helping the child.
- Soft pastel colours. Aimed at girls?
- Simplistic, to-the-point layout.


My Fun-to-Cook-Book

- Published in 1969 by Western Publishing Company
-  Illustrated by Martin Mayhew.
- Loosely detailed, child-like illustrations. Messy, fun, carefree, bright - perfect for children.
- Seemed to have been done with coloured texta's, felt tips or magic markers.

 - Illustrations are very prominent. Greatly outweigh the text. This is suitable for the young audience.
- Characters such as a dog and cat (seen above) also appear, as children connect with characters more.

- Illustrative diagrams to go along with instructions.

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- Illustrations do not have to be polished or too finished to be attractive and successful.


How To Cook The Perfect Day

 - Minimal colour. Black and white combined with blue. This makes the book appear strongly graphical, bold and different. This would stand out to me on a shelf.
- Illustrations are similarly effective. Realism mixed with a cartoon style.
- This is a small book - 32 pages.
- By Nikki McClure, who uses x-acto knife to cut her designs into paper.

- Language is informal. Chatty.
- Text broken into different paragraphs; stops it looking like too much to read. 
- Blue, black and white continue into the inside of the book. No other colours can be seen.
- Visual language is unique.

 

References:
http://goldcountrygirls.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/vintage-childrens-cookbooks-2-fun-to.html
http://vanalogue.wordpress.com/2013/07/07/vintage-recipe-pamphlets/
http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/book/1~c~ccbc~6401/100-yummy-things-to-cook-and-eat.aspx
http://www.perremcave.com/portfolio/the-childrens-cook-book/
http://lucyking-bowerbird.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/a-rather-quirky-second-hand-kids-cook.html
http://www.buyolympia.com/q/Item=how-to-cook-the-perfect-day