Cookbook review: Dessert Designer by Dana Meachen Rau

Dessert Designer: Creations you can make and eat! by Dana Meachen Rau is full of fun desserts that almost anyone can make. Judging by the type and design of the recipes included, as well as the ease of making them, this book seems to be aimed at upper elementary through high school students looking to wow friends and family. Wonderful photographs highlight what each creation looks like, and much of the fun of this cookbook is simply seeing all the creative edible decorations.
I shared this book with my fifth grade daughter and ninth grade son, both of whom frequently enjoy cooking with me. Both found recipes they immediately wanted to try out, including (but of course not limited to) mini-mice, sock monkey cookies, volcano cupcakes, berry baskets, armadillo cupcakes, and cupcakes made to look like mugs of hot cocoa. The book has a full-page photo of the finished product on one page and the recipe and instructions on the other page. The only downside to this layout is that the instructions are sometimes rushed, and for this age group step-by-step photographs could be very helpful--especially for younger cooks. In one instance, for a large peacock cake, additional photos and instructions are included for a four-page recipe. However, most recipes are simple enough that a thorough reading of the steps before starting is sufficient to make these wonderful desserts.
I plan to add a copy of this Capstone series to my school library as well as my home cookbook library. Highly recommended for elementary, middle, high school, and public libraries, as well as for any home kitchen where fun, simple desserts are in demand.