DK Children's snaps up Allegra McEvedy's guide for young chefs

DK has bought Chefs Wanted! for young cookery enthusiasts from Leon co-founder Allegra McEvedy with illustrations from Alice Bowsher. 

DK children’s publisher Francesca Young acquired exclusive global rights for the book from the chef, broadcaster and writer from Rosemary Scoular at United Agents. It is scheduled to publish in hardback on 16th September 2024. 

“Chefs Wanted! presents more than 45 tasty recipes suitable for budding junior chefs who want to take their skills to the next level,” DK said. “Alongside flavour-busting recipes readers will find technical advice and tips from Allegra to inspire and educate young readers. Chefs Wanted! gives enthusiastic young cooks the opportunity to further their knowledge in the kitchen and whip up meals that are sure to impress.

“From family favourites such as cannelloni and chilli, street food such as spring rolls, sweet treats such as

profiteroles, and much more, Allegra’s brand new cookbook includes classics from around the globe, bringing exciting flavours straight to young readers. With simple, step-by-step instructions and photography showing every mouth-watering dish, and hilarious illustrations, each chapter will inform and inspire.” 

Young said: “This book has been a total pleasure to bring to life and is sure to have children taking over the kitchen and cooking up a storm in no time. Not only does Allegra bring her knowledge and creative flair to the recipes but her joyous and infectious attitude towards ingredients and meals will help any child build a healthy relationship with food and boost their confidence and ability.” 

McEvedy said of her ninth book: “I really wanted to stretch the boundaries of what most children’s cookbooks believe kids are capable of. Of course the book shows kids how fun and rewarding cooking is and gets them kitchen-comfortable, but above all it’s about challenging them and taking their skills to a new level. 

“Chefs Wanted! will empower any and every child who enjoys hanging out in the kitchen to fulfil their potential: treating them like young chefs-in-making and teaching them tricks of the trade. And who knows, maybe this book will make them fall absolutely and completely in love with this world, my world, just like I did years ago.” 

McEvedy is a chef, writer, broadcaster, consultant and cookery teacher. In her early career she worked at several London restaurants, as well as cheffing in New York and San Francisco. In 2008 she co-founded award-winning healthy fast-food chain Leon. She was the judge on “Junior Bake Off” and co-presented “Step Up To The Plate”, both on CBBC. She is patron of the Fairtrade Foundation and in 2010 she was awarded an MBE for her work around healthier eating and sustainable sourcing. 

Bowsher is a London-based illustrator.