Title:	The Mermaid Cookbook
	Author:	Alix Carey
	Published:	April 30, 2019, Andrews McMeel Publishing
	No. of Pages:	144
	Cover Price:	$14.99 Hardcover, $9.99 Kindle

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Little children love make-believe, and mermaids are a popular theme in their make-believe worlds. The Mermaid Cookbook, by Alix Carey, is a perfect primer to bring those make-believe worlds alive. The finished creations are absolutely beautiful ? there are stunning photographs of every recipe ? and it will be difficult for a child to decide which one to start with. There are recipes for cupcakes, cakes, donuts, cookies, and candies, so the choices are vast.

The recipes, while easy-to-follow with clear, concise instructions, are not for children to make on their own; rather, many of the recipes require adult supervision and some even require a baker that has some experience, rather than beginners, since some of the recipes are complicated and have several steps. There are, however, some easy recipes such as Shark Teeth Kabobs (fruit kabobs), Magical Mermaid Rocks (white chocolate swirled with colors topped with mermaid sprinkles), and Mermaid Marshmallow Crispy Bars (Rice Crispy Treats). Seabed Rocky Road is an easy no-bake bar, and it is delicious. Jellyfish Layered Surprise is a striped gelatin concoction that will be especially appealing to kids and can double as a fruity salad at a mermaid buffet.

While the recipes are mostly for sweet treats, there are a few breakfast items such as Mermaid Toast, a Tropical Sea Smoothie Bowl, and excellent Starfish Pancakes. The Turtle Waffles are also adorable and tasty. Although almost every recipe in the book could easily be served as a dessert, there is a dessert chapter with a beautiful blue cheesecake, a decadent Seafoam Mousse, and cool Under the Sea Popsicles. The Coral Fruit Tarts are quite easy to assemble, and are colorful and tasty. Kids seem to love fancy drinks, and there are several ? a Lemonade Float, a beautiful Sealicious Chia Seed Smoothie, and a Mertastic Milkshake to name a few ? all colorful and appealing to both children and adults.

While this delightful cookbook is especially designed for children, the recipes are perfect to use at themed parties and get togethers. While not an essential basic cookbook, this one is a fun addition to any cookbook collection.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.