Sam the Chef

A parent might reach for this book when their curious child wants to tackle a 'grown-up' task, like cooking, all by themselves. It’s a perfect story to share after a well-intentioned attempt at independence has resulted in a huge, floury mess. The book follows Sam, a young boy who decides he’s a chef and tries to bake a cake, creating comical chaos. Instead of scolding, his mother responds with warmth, helping him clean up before they bake a cake together. It gently models that trying new things is fun, mistakes happen, and parental support makes learning joyful. This simple, humorous story reassures children that their creative impulses are wonderful, even when the results are messy.