Zanna's Science in the Kitchen: Nigerian Soups is a vibrant and engaging children's cookbook that brings together food, science, and culture in a way that is both educational and fun.
Created by young author and creator Zanna Orunsolu, this book introduces readers to a variety of traditional Nigerian soups while explaining the science behind how ingredients work. From the heat of pepper to the thickening power of egusi and okra, children discover that cooking is not just about food - it is also about chemistry, biology, and creativity.
Each recipe is presented in a clear, step-by-step format designed especially for young learners, with interactive elements such as quizzes, puzzles, and "Did You Know?" sections that deepen understanding and keep readers engaged. The book also highlights cultural insights, showing how food is connected to language, identity, and everyday life in Nigerian communities.
Readers can go even further by scanning QR codes included in the book to watch Zanna cooking in real life, making the experience interactive and personal.
With recipes such as Egusi Soup, Oha Soup, Nsala Soup, Edikaikong, Okro, Ogbono, Banga, and Bitterleaf Soup, this book offers a rich introduction to African cuisine while building confidence, curiosity, and practical skills in the kitchen.
Perfect for children, families, schools, and libraries, this is more than a cookbook - it is a celebration of culture, learning, and the joy of creating something delicious.
Orunsolu, Zanna: - "Zanna Orunsolu is a young author, multi-award-winning coder, and creative storyteller who is passionate about making learning fun, interactive, and accessible for all children. She aims to create books that engage young readers of different abilities, encouraging confidence, curiosity, and creativity through storytelling and hands-on learning.Zanna published her debut book, Zanna's Amazing Shakespeare, As I Like It, at the age of seven. The book, inspired by her highly commended entry in the 2023 Shakespeare Week competition, is now preserved at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. It was released in print, ebook, and audiobook formats, with Zanna narrating the audiobook herself to make the story accessible and engaging for young audiences.She later published My First Coding Adventure for ages 3-5, introducing early computational thinking through playful, child-friendly activities. Zanna is currently expanding this into a 6-9 edition and developing interactive formats to further support learning.Her latest project, Zanna's Science in the Kitchen - Nigerian Soups, combines cooking, culture, and science in a fun and educational way, reflecting her love for food, creativity, and her Nigerian heritage. The book is designed to be interactive, helping children explore recipes while learning through experimentation and discovery.Zanna is a multi-award-winning coder and presenter, having won global and international coding competitions, as well as a national Young Presenter competition and other local awards. Through her books and creative work, she continues to inspire children to read, learn, and see themselves as capable creators."
