“Yum-Yum Bento Box” Cookbook Review
In the bento world, the summer of 2010 will be marked as the season of cute bento cookbooks! And I love CUTE! But…I have to admit that I pulled out the thesaurus to write this post otherwise every other word would be “cute“.
Let’s see how I do…
This offering by talented bentoists Crystal Watanabe (Pikko) and Maki Ogawa (luckysundae) is a superb example of how adorable bento food can get! You can tell, just by looking at the cover art, that the contents are amazing! I’m not a kyaraben or charaben maker but with this resource I think I can attempt something “kawaii” in my next bento! For sure. 
The instructions are easy to understand and each entry has a detailed list of ingredients and recipes. Also on each page are tips which provide guidance for those who are new to charaben creation or the basics.
The back-cover photo of this smiley catepillar is my favorite bento of this book. I can’t help but grin ear-to-ear when I see this shot! I think it’s both elegant and precious and I can’t wait to pack Saba Man a bento that’s just as charming.
If you’re new to making bento boxes, it’s an initial investment to gather up the tools that create the darling flowers and precious animals. But you’re in luck… because included in the end pages is an index of resources for stocking your bento tool-kit!
I also like this cookbook because it features more than just ”how to cook” delightful foods. The recipes are can be prepared without bento in mind. Easy and quick, you’ll be preparing teriyaki meatballs in a snap!
Other cool stuff about Crystal and Maki’s cookbook is that it describes all components of bento making. Colors, balance, and inspiration! With these uncomplicated instructions…it’s a cinch to pack CUTE bento!
You can purchase Yum-Yum Bento Box: Fresh Recipes for Adorable Lunches
Her schedule can be found on the Yum -Yum site!
Debra – VERY clever use of the thesaurus. Love how you shared that with us. I bought this book for my 10 and 12 year old daughters to start learning to make bentos. It’s fabulous. They love all the (cute!) pics. They refer to it while in the kitchen, and when they’re in the den, they use the computer and peruse all the bento blogs including yours of course
Hi Kelly! Welcome to our blog! Thanks for your sweet comments. Sounds like your girls have a great head-start with bentos. I hope to start making cute lunches soon…maybe I’ll catch up with your daughters!!!
I have to agree! I love this book and for any bentoist it’s a must have!
Hi Susan! Quite a tribute coming from an expert CUTE bento maker like yourself!
CUTE review of a great bento book! I’m also a big fan of the catepillar bento, its really sweet…
Hey Jenn…so CUTE of you to leave a comment!
Wow! Great bento book!
Thanks Debra!
Nice word challenge too, lol!
Hi Pikko! My pleasure! Lovely cookbook.
Love this book! Tho not sure why my words “bento boxer,” not the word bentoist, never took off. Maybe too aggressive?
hi Debra, nice review…
i am anxiously waiting for my copy to be arrived in my house…:-p