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Next Best Junior Chef #2
The Heat Is On
The competition heats up in episode two of this zesty series for fans of MasterChef Jr. and Kids Cook-off! With this episode's theme of family and tradition, from a diner challenge to a quinceañera to the farmer's market, the junior chefs will have to sauté their way through the chewiest challenges yet. They're the best in the nation, but can they handle the twists and turnovers week two has in store, on- and off-camera? Which junior chefs can stand the heat? And which one will need to get out of the kitchen?
We are one episode closer to discovering just who will earn the title of Next Best Junior Chef.
Bonus: Includes real cooking techniques for the aspiring young chef!
We are one episode closer to discovering just who will earn the title of Next Best Junior Chef.
Bonus: Includes real cooking techniques for the aspiring young chef!
192 pages, Hardcover
First published February 13, 2018
57 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 26, 2025
And then there were three!
This second week of the Next Best Junior Chef had some wonderful high points. They learn how to make dulce de leche. Yum! A winning team gets to help out with desserts at a quinceanera. 💃
There is also some fish throwing at a farmer's market.
As we were reading through this one, J and I compared notes on who we thought would make it to the final round. J and little sister are rooting for Oliver and Caroline to be the final two. My pick was Rae and Caroline. Who goes home in week 2, losing a chance at winning a food truck? No spoilers here. Tip: Don't look at reviews for The Winner Is . . . as that might give it away. That will be our next read!
From November of 2018
The heat is on for Caroline, Rae and Oliver in this second installment of the Next Best Junior Chef series. We follow the three contestants through their week until the second elimination round. During the week they visit a food pantry, a farmer's market and help with desserts for a quinceanera. Kids will be motivated to try new foods and get more creative in the kitchen after reading about these three aspiring chefs. Looking forward to the third and final episode!
This second week of the Next Best Junior Chef had some wonderful high points. They learn how to make dulce de leche. Yum! A winning team gets to help out with desserts at a quinceanera. 💃
There is also some fish throwing at a farmer's market.
As we were reading through this one, J and I compared notes on who we thought would make it to the final round. J and little sister are rooting for Oliver and Caroline to be the final two. My pick was Rae and Caroline. Who goes home in week 2, losing a chance at winning a food truck? No spoilers here. Tip: Don't look at reviews for The Winner Is . . . as that might give it away. That will be our next read!
From November of 2018
The heat is on for Caroline, Rae and Oliver in this second installment of the Next Best Junior Chef series. We follow the three contestants through their week until the second elimination round. During the week they visit a food pantry, a farmer's market and help with desserts for a quinceanera. Kids will be motivated to try new foods and get more creative in the kitchen after reading about these three aspiring chefs. Looking forward to the third and final episode!
August 3, 2018
Episode Two, The Heat is On...is aptly named. As week 2 begins, there are only three contestants left, and each one knows that the challenges are going to be much more difficult. But by now, the junior chefs are comfortable in front of the camera and have learned to deal well with the pressure of being judged by professional chefs on TV. Although they all miss the contestant who had to hang up their apron in week one, they are ready to begins again. This week's theme is family and tradition and advisor Chef Nancy encourages them to try to wow the judges, to tap into their creative spirits. And that's exactly what they do, although sometimes that creative spirit overwhelmed the reality of their cooking skills. Their first competition is to cook a hot dog - the catch: each could use either fire, air or water to do it. I have to admit, hot dogs never sounded so good as they did by the end of this challenge. One of the more interesting challenges that really played into the week's theme was coming up with two desserts for a young lady's quinceañera - one making traditional alfajores and one innovative- and using the family's recipe for the difficult to make dulce de leche (but will the judges discover that one of the contestants burned their dulce de leche?). Since this was a team effort, the contestant eliminated the week before returns to form a second team. As fun and interesting as the second week is for the contestants, in the end, another one had to be eliminated. With only two left, the last week of competition was shaping up to be pretty interesting.
For the complete review of this trilogy, see Lights, Camera, Cook! (Next Best Junior Chef, #1)
For the complete review of this trilogy, see Lights, Camera, Cook! (Next Best Junior Chef, #1)
July 6, 2018
This summer I'm reading a bunch of kidlit that I want to recommend to my students. I follow blogs and read reviews, but there's no substitute for actually turning the pages when it comes to informed, personalized readers advisory and effective booktalks!
For the grown folks: I adore Charise Mericle Harper, and I was a bit disappointed to find that this new series doesn't feature her unique, wacky illustrations. Nevertheless, the premise and writing are engaging enough that I zipped through this second volume in one sitting. Characters and their motivations are straightforward but relatable, and if you've watched any cooking competitions at all, the structure will be familiar. Vocab is basic and accessible, with bursts of culinary terminology that is always explained in a way that doesn't distract from the plot. I suspect this series was rushed through production, as there were a number of glaring editorial oversights and typos, but I doubt most young readers will notice those.
For the kiddos: Get this into the hands of 3rd - 5th grade readers who return cookbooks to the library covered in mysterious stains! There are cool behind-the-scenes insights about reality TV filming woven into the plot, without dominating or distracting from the narrative. Aspiring chefs will benefit from descriptions of cooking techniques, ingredients, and organizational strategies that appear seamlessly throughout the plot, sometimes even driving it forward. (Spoiler alert: the arrogant Oliver's downfall is due in part to a burnt dulce de leche.) The drama of figuring out WHO. WILL. WIN!!! is as palpable in this series' pages as in an actual competitive show, thanks to Harper's no-nonsense prose and deft plotting. It all makes for a perfect recipe (HAR HAR) for middle grade fans of Chopped and Great British Baking Show.
For the grown folks: I adore Charise Mericle Harper, and I was a bit disappointed to find that this new series doesn't feature her unique, wacky illustrations. Nevertheless, the premise and writing are engaging enough that I zipped through this second volume in one sitting. Characters and their motivations are straightforward but relatable, and if you've watched any cooking competitions at all, the structure will be familiar. Vocab is basic and accessible, with bursts of culinary terminology that is always explained in a way that doesn't distract from the plot. I suspect this series was rushed through production, as there were a number of glaring editorial oversights and typos, but I doubt most young readers will notice those.
For the kiddos: Get this into the hands of 3rd - 5th grade readers who return cookbooks to the library covered in mysterious stains! There are cool behind-the-scenes insights about reality TV filming woven into the plot, without dominating or distracting from the narrative. Aspiring chefs will benefit from descriptions of cooking techniques, ingredients, and organizational strategies that appear seamlessly throughout the plot, sometimes even driving it forward. (Spoiler alert: the arrogant Oliver's downfall is due in part to a burnt dulce de leche.) The drama of figuring out WHO. WILL. WIN!!! is as palpable in this series' pages as in an actual competitive show, thanks to Harper's no-nonsense prose and deft plotting. It all makes for a perfect recipe (HAR HAR) for middle grade fans of Chopped and Great British Baking Show.
August 4, 2018
This was a really quick and fun read!
December 30, 2020
Yes, better than the first. Perhaps because we're getting to know the characters better. I liked it and will read the third in the series!
March 13, 2018
Harper, Charise Mericle Next Best Junior Chef : The Heat is On, 176 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018, $12.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0”f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
Oliver, Rae and Caroline are back for another week of the cooking competition. They have decided to stay friends and let their cooking speak for itself, but as the pressure builds the kids begin to feel the heat. Rae feels like the underdog, especially when she has trouble winning the mini-challenges. Caroline is doing her best - but is her best enough to win? And Oliver, (the King of Calm) well, he’s so determined to win, he’s not as nice anymore, and he’s a big show off.
There's a bit more drama than in book one, what’s up with Oliver? I love the growing friendship between the girls, the cooking ideas from the celebrity chefs and the tips for the young chef at the end. Although it reads young, the middle school students interested in cooking or who just want a light clean read will enjoy this series, too.
EL, MS - ADVISABLE Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Oliver, Rae and Caroline are back for another week of the cooking competition. They have decided to stay friends and let their cooking speak for itself, but as the pressure builds the kids begin to feel the heat. Rae feels like the underdog, especially when she has trouble winning the mini-challenges. Caroline is doing her best - but is her best enough to win? And Oliver, (the King of Calm) well, he’s so determined to win, he’s not as nice anymore, and he’s a big show off.
There's a bit more drama than in book one, what’s up with Oliver? I love the growing friendship between the girls, the cooking ideas from the celebrity chefs and the tips for the young chef at the end. Although it reads young, the middle school students interested in cooking or who just want a light clean read will enjoy this series, too.
EL, MS - ADVISABLE Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
May 12, 2018
It is time for a new round of Next Best Junior Chef! This time the theme is family and tradition, so you can imagine what that may entail for lessons, challenges, and other fun things!
Ah, this was just fantastic~ I have been wanting to read this for months, but never had the chance until yesterday.
A new week is here for our kids, a week filled with all sorts of fun things. From a field trip to a market (you can throw fish) to learn how to make dulce de leche (without burning it). A whole lot of fun things are coming their way, and I loved reading about it. Seeing how the characters tried their best, how they worried, how they tried to fend off the judges (just as you would see in the real program, dang those judges bothering you while you try to cook). The addition of the cards in one challenge (fire, water, air) was really fun, it made the challenge way more challenging, especially for the person who got water.
I am still amazed at what these kids know about cooking/food. Heavens, when I was that age I knew a bit about cooking, but not as much as these kids. And even now I wouldn't know all that those kids do. Then again, I have no interest in making fancy meals or something super special. I would be the only one eating it, and that is just not as fun. Still it was lots of fun seeing the kids know so much, and see them use their skills to make some fabulous foods. Especially Rae's food was lovely, as she also did her best on making a fun design.
The food mentioned in this book? Oh, man, my stomach was definitely trying to eat the book. :P There were so many nommy recipes, so many foods I would love to try out. OH dear, writing this review and thinking back to those nommy foods makes me hungry again. Guess I should eat breakfast soon.
Like with the previous book we switch between the kids. Just like the previous book it feels like Oliver and Rae get most of the spotlight, but I feel like there is a better balance now. Maybe it helps that there are only 3 characters instead of 4.
Rae. My favourite character. Just like in the previous book, I just adored the girl. At times I wanted to just hug her and tell her that everything would be fine. To ignore Oliver a bit more, and just go for what she feels is right. Sure, those stars are important, but it is also important to have fun, and at times I saw that Rae was just not having fun due to the stress, the worry, and Oliver. :(
I am happy that she didn't give up, came up with some very inventive recipes and designs. Plus I just adored that, despite not being all too happy, she tried to be happy for her friends when they won. Giving them a thumbs-up or smiling. It must have been hard for her to do. Especially in the beginning when it seems that she may end up last.
Caroline. I was so delighted that she got through to this round. She really cooks up some fabulous things, and I loved that she could match Oliver's smarts at many points, but thankfully she is down to earth and doesn't have a giant ego like Oliver. I loved that she was able to gain a bit more confidence and dared to say more things. Even the others see that she has gone through a change.
Oliver. Whereas I did see some progress in the previous book, sadly this book destroyed all that again. Oliver was just the WORST in this book. He kept acting all friendly, but he was mean, rude, his ego was way too big, he did things to Rae that were just a big no no, and I could go on. I hated how superior he thought he was because he had all sorts of professional lessons, how that would make him better than someone like Rae who didn't have any lessons. I also did think it was a bit unfair that he was participating, you clearly saw that he just kept winning because he, unlike the other two (well, Caroline got along pretty far), had all those lessons. Maybe they should just make a show for people who had all that training, and those who didn't. I also disliked how he dissed stuff like food design. Because he thought that doesn't count. That is not part of cooking/being a good cook. Um, dude, that counts. If I get food on my plate I also expect a bit of nice decoration or something fancy looking. Not just the food thrown on a plate, if I want that I will make my own food. :P
The ending? Who was eliminated. THANK YOU AUTHOR. I never saw that coming, and I was bouncing up and down my chair at the delight. I was already worried, and I was already planning on just skipping the next book then (not that I would be able to as these books are calling me). But now I can definitely continue reading! Oh my, the next book will be very exciting.
Thankfully we don't have any drama from the directors or have them push the kids to say stuff/do stuff.
The comments from the kids were just perfection. It gave us more insight in the characters. As I also said in my review for the first book, it did make it feel even more like a tv shows.
Like the previous book we also have tons of illustrations and I just adored them.
Now I just need the next book, and I still wish for a prequel book about the selection process. I want to see how these kids were selected. What did they have to do? What kind of challenges? Questions? Interviews? So curious!
I would highly recommend this fun book to all. Be warned, you may not come out of the book until you finish reading it. It is very addictive.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Ah, this was just fantastic~ I have been wanting to read this for months, but never had the chance until yesterday.
A new week is here for our kids, a week filled with all sorts of fun things. From a field trip to a market (you can throw fish) to learn how to make dulce de leche (without burning it). A whole lot of fun things are coming their way, and I loved reading about it. Seeing how the characters tried their best, how they worried, how they tried to fend off the judges (just as you would see in the real program, dang those judges bothering you while you try to cook). The addition of the cards in one challenge (fire, water, air) was really fun, it made the challenge way more challenging, especially for the person who got water.
I am still amazed at what these kids know about cooking/food. Heavens, when I was that age I knew a bit about cooking, but not as much as these kids. And even now I wouldn't know all that those kids do. Then again, I have no interest in making fancy meals or something super special. I would be the only one eating it, and that is just not as fun. Still it was lots of fun seeing the kids know so much, and see them use their skills to make some fabulous foods. Especially Rae's food was lovely, as she also did her best on making a fun design.
The food mentioned in this book? Oh, man, my stomach was definitely trying to eat the book. :P There were so many nommy recipes, so many foods I would love to try out. OH dear, writing this review and thinking back to those nommy foods makes me hungry again. Guess I should eat breakfast soon.
Like with the previous book we switch between the kids. Just like the previous book it feels like Oliver and Rae get most of the spotlight, but I feel like there is a better balance now. Maybe it helps that there are only 3 characters instead of 4.
Rae. My favourite character. Just like in the previous book, I just adored the girl. At times I wanted to just hug her and tell her that everything would be fine. To ignore Oliver a bit more, and just go for what she feels is right. Sure, those stars are important, but it is also important to have fun, and at times I saw that Rae was just not having fun due to the stress, the worry, and Oliver. :(
I am happy that she didn't give up, came up with some very inventive recipes and designs. Plus I just adored that, despite not being all too happy, she tried to be happy for her friends when they won. Giving them a thumbs-up or smiling. It must have been hard for her to do. Especially in the beginning when it seems that she may end up last.
Caroline. I was so delighted that she got through to this round. She really cooks up some fabulous things, and I loved that she could match Oliver's smarts at many points, but thankfully she is down to earth and doesn't have a giant ego like Oliver. I loved that she was able to gain a bit more confidence and dared to say more things. Even the others see that she has gone through a change.
Oliver. Whereas I did see some progress in the previous book, sadly this book destroyed all that again. Oliver was just the WORST in this book. He kept acting all friendly, but he was mean, rude, his ego was way too big, he did things to Rae that were just a big no no, and I could go on. I hated how superior he thought he was because he had all sorts of professional lessons, how that would make him better than someone like Rae who didn't have any lessons. I also did think it was a bit unfair that he was participating, you clearly saw that he just kept winning because he, unlike the other two (well, Caroline got along pretty far), had all those lessons. Maybe they should just make a show for people who had all that training, and those who didn't. I also disliked how he dissed stuff like food design. Because he thought that doesn't count. That is not part of cooking/being a good cook. Um, dude, that counts. If I get food on my plate I also expect a bit of nice decoration or something fancy looking. Not just the food thrown on a plate, if I want that I will make my own food. :P
The ending? Who was eliminated. THANK YOU AUTHOR. I never saw that coming, and I was bouncing up and down my chair at the delight. I was already worried, and I was already planning on just skipping the next book then (not that I would be able to as these books are calling me). But now I can definitely continue reading! Oh my, the next book will be very exciting.
Thankfully we don't have any drama from the directors or have them push the kids to say stuff/do stuff.
The comments from the kids were just perfection. It gave us more insight in the characters. As I also said in my review for the first book, it did make it feel even more like a tv shows.
Like the previous book we also have tons of illustrations and I just adored them.
Now I just need the next book, and I still wish for a prequel book about the selection process. I want to see how these kids were selected. What did they have to do? What kind of challenges? Questions? Interviews? So curious!
I would highly recommend this fun book to all. Be warned, you may not come out of the book until you finish reading it. It is very addictive.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 26, 2018
Oliver, Rae and Caroline are back for another week of the cooking competition. They have decided to stay friends and let their cooking speak for itself, but as the pressure builds the kids begin to feel the heat. Rae feels like the underdog, especially when she has trouble winning the mini-challenges. Caroline is doing her best - but is her best enough to win? And Oliver, (the King of Calm) well, he’s so determined to win, he’s not as nice anymore, and he’s a big show off.
There's a bit more drama than in book one, what’s up with Oliver? I love the growing friendship between the girls, the cooking ideas from the celebrity chefs and the tips for the young chef at the end. Although it reads young, the middle school students interested in cooking or who just want a light clean read will enjoy this series, too.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
There's a bit more drama than in book one, what’s up with Oliver? I love the growing friendship between the girls, the cooking ideas from the celebrity chefs and the tips for the young chef at the end. Although it reads young, the middle school students interested in cooking or who just want a light clean read will enjoy this series, too.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
March 13, 2018
I like this series but I haven't had any 3rd grade readers of it yet. I haven't pushed it because it seems to me to be the kind of series where you'd want all of the books available from the start. I am anxious to find out how the next round goes and how best friends will compete. I like how Tate came back in this book for one of the rounds and I wonder if Tate and Oliver will have a role in #3. I hope so.
It is interesting how food and families go together in unique ways.
It is interesting how food and families go together in unique ways.
March 19, 2018
Grade 2 and up; just like the first book in the series, this installment focuses on the remaining contestants in a week of filming a Top Chef Jr.-like cooking competition. Fun, lighthearted, and full of great info for aspiring young cooks. There’s a nice little emphasis here on being a true friend too. Recommended.
February 7, 2019
Caroline, Oliver and Rae are still in the running for the Next Best Junior Chef in this amusing second book of the series. They will have to compete in more challenges. It is a very close race. They will cook dulce de leche, hotdogs and more to impress the judges once again. Which two chefs will make it to the finale?
February 22, 2022
Another good read with my daughter. We started this series together as she enjoys cooking and was excited when we found these books. They are great for a tween who enjoys cooking and learning a few new things. We also like how there are cooking tips and trips in the back as the book as well to learn new things from.
March 28, 2018
I really enjoy this series. I'm not a cook or chef, but I like to read about cooking and the competitive side of it! Caroline was the underdog, but she's making her way to the top! I can't wait for book 3 to come out. (I'm secretly hoping Caroline wins the food truck!).
April 27, 2018
Miss Jen thinks this is a cute series for 3rd - 6th grade. Kids on a "Master Chef Jr." type show. Would recommend for those who like Cupcake Diaries or Dish! Boy and girl chefs to appeal to all kids.
September 29, 2018
WOW! I can't believe who got eliminated in this episode of Next Best Junior Chef. My daughter and I have opposite opinions about who will win and so far, she is right! We are so excited to read the final book and see who the winner will be.
January 4, 2019
This book was good, and it followed on with the first book. The idea of volunteering at a local food pantry was a great idea, an I recommend this book to elementary schoolers who enjoy fiction or cooking shows.
August 26, 2017
Such a fun series! I can't wait to find out who wins at the end!
December 13, 2017
Light and fun. A must read for fans of reality TV and kids who cook.
April 4, 2018
These books are so fun to read- and make me hungry!
April 18, 2018
Asher (12yo) read.
June 10, 2018
Excellent series..I like the twists and turns throughout the book. I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.
December 25, 2018
Such a fun series! Loved the ending and now I’m dying to get my hands on book 3.
January 22, 2020
I really liked it
July 22, 2020
My favorite part is when Rae won because Rae is one of my favorite chef.
February 1, 2021
2nd book in series. My 9 year old loved it. He was inspired to make dulce de Leche (delicious!!).
May 24, 2025
Fun read
Book one got me hooked. This one didn't disappoint! I'm onto the 3rd as I need to see who wins.
Book one got me hooked. This one didn't disappoint! I'm onto the 3rd as I need to see who wins.
May 26, 2025
This was a good book.
November 4, 2018
super good I need the third book like now the ut will have to wait a
May 31, 2023
I thought this book was amazing, though it wasn't right without Tate. I miss him! I loved the challenge where Tate did come back to make the teams even! And it might surprise you who got to hang up their apron though...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
A delightful “backstage look” at a kid’s television cooking competition. Meet the young contestants, learn their cooking techniques, see what the production process is like, and - of course - root for your favorites to win!
Even as an adult, I couldn’t put this series down. I wanted to see the next cooking challenge and find out which kid would impress the judges in each lesson. There isn’t one specific “main character” or “lead point of view”, so I genuinely never knew who would go home next. And, just like on my favorite cooking shows, there are always many different factors to each elimination — the taste, the presentation, the creativity, and meeting the judge’s parameters for the challenge.
The thing that sets the apart I think, and really makes it work, are the illustrations. They help a non-foodie like me really visualize the food and understand the cooking process. They’re also just cute! I love to see the diversity of the kids and the judges — a variety of races, ages, and body types for both the kids and the adults is refreshing.
Add in features like educating kids about food pantries, talking about the challenges military kids face, showing off food and celebrations from many different cultures, and even just presenting kids navigating interpersonal drama and good sportsmanship in healthy ways… It’s a great choice for any kid!
If your kid (or you) loves cooking, competition television, tween friendships, or just fast-paced fun… This is the book series to pick up!
Even as an adult, I couldn’t put this series down. I wanted to see the next cooking challenge and find out which kid would impress the judges in each lesson. There isn’t one specific “main character” or “lead point of view”, so I genuinely never knew who would go home next. And, just like on my favorite cooking shows, there are always many different factors to each elimination — the taste, the presentation, the creativity, and meeting the judge’s parameters for the challenge.
The thing that sets the apart I think, and really makes it work, are the illustrations. They help a non-foodie like me really visualize the food and understand the cooking process. They’re also just cute! I love to see the diversity of the kids and the judges — a variety of races, ages, and body types for both the kids and the adults is refreshing.
Add in features like educating kids about food pantries, talking about the challenges military kids face, showing off food and celebrations from many different cultures, and even just presenting kids navigating interpersonal drama and good sportsmanship in healthy ways… It’s a great choice for any kid!
If your kid (or you) loves cooking, competition television, tween friendships, or just fast-paced fun… This is the book series to pick up!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews