Annabel Woolmer

Annabel Woolmer is a British cookbook author known for her work in introducing very young children to cooking through fun, hands-on activities. Inspired by her experience as a mother of two, she began developing simple kitchen tasks to engage her own toddler, eventually creating a structured approach that encourages independence and sensory exploration.

Her best-known book, The Tickle Fingers Toddler Cookbook: Hands-on Fun in the Kitchen for 1 to 4s, published in 2016, features around 60 easy, toddler-friendly recipes that avoid hazards like sharp tools and hot surfaces while focusing on activities such as mixing, pouring, and assembling. The book also provides guidance on fussy eating and allergies, and has become a popular resource for parents and caregivers looking to make cooking an enjoyable educational experience for children aged one to four. Her work blends early childhood development, sensory play, and practical cooking skills for a very specific and often overlooked group: toddlers.

She also runs cooking sessions in schools, playgrounds, and community groups, refining recipes that are safe and suitable for children as young as one year old.