Getting kids to pack their own school lunches may be easier if they're having fun with the preparations. That's the idea behind "My Lunch Box: 50 Recipes for Kids to Take to School," written by Hilary Shevlin Karmilowicz and illustrated by Rebecca Bradley (Chronicle, $16.95). Inside the colorful recipe box are kid-friendly recipe cards decorated with cute drawings. The food suits kid tastes but manages to be healthy, too. Here's one option that grown-ups will like, too.

Pizza pasta salad

Serves 6

4 cups dry tricolor rotini pasta

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup light Italian dressing

1 cup favorite pizza toppings, such as chicken, mushrooms, olives, etc.

1. Cook pasta according to directions, drain and let cool.

2. Bring a small pot of salted water to boil and stir in broccoli, cooking 2 minutes or until broccoli turns bright green. Remove from heat and place the broccoli under cold water to cool.

3. Mix together cheese, tomatoes and Italian dressing in a medium bowl. Add broccoli and mix. Add favorite pizza toppings to salad. Store in airtight container until ready to serve.

— June Naylor