I don't have any specific book suggestions, but I know a way to make a cook book seem less boring in general. Perhaps you can include a fun, useful cooking utensil or ingredient. If I were giving a vegetarian cookbook that included recipes for saffron, for example, I might include some of that (or cardamom, vanilla beans, or whatever).
Now, before you say "but the price!!!" realize that there are stores online that have very high quality spices for very low prices. Never buy saffron at grocery stores because they charge an arm and a leg for it!
In any case, a cute utensil (or small package of good spice or herbs) tied with a ribbon around the book makes it much more visually appealing and interesting.