Perhaps only in New York City could a small girl go from one apartment to another in her building, helping friends of all nationalities prepare special foods for her sister Sallie’s wedding. The delighted girl makes dolmades with her Greek papa, tamales with the groom’s father, steamed cakes with Mr. Chen in 5B, biscotti with Se§ora Theodora in 2C, and so on. Thus, the tradition behind and significance of every delicacy is described in a childlike and joyful manner. The foods--including some Japanese fish of happiness and Chinese honey-harmonizing-with-oil buns--provide a mini-tour of world cultures. There are homey, familiar scenes of cooking in a variety of kitchens; the warm watercolor paintings contrast real-life domesticity with the exhilaration of the pending nuptials. (Picture book. 4-7)
