THE GREAT PUMPKIN PANCAKE PARTY

A grandfather and grandchild create a delectable new Halloween tradition.

Lilly’s Lao Ye (Grandfather) recently moved to Mei Guo—the Chinese name for America, meaning “beautiful country”—to live with family. He loves all the holidays, especially Halloween. He enjoys the decorations, costumes, spooky tales, and, most of all, “the kindness of Halloween. Kids can dress up and be anything they want to be. Neighbors open their doors to new friends.” This year, Lao Ye wants to throw a party featuring the family’s special recipes, including Shanghai bok choy with ginger, stir-fried nian gao, and pumpkin egg pancakes. Lilly worries Lao Ye will feel hurt if the neighbors don’t like his dishes. “Why not make something like fried rice?” Lilly asks. “I make them family dishes, Lilly, because that’s how they become family,” Lao Ye explains. After an enticing evening of laughter, smiles, and nods (and some translation help from Lilly), everyone looks forward to another party next year. Wu’s gorgeous digitally rendered art, which favors rich, autumnal hues, often bleeds off the page, underscoring the exuberance of planning, cooking, and celebrating. Pewter’s author’s note reveals the autobiographical provenance of her warm, welcoming multigenerational narrative, inspired by her grandfather’s immigration from Taiwan; she hopes his story might serve as an antidote to the increase in anti-Asian hate in recent years.

An inviting, irresistible feast that reflects how delicious food inspires communal sharing and caring.