A vibrant survey of traditional foods from all over the world, laced with multigenerational love.
The language of cooking goes global.
“When grandmas cook for us, they make us happy. And that makes them happy.” The opening lines of this board book capture the essence of this title. Children are invited into the kitchens of grannies from different cultures, including the U.S., Mexico, Italy, India, and Nigeria. Each page captures the grandmothers’ love and warmth for their families, while also introducing readers to each culture’s word for grandmotherand a favorite comfort food. On one page, for instance, a South Korean halmoni makes mandu, or dumplings, for her family. On the table, the tools and ingredients for making this Korean dish are labeled, among them daepa (scallions) and baechu (cabbage). On another page, a Ukrainian babusia prepares borscht (“a scrumptious soup you can eat hot or cold”) using a kivsh (ladle) and a kastrulya (large pot). Though the text is somewhat on the advanced side for board-book audiences, little ones will enjoy poring over the illustrations, guided by loving caregivers; the use of accurate terms results in a rich reading experience. The soft illustrations depict characters diverse in terms of skin tone, hairstyle, and clothing. Children are shown assisting with the cooking, making for loving family settings where everyone is included in food preparation.
A vibrant survey of traditional foods from all over the world, laced with multigenerational love. (Board book. 2-5)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781728297699
Page Count: 22
Publisher: duopress/Sourcebooks
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2024
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an...
A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.
Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
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