PLEASE PASS THE TAMALES!

Food brings people together in a celebration of culture.

As the book opens, Liliana and her grandmother, who is from Mexico, are working side by side in the kitchen to prepare for a tamalada, a lively family tamale-making gathering. In another kitchen, Yasmany and his Cuban father prepare tamales filled with pork and vegetables. The story follows other Latine families, including those with roots in Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Colombia, each with their own distinctive approach to this beloved dish. Though ingredients and techniques vary, the care and pride behind each delicious recipe remain constant. The narrative culminates in the shared tamalada, where families gather to enjoy their tamales and one another. This joyful conclusion reinforces the book’s central message: Food is both a cultural expression and a means of connection. Along the way, readers learn a variety of facts: Mexican tamales can be sweet or savory; masa, the Spanish word for dough, is made from cornmeal, water, and broth. Spanish vocabulary is woven throughout the text. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino (further information on this institution is appended), the book thoughtfully celebrates the richness of the Latine diaspora. Vibrant illustrations reflect a range of skin tones and hair textures, honoring the diversity within Latine communities and the enduring importance of family and heritage.

Mouthwatering and informative.