This article was authored by Publisher Spotlight intern Shanti Liu
I open the fridge.
An assortment of sauces, a singular moldy-looking bok choy from last week’s grocery run, and a collection of different colored take-out containers fill my refrigerator to the brim.
The grumbling in my stomach is getting louder. As I am scavenging for food, my eyes suddenly light up. A container of leftover white rice, tucked neatly in the back corner of the shelf, catches my attention.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese American culture. Though it appears to be such a simple dish, it is actually born from necessity. In Ancient China, families would transform leftover rice and whatever ingredients they had into a delicious new meal. It is a dish rooted in resourcefulness passed down through generations of Chinese families before finding its way into my very kitchen.
But, I also love to put my own spin on things. As a Chinese American who grew up surrounded by a variety of cultures, I love experimenting with the flavors of different cuisines. That same appreciation for cultural food extends beyond the kitchen and onto the pages of picture books as well. Picture books with diverse food themes can invite young readers to explore different cultures, traditions, and communities around the world. These books encourage children to celebrate their own heritage while embracing the rich flavors and stories of other people.
Red Comet Press’ FRIED RICE SURPRISE, written by Patricia Tanumihardja and illustrated by Shiho Pate, is a heartwarming story about a little girl named Fern who loves lunchtime. When Fern’s mama teaches her about the Japanese tradition of “mottainai” or never wasting what’s too good to throw away, Fern is inspired to make a dish that she can share with all her friends at lunchtime. With her Mama, Fern stirs fried rice with flavors from all around the world. Perfect for young readers ages 4 to 6.
Dumplings can mean a variety of different foods in Barefoot Books’ DUMPLING DAY, written by Meera Sriram and illustrated by Inés de Antuñano. In preparation for a neighborhood potluck, 10 diverse families cook dumplings in their kitchens. From India to Italy, each dumpling is unique and reflects the flavors and traditions of the families that make them. Authentic dumpling recipes from each region are also included in the endnotes. This title is also available in a bilingual edition with Vietnamese above the English. Suitable for kids 3 to 8.
KIMCHI TACO TIME, written by June Jo Lee and Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Hayelin Choi, and published by Readers to Eaters, follows a young kid named Ren who loves family taco night. One night, Ren’s grandma shows up to taco night with her spicy Korean kimchi. Together, they discover that combining tacos with Korean flavors can create a delicious celebration of culture. Geared towards children ages 6 to 10.
In PAPA’S BUTTER CHICKEN, written by Monica Saigal, illustrated by Abeeha Tariq, and published by Tiger Tales, Monica and her father love preparing her father’s signature butter chicken recipe together. Once the dish is done, Monica and her father invite all their family and friends to share the special feast. A foreword by renowned chef José Andrés is included in the book, followed by one of his recipes. This is a heartwarming story about family and the joys of sharing culture through food, perfect for young readers ages 3 to 7.
Follow the journey of how some of the world’s most beloved foods were created in THE TRAVELING TACO, written by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong, and published by Red Comet Press. Many of the well-known foods people eat today have travelled far and wide from where they originated. This nonfiction book features rhyming text and vivid illustrations that dive into the surprising backgrounds of foods from all over the world. Suitable for readers ages 5 to 8.
Food has always been more than just something that we eat. It reflects tradition. And it is also a reflection of the ways that different cultures can come together to create new traditions. Like a bowl of fried rice made from an assortment of ingredients and leftovers, these stories bring together unique experiences to create something very meaningful. Through these books, children can celebrate their own food traditions while also exploring cultures beyond their own.
I don’t know about you, but a splash of curry powder, my mom’s homemade kimchi, a drizzle of sriracha, and a can of refried beans will always find their way into my pan of fried rice.
