Growing up as a mixed kid (Mexican, African, Indigenous, and Eastern European) in a homogenous rural town, I relied on stories to offer a peek into different cultures. My love for storytelling strengthened during my studies at UCLA, leading to a career as an actress and author. In my debut children’s book, food is at the center of my mixed character’s journey because of its inviting, universal nature. I truly believe stories centered on food are a lovely way to introduce children to diverse cultures. I hope you enjoy my picks and feel inspired to share a meal with someone new.
I loved reading Thank You, Omu! because Omu’s stew reminded me of my own grandma’s menudo, which is a Mexican soup.
I was instantly transported to memories of holiday gatherings when my grandma would make a large pot of menudo that could fill a whole bunch of bowls to the top. Plus, it’s red like Omu’s stew! In my family, it’s common for cousins to bring significant others or friends who may not have family close by to our holiday dinners, so seeing the mix of characters who visited Omu felt very familiar.
I love how people of different ages and walks of life bond over the stew – food is such a nice way to bring people together.
A generous woman is rewarded by her community in this remarkable author-illustrator debut that's perfect for the Thanksgiving season, perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street.
Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?
Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings a heartwarming story of sharing and community to life in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as…
If you’re a fan of tacos (who isn't?!) this book is a must-have! I’ve been eating tacos my whole life and I adore how How to Fold a Taco celebrates one of my favorite foods.
I’m so happy the book showcases how deliciously messy tacos are, which definitely adds to their charm. I kept thinking about my favorite taco spots which range from local taco stands and trucks to times I’ve traveled to cities known for excellent tacos like Mexico City and Oaxaca.
I appreciate that the book is bilingual as well because it really captures the heart of tacos and how influential the Mexican staple has been around the world.
How to Fold a Taco is a delightful, irreverent and fun bilingual children's book that uses fantastical elements such as wrestlers, dragons, magicians, dinosaurs and more to explore creative ways to fold the popular Mexican dish, the Taco. By addressing concepts such as left, right, up, down, reverse, dancing, spinning etc. it encourages children to practice basic motor skills, coordination and active imagination. The book provides fun, easy, and imaginative exercises through engaging storytelling. There is a simple kid-friendly Taco recipe in the book as well as a paragraph explaining the history and origins of the Taco.
Tomatoes for Neela is a beautiful book and such a treat to read knowing it’s written by a prominent chef!
I have to admit that I am not one who loves vegetables (I’m a sweet tooth!). However, this story really inspired me to take full advantage of the access I have to fresh produce. I share Neela’s excitement for her favorite day of the week being the day of the green market.
My own neighborhood has the most charming farmer’s market every Thursday and I love walking around, seeing all the colors and varieties of food there. I was definitely encouraged to add more veggies, especially tomatoes, to my tote bag and enjoy having a go-to tomato sauce recipe from the Padma Lakshmi to share with friends for pasta night.
Padma Lakshmi, bestselling author and host of Bravo's Top Chef and Hulu's Taste the Nation, and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal team up in this celebration of food and family.
“Some of my fondest memories from childhood are of cooking with the women in my family. It is the foundation for all I have spent my life working on.” –Padma Lakshmi
Neela loves cooking with her amma and writing down the recipes in her notebook. It makes her feel closer to her paati who lives far away in India. On Saturdays, Neela and Amma go to the green market and…
I wish Fry Bread was around when I was growing up! This book is absolutely touching and spoke to me in such a personal way.
Having Native American ancestry, but not knowing a lot about my family’s history has left me feeling disconnected from that part of my heritage. However, this story is such an immersive way to learn and connect with modern Indigenous culture while also learning American history that is not widely shared.
Through the story and author’s note, I really appreciate how the book honors the significance of the pillowy bread in such a simple yet engaging way.
Fry bread is food. It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.
Fry bread is time. It brings families together for meals and new memories.
Fry bread is nation. It might look or taste different, but it is still shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond.
Fry bread is us. It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.
Fry Bread is a story told in lively and powerful verse by Seminole Nation member Kevin Noble Maillard, with vibrant art from Pura Belpre Award winner Juana Martinez-Neal.
I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures, geography, and traveling so reading this book was such a delight.
The author profiles the daily lives of 7 different children from around the world so you really feel like you’re taking a quick trip to meet a new friend. My favorite parts of the book are when the kids describe what they eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
I loved seeing the similarities and differences between each meal. It reminded me of times when I’ve traveled to other countries and tried new types of foods or ways of dining. This book definitely left me eager to start planning my next trip!
Follow one day in the real lives of seven kids from around the world-Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda, and Russia!
In Japan, Kei plays Freeze Tag, while in Uganda, Daphine likes to jump rope. While the way they play may differ, the shared rhythm of their days-and this one world we all share-unites them.
This genuine exchange provides a window into traditions that may be different from our own as well as mirrors reflecting our common experiences. Inspired by his own travels, Matt Lamonthe transports readers across the globe and back with this luminous and thoughtful picture book.
Perfect…
Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients is a picture book for
children ages 5-8. The story features a young mixed-race girl named
Remy, who encounters that intrusive question, “What are you?” during her
first day at a new school. Feeling confused about where she belongs,
Remy learns about ethnicity and what it means to be mixed by doing her
favorite activity with her mother—baking a cake! Remy discovers each of
her ingredients, finding new flavors along the way, and learns
self-acceptance is the sweetest reward.
Since losing his mom, thirteen-year-old Jack Wilson has spent most of his time seeing just how much trouble he can get away with so that he feels like a winner at something. But he takes his mischief too far and is faced with the possibility of unbearable consequences. He knows it’s time to make a big change.
After rediscovering the love of baking he once shared with his mother, Jack is sure that his new sense of purpose will help him stay on the right path, so he throws himself into learning the finer points of sprinkles and scones—and…
After losing his mom, a struggling thirteen-year-old boy in northern Wisconsin rediscovers the love of baking he once shared with her and decides to audition for the world-famous, big-hearted Marvelous Midwest Kids Baking Championship television show in Chicago. Jack is sure that his new sense of purpose will help him stay out of trouble, so he throws himself into learning the finer points of sprinkles and scones -- and hopefully even mending his broken relationship with his dad.
