When Grandmas Cook

September 15, 2024
The language of cooking goes global. "When grandmas cook for us, they make us happy. And that makesthem 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 forgrandmotherand 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)

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