Granny's Kitchen by Sade' Smith, illustrated by Ken Daley - ADVISABLE

Granny's Kitchen by Sade' Smith, illustrated by Ken Daley. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan's Children's Publishing Group, 2022. $9. 9781250806338

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Shelly-Ann is a young, black girl who lives with her grandmother in Jamaica. When she gets hungry, she asks her grandmother to make her some dumplins. Granny smiles and says, "Gyal, you betta can cook!" Shelly-Ann's grandmother tries to teach her how to make dumplins but they don't turn out. Shelly-Ann tries to make several different dishes but they don't turn out either. Will Shelly-Ann continue to learn to cook or will she give up trying?

I enjoyed how this book introduced Jamaican food and culture in a fun way. The story is engaging and the illustrations are eye-catching. I loved the theme of perseverance There are recipes at the back of the book for the dishes that are mentioned.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9781250806338