Author: Songju Ma Daemicke
Illustrator: Shennen Bersani
Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
This book review is a part of the efforts of MCBD to showcase multicultural books to all of us. I am grateful to participate in this effort and do my bit.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2022 (1/28/22) is in its 9th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission & History HERE.
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This story by Songju Ma reminds me of the Akbar and Birbal folktales that I read as a child. So fun!
Ming hears Fu Wang announce an invitation to the townsfolk that he is cooking eight delicious dishes for them. But soon after, Fu Wang announces he will be collecting payment from every family for enjoying the aromas of the dishes. When the families, including Mings, don’t make the payment they are ordered to the city court. Thankfully, the judge sees through Fu Wang’s greed and devices a fitting response.
At the end of the book, there is a nice little surprise for educators. A detailed discussion of senses and an explanation of diffusion and ideas to conduct experiments with the little ones.
It’s so nice to see the range of topics in multicultural books. This one with its focus on STEM makes it special for me. Do look it up to add to your own collection.