Seoul food

PreS-Gr 2--Hana's grandparents, from two parts of the world and two different cultures, are planning to visit Hana, her parents, and little sister at the same time. Her Black mother's parents are coming from South Carolina, and her Asian father's parents are arriving from South Korea. The biracial girl wants to make a meal that both sets of grandparents will enjoy, and she wants it also to incorporate the foods they love. What to fix? Many ideas come to mind--tacos, pizza, fancy French cuisine, an easy casserole--but Hana is not satisfied with those suggestions. She decides to concoct her own recipe using ingredients her elders find delicious. Colorful illustrations rendered digitally fill the pages with movement, music, and love. These cheerful pictures appear in vignettes and across spreads. Unfamiliar words used in the text are listed at the end along with their definition and a pronunciation guide. "Hana's Recipe for Kimchi Gumbo" is also included for readers who would like to taste an inventive bicultural dinner. VERDICT This blending of food and cultures is a refreshing celebration of a happy interracial family.--Maryann H. Owen

When extended family gathers, a biracial child must figure out a menu that will satisfy everyone's taste buds. Hana is excited to learn that Grandpa and Grandma Williams, who are Black and live in South Carolina, and Harabeoji and Halmoni, who are from South Korea, will soon visit. Hana, who's always wished both sets of grandparents could be closer, wants to plan a special dinner. What should they serve? Daddy suggests pizza or tacos. Mommy proposes something French. Each possibility is dismissed by Hana as "not special enough" or "too hard." After Daddy encourages Hana not to give up, the child ponders. Hana remembers making a yummy pot of gumbo with Grandpa and Grandma Williams and cooking "sweet, sour, and spicy" kimchi-jigae with Harabeoji and Halmoni. Inspired, Hana starts cooking and even begins to dance as the pot bubbles and simmers with the various flavors mixing. All the grandparents arrive to a table set with condiments from both cuisines. Is it Korean food? Is it soul food? Hana proclaims, "It's Seoul food!" As everyone raves about the kimchi gumbo and the grandparents make plans to visit one another, Hana reveals that love is the "ingredient that brings us all together." Charming cartoon illustrations are layered with a warm palette and textured lines, while the delightfully child-centered story is sure to resonate with young readers. A delectable celebration of a bicultural identity. (glossary, recipe for kimchi gumbo) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.