So I’ve gotten behind on doing my NetGalley reviews. Sometimes they fall to the side but thankfully I’m getting back on track. The first book I am reviewing is called Curry Means More by Maria Marianayagam (Author), Geeta Ladi (Illustrator).
Synopsis
The book is billed as a cross between two picture books that I absolutely love. It is marketed as a cross between Fry Bread by —— as well as Bilal Cooks Daal. I can definitely see the similarities with these books. All three of them focus on a food that is important to the protagonist culture and learning more about it.
The proganist a little girl named Shirin is asked what curry is by her white friend Charlotte. However since Shirin has had so many different curries in her life she’s not sure how to answer the question. So she goes with Charlotte to ask her mom for help defining what curry is.
The three of them then explore what curry is by cooking a curry together. The two girls have the chance to taste the many different ingredients that go into a curry. From curry leaves to mustard seeds they are in awe of the wonderful flavors and ingredients. They also watch with wonder as Shirin’s mom cooks the curry with love and experience.
Throughout the afternoon the two girls learn that curry isn’t just food. It can remind a person of home. Or that curry be a piece of wisdom shared between generations or provide and invitation to eat together.
Curry Means More shows the magic of a homecooked meal.
Review
This book is a beautiful and intricate introduction to Indian food. It showcases the wide variety of curries and their importance in South/East Asian culture. The book comes at the topic with a child’s curiosity. It also shows how many unique ingredients are used to make a curry. It is drawing a metaphor about how different people can contribute to make something lovely.
The illustrations are gorgeous and the colors are bright and vibrant and can compliment the story wonderfully. You are taken into Shirin’s world and can almost smell the curry yourself due to the vivid descriptions.
I’d most definitely give this book five stars. It is a great introduction to Indian food for children who may not know anything about it. It is also a great mirror for children who eat curry in their homes.
One of my favorite parts of the book is at the end where they include the history of curry. They then provide a family recipe and talk more about the ingredients.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me early access to this book. Do any of you read picture books? If so what are some of your favorites? I particularly enjoy books about food and different cultures.
Happy Reading
Solara
About the Author
Maria Marianayagam is a Tamil Sri Lankan-Canadian picture book and middle-grade author. She was born in India and grew up in Nigeria and four provinces across Canada. Maria is a former chemical engineer who fell in love with children’s books (again!) after becoming an Amma (mom). Maria enjoys writing lyrical picture books centered on STEM, faith, and South Asian culture, as well as high concept middle-grade grounded in culture.
Geeta Ladi is a children’s book illustrator born and raised in Mumbai. She is the illustrator of picture books including My Brain is Magic by Prasha Sooful and A Place for Feelings by Corey Ann Haydu. You can find her on Instagram at @geetaladi_illustrations
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