Boys Don't Fry

September 1, 2023
A young boy of Peranakan Chinese descent would love to help Mamah and his aunties cook a feast for Lunar New Year's Eve, but will they let him? Jin's grandmother Mamah is the heart of their home. He is entranced by the wonderful smells coming from her kitchen as she prepares for a big family reunion dinner. Jin's three aunties ask his sisters to help, but even though none of them are interested, nobody asks Jin. "Babas never got asked--only Nyonyas did." So, gathering his courage, he announces, "I can help." The aunties brush him off, assuming that a boy would only get in the way, but Mamah comes to the rescue: "I don't see anything wrong with Jin learning if he wants to." Jin's excitement at helping Mamah cook is palpable in Lee's sensory-laden text ("The sizzle of her stuffed fried fish sounded like music"), and the two have a blast pounding, pressing, squeezing, slicing, and crying with laughter. Soon they have a feast of Peranakan Chinese delights, and Jin even learns some of Mamah's secrets, like her father's laksa recipe. Colorful digital illustrations with a cartoony look do a fine job of conveying the action, and the slightly contrived climactic moment for Jin is easily overlooked for the bigger message of allowing kids to explore their interests and connect with family. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Delicious and affirming. (author's note, recipe) (Picture book. 4-8)

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November 10, 2023
Grades K-2 The delicious smells coming from his grandmother Mamah's kitchen lure Jin closer, but his aunties shoo him away. While his younger sisters are invited to help, boys are not included. The sisters scurry away with sweet treats, but Jin lingers until Mamah overrules her daughters and gives Jin a chance. He wants to see and hear about everything she is cooking. Mouthwatering word choices and exuberant digital illustrations draw readers into their Malaysian Lunar New Year celebration. A variety of ingredients are illustrated and labeled to make the recipes more accessible. Family dynamics provide a humorous subplot as Jin tries to prove his worth to Mamah and his skeptical aunts. Although the women of the family are the cooks, Mamah shares that her laksa recipe was given to her by her father, subtly telling Jin that boys can belong in the kitchen. An author's note explains the pertinent language and culture explored in the story. With its emphasis on family love and connection, this gentle challenge to gender stereotypes is a welcome addition to holiday shelves.

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December 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-This heartwarming picture book centers on a boy wanting to help his grandma cook the Lunar New Year feast and beats down stereotypes with a mighty whisk. A loving family is preparing for the new year with Mamah, the grandmother, leading the way and the aunties helping. Jin wants to help too, but boys don't help in the kitchen, only girls. Thankfully Mamah steps in, and soon Jin is in the mix listening, learning, and helping prepare the meal. The kitchen is the heart of many families around the world, where recipes are created that are passed on through generations. Lee's story conveys the importance of teaching such traditions and sharing the family's rich, tasty history. Chua's colorful spreads convey the love of the family, the richness of the culture, and the mouth-watering variety of the dishes. The book is full of Malaysian words and phrases; a pronunciation guide is not included. VERDICT A warm holiday story filled with family and food. This is recommended, especially for refreshing Lunar New Year collections or where there are kids who want to cook.-Cassie Veselovsky

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