A joyful celebration of food, friendship, and culture, Fried Rice Surprise shows how a little bit of this and a little bit of that can create something magical
Fern loves opening her lunchbox—sometimes it holds something colorful, sometimes sweet and spicy, but always delicious. When she learns about the Japanese tradition of "mottainai"—never wasting what's too good to throw away—Fern is inspired to create a meal to share with her friends.
Together with her mama, she stirs up a wok of fried rice filled with everyone's favorite flavors: curry spices, carnitas, pilaf, bok choy, and more.
With lively, joyful illustrations by Shiho Pate and a heartfelt story by Patricia Tanumihardja, this picture book celebrates food, friendship, and the magic that happens when different ingredients—and people—come together.
Praise
“In this warm follow-up to Ramen for Everyone, a mother delights her daughter, Fern, daily with delicious and beautifully packed lunches. When Fern invites friends to her home for lunch, her mother reveals a secret: her impressive lunches are made from leftovers! Introducing the Japanese concept of mottainai—loosely translated as “waste not, want not”—this foodie tale shows off just how special creatively combined leftovers can be. Warm illustrations baked with watercolorlike softness create a cozy atmosphere in the kitchen; exaggerated, fantastical images—like Fern’s friends floating against brilliantly colored backgrounds while juggling ingredients or riding the scent of fried rice to the lunch table—add excitement and charm. With Mom’s guidance, the friends combine old ingredients in different ways, creating a whole new dish to share. Fern and her mother appear East Asian; Fern’s friends’ skin tones and taste preferences suggest a distinct cultural background for each. VERDICT This celebration of economical cooking and the magic of a communal kitchen should find a home in most library collections.”
—School Library Journal
"With gently glowing backlit illustrations, Pate’s full-page spreads come to life and exquisitely capture the transformative process of cooking. Inventive use of perspective lends motion to the actions of chopping and stirring, while an extensive range of character expressions denote the simple pleasure of eating. Backgrounds are kept pleasantly subdued, allowing full focus on the creation occurring in the kitchen and the continued strengthening of bonds between characters. . . . the picture book retains a classic overall message—demonstrating food’s near-magical ability to bring people together regardless of their differences. . . .To bring kids together and into their seats for the duration of lunchtime—always a challenge— teachers are encouraged to read this book aloud just before it’s time to eat. Recommended"
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“Every page is an appetizing testament to the magic of cooking and its ability to foster cross-cultural and familial connection.”
—Booklist
“A tasty book about friendship and flavors that will whet reader’s appetites and inspire culinary creativity. . . . a delicious treat for young readers, urging them to cook, create and conserve, while valuing a multitude of flavors and friendships."
—Bookpage
