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
“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. 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… the picture book retains a classic overall message—demonstrating food’s near-magical ability to bring people together regardless of their differences…. Recommended."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
". . . (a) creative culinary treat . . . Adorned with splashes of punchy colors and graceful brushstrokes, 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 readers’ 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
“An absolute must-have for families who love cooking together or those looking for a fun, zero-pressure way to teach kids about sustainability, reducing waste, and trying new foods. Little chefs, comic book fans, and nature-minded kids alike will find plenty to love in these pages.”
An absolute must-have for families who love cooking together or those looking for a fun, zero-pressure way to teach kids about sustainability, reducing waste, and trying new foods. Little chefs, comic book fans, and nature-minded kids alike will find plenty to love in these pages.
—YA & KIds Book Central
“The art just explodes off the page . . . A flavorable creation in multiple ways.”
—Betsy Bird, Fuse#8
A Hot Off the Press Pick
—Children's Book Council
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Imprint: Red Comet
Trim Size: 10 x 10
ISBN: 9781636551838
Page Count: 42
Illustrations: 4-color illustrations throughout
Rights: World/All
Age Range: 4 - 8
Patricia Tanumihardjawas born in Jakarta to Chinese-Indonesian parents and grew up in Singapore, where she developed a lifelong love of food and storytelling. She is the author of several cookbooks highlighting pan-Asian flavors as well as children’s picture books that celebrate the connections between food, culture, and community, including Ramen for Everyone and Fried Rice Surprise. She now lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and son, where she continues to write and cook with equal passion. Shiho Patewas born and raised in Japan and worked for over a decade in the indie gaming industry in New York before turning to children’s books, where she brings her signature playful style to life using gouache, watercolor, and digital media. Now based in Southern California, she has illustrated numerous picture books that sparkle with warmth, humor, and cultural richness, including Fried Rice Surprise and the beginning reader series The Rescues, also from Red Comet Press.
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