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
