Tasting Words

“A child facilitates friendship between a relative and another older woman, neither of whom speaks the other’s language. . . . Azaad and Buchet’s story is as rich as one of Bibi’s (or Mémé’s) dishes: It touches on the challenges and rewards of learning a new language, the excitement of making a new friend, the importance of showing gratitude, and the satisfaction of facilitating someone else’s happiness. Palacios’ illustrations are glorious, capturing the narrative’s emotional subtleties. . . . A bighearted, nuanced, and original tale about assimilation and the universal language of food.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The power of food to bridge language barriers is at the heart of this warm story about love, culture, and connection. . . . As the two grandmothers bond through food, Ava discovers that meaningful connections don’t require shared words. The story concludes with Ava and Lucie welcoming a new friend, Omar, and his grandmother into their growing community, reinforcing the book’s message of inclusion and belonging. An author’s note provides additional insight into Persian and French language and customs. With its gentle message and rich cultural details, this is a heartwarming read that reminds readers that kindness, generosity, and a shared meal can speak louder than words.” —Booklist