”Unsure about the definition of curry, a young girl of South Asian descent discovers that this term encompasses many things all at once… This tale will especially appeal to readers of South Asian heritage, who will welcome this authentic representation of the lingering fragrances of a complex food, although others will, too. Evoking the enticing aroma of beloved foods, Ladi’s swirling illustrations extend Marianayagam’s words nicely… A clever stew of poetic words spiced up with joyful illustrations.”—Kirkus Reviews
”Shirin loves the various curries that Amma, her mother, makes, but when her friend Charlotte asks what curry is exactly, Shirin has trouble explaining it. They ask Amma, who prepares a curry dish for them. As they add each ingredient to the pot, joyful, sensory-rich text conveys its importance to the dish as well as the feelings and memories it elicits… Vibrantly colored illustrations that incorporate cultural details beautifully reflect this blend of the present and memories of family traditions. In the process of making curry, Shirin realizes it’s not an exact concoction but a ‘creation, open to invention’ and adds her own ingredient.”—Booklist
”Shirin loves curry but has a hard time explaining to her friend Charlotte what curry is, launching a delightful afternoon when Shirin, Charlotte, and Shirin’s mother (or Amma) explore all the different ingredients and methods of making curry. Simple ingredients like fenugreek, mustard seeds, garlic, ginger, and onion are all given lush metaphors. Shirin is a curious and thoughtful protagonist and by framing the story through the explanation of curry to her friend, young readers will be naturally drawn into the meditative descriptions. In addition to Shirin and Amma, there are numerous depictions of brown-skinned characters that emphasize the importance of curry not only to Shirin but also her friends, family, and community. The author’s descriptions of each food item are both poetic and mouth-watering, as are the artist’s vibrant illustrations with colored pencil.”—ACL Bayviews
“Curry Means More is both informative and inspirational. Shirin has a friend who is curious about the meal she is eating and happily takes her on a sensory packed exploration of curry. With her Amma, Shirin teaches Charlotte all about how curry is like a bead on a headpiece worn by a bharatanatyam dancer. Curry is also made from a leaf but it is more than just a leaf – it embodies growth. The lessons tied to curry are deeply rooted in the values of Amma’s family and her culture…This was a great book to read! This is the perfect book for the aspiring young chef. It even has a curry recipe in the back of the book. It would be perfect for children ages 5 and older.”—Youth Services Book Review
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