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Summary
Summary
Jin wishes his family would ask him to help prepare the Lunar New Year feast. But boys, or Babas, never get asked--only Nyonyas, the girls.
It's the eve of Lunar New Year, and Jin can't wait for the big family reunion dinner. He loves the aromas and the bubbly chatter coming from the kitchen. His grandmother, Mamah, is cooking up a storm!
As his aunties dice, slice, and chop, there's nothing Jin wants more than to learn about the history of his family's cooking and to lend them a helping hand. After all, no one else can tell the difference between ginger and galangal as well as he can! But his aunties shoo him away, claiming he'll just get bored or be in the way. Luckily, Mamah steps in and asks Jin to help her prepare their special meal. Soon, Jin is squeezing, slicing, and stirring, too!
This loving picture book about a young Malaysian boy who defies gender expectations will make hearts warm and stomachs hungry. With beautifully vibrant illustrations of a traditional nyonya kitchen, Boys Don't Fry is a heartfelt celebration of family, culture, and traditions--both old and new.
Author Notes
Kimberly Lee is a lawyer, Managing Editor of parenting platform, makchic, the author of Boys Don't Fry , illustrated by Charlene Chua, and the co-author of What if? . Her love of cooking good food is superseded only by her love of eating it. She lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with her husband and their two young sons. Find her online on her website or on Instagram and Twitter.
Charlene Chua (she/they) is the illustrator of several picture books, including Pinkie Promises by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and LAMBDA nominated book Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild. She is also the author-illustrator of Hug? When they are not making art, they enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with their cats. Charlene now lives with her husband (and cats!) in Hamilton, Ontario.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--This heartwarming picture book centers on a boy wanting to help his grandma cook the Lunar New Year feast and beats down stereotypes with a mighty whisk. A loving family is preparing for the new year with Mamah, the grandmother, leading the way and the aunties helping. Jin wants to help too, but boys don't help in the kitchen, only girls. Thankfully Mamah steps in, and soon Jin is in the mix listening, learning, and helping prepare the meal. The kitchen is the heart of many families around the world, where recipes are created that are passed on through generations. Lee's story conveys the importance of teaching such traditions and sharing the family's rich, tasty history. Chua's colorful spreads convey the love of the family, the richness of the culture, and the mouth-watering variety of the dishes. The book is full of Malaysian words and phrases; a pronunciation guide is not included. VERDICT A warm holiday story filled with family and food. This is recommended, especially for refreshing Lunar New Year collections or where there are kids who want to cook.--Cassie Veselovsky
Kirkus Review
A young boy of Peranakan Chinese descent would love to help Mamah and his aunties cook a feast for Lunar New Year's Eve, but will they let him? Jin's grandmother Mamah is the heart of their home. He is entranced by the wonderful smells coming from her kitchen as she prepares for a big family reunion dinner. Jin's three aunties ask his sisters to help, but even though none of them are interested, nobody asks Jin. "Babas never got asked--only Nyonyas did." So, gathering his courage, he announces, "I can help." The aunties brush him off, assuming that a boy would only get in the way, but Mamah comes to the rescue: "I don't see anything wrong with Jin learning if he wants to." Jin's excitement at helping Mamah cook is palpable in Lee's sensory-laden text ("The sizzle of her stuffed fried fish sounded like music"), and the two have a blast pounding, pressing, squeezing, slicing, and crying with laughter. Soon they have a feast of Peranakan Chinese delights, and Jin even learns some of Mamah's secrets, like her father's laksa recipe. Colorful digital illustrations with a cartoony look do a fine job of conveying the action, and the slightly contrived climactic moment for Jin is easily overlooked for the bigger message of allowing kids to explore their interests and connect with family. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Delicious and affirming. (author's note, recipe) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
The delicious smells coming from his grandmother Mamah's kitchen lure Jin closer, but his aunties shoo him away. While his younger sisters are invited to help, boys are not included. The sisters scurry away with sweet treats, but Jin lingers until Mamah overrules her daughters and gives Jin a chance. He wants to see and hear about everything she is cooking. Mouthwatering word choices and exuberant digital illustrations draw readers into their Malaysian Lunar New Year celebration. A variety of ingredients are illustrated and labeled to make the recipes more accessible. Family dynamics provide a humorous subplot as Jin tries to prove his worth to Mamah and his skeptical aunts. Although the women of the family are the cooks, Mamah shares that her laksa recipe was given to her by her father, subtly telling Jin that boys can belong in the kitchen. An author's note explains the pertinent language and culture explored in the story. With its emphasis on family love and connection, this gentle challenge to gender stereotypes is a welcome addition to holiday shelves.
