Two starred reviews!
From award-winning author Candice Iloh and New York Times illustrator Bea Jackson comes a jovialheartfelt (Publishers Weekly, starred review) picture book celebration of traditional Nigerian home cooking and the surprising joys of trying new things, from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum.
Emekas favorite food is jollof rice. He eats it every day. Emeka, come and try this egusi! Mama and Papa urge. But orange rice is what Emeka knows. He doesnt want anything different.
Then one day, Emeka comes home from school to find Mama in the kitchen waiting for him to help her cook egusi. One by one, new things go into the pot. There are so many colors and smells and sounds! And Emeka is a great helper. Could it be that trying something new might actually begood?
Arvustused
"Ilohs methodically paced story is as warm and flavorful as the titular soup. Inspired by their younger sibling, they offer a loving portrait of a child on the autistic spectrum whos supported by family members eager to meet him where he is . . . [ Jackson's] digital illustrations rely on multiple angles, photorealistic depictions of the foods, and masterful use of light and shadowall of which adds up to both an utterly immersive culinary experience and a tale of familial bonding at its best." -- Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW Ilohs rhythmic repetition captures the childs hesitation and interest, while Jacksons lush digital illustrations fill the pages with the family kitchens warmth. Its a heartfelt story that smartly twines familiar comforts with the joy of learning something new. -- Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW Iloh and Jackson have created an endearing character who is fully capable of starring in more adventures. . . . A delightful story certain to win over listeners at story hours or in classroom units about food and what it means. -- School Library Journal
Candice Iloh is a first-generation Nigerian American writer whose books center home. A National Book Award Finalist and two-time Printz Honoree, their young adult novels include Every Body Looking, Break This House, and Salt the Water. They are a proud alum of the Rhode Island Writers Colony and have earned fellowships from Lambda Literary, VONA, Kimbilio Fiction, and the PEW Center for Arts & Heritage. Currently a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and formerly a high school creative writing teacher, they have taught young people of every age. Emeka, Eat Egusi! is their debut picture book. Visit Candice online at CandiceIloh.com.
Bea (Brittany) Jackson is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning illustrator of Parker Looks Up and Parker Shines On, as well as the author-illustrator of Lilys Dream and the Fairies Welcome series. She attended the College for Creative Studies and was a grand prize winner of the L. Ron Hubbards Illustrator of the Future Contest. In addition to her work as a childrens book artist and a character and concept artist, Beas art has been featured on books and comic covers as well as in various magazines. She lives in Detroit, Michigan. Visit Bea online at BeaGifted.com.
