Mei-Mei’s Lucky Birthday Noodles

Title of Picture Book: Mei-Mei’s Lucky Birthday Noodles

Author: Shan-Shan Chen

Illustrator: Heidi Goodman

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): Tuttle Publishing

Publisher’s Blurb: A Loving Story of Adoption, Chinese Culture and a Special Birthday Treat.

Theme (Self, Friends, Family, Places, Celebrations, Nature, Technology, etc): self, family, celebrations

5 Keywords (other than themes): food, recipe, cooking, tradition, kitchen

Brief Review (in under 50 words): The topic of adoption was mentioned only in passing. The main focus was on the process of preparing the birthday noodle.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): National Library Board, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-0-8048-4461-1

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

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List: CindeRilla – Once Upon an Invitation

Title of Picture Book: CindeRilla – Once Upon an Invitation

Author: Rilla Melati Bahri

Illustrator: Maria Christania

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): AFCC Publications, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: CindeRilla is delighted when a new neighbour invites her to a potluck party. But thete is a problem: she cannot cook! Determined to bring her favourite dish, CindeRilla asks her stepmother for help and heads to the market. Will she be able to get all she needs and make her dish in time for the party? And just what is this mysterious dish? Find out in CindeRilla’s hiliarious – and tasty – adventure!


5 Keywords (other than themes): food, cooking, market, neighbourliness, batik

Brief Review (in under 50 words): A tale about preparing Roti John.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB, Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-11-3185-1

Submitted by (could be your preferred name, including pen name): Moses

List: Star Anise, Superstar!

Title of Picture Book: Star Anise, Superstar

Author: Linn Shekinah

Illustrator: OSH

Publisher and Country (may be self-published): The Almond Tree, Singapore

Publisher’s Blurb: Star Anise dreams of being a star. But nobody in Spice Town seems to notice her, so she sets off in search of stardom. Join Star Anise as she goes on a flavourful adventure and finds out what it really means to be a star. This tasty tale is about caring for others.

5 Keywords (other than themes): Spices, Food, Sharing, Cooking, Culture

Brief Review (in under 50 words): A fun way to introduce Asian spices such as star anise, cinnamon, shallot, clover, ginger and chilli. The story is somewhat predictable and the senses associated with spices could have been better engaged. The illustration could also have been more attractive. The Malay text, translated by the Singapore Malay Teachers’ Union, felt like “subtitles”.

Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB Singapore

ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-07-8018-0