Grace Lin (Author)
Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods
Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods
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A New York Times bestseller!
A BookPage Best Book of the Year!
Newbery and Caldecott honoree and New York Times bestselling author Grace Lin delivers a groundbreaking, lushly illustrated, and beautifully written full-color book that explores the whimsical myths and stories behind your favorite American Chinese food.
The perfect gift book for anyone who loves good food—and an even better story!
From fried dumplings to fortune cookies, here are the tales behind your favorite foods.
Do you know the stories behind delectable dishes—like the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizza? Or how dumplings cured a village’s frostbitten ears? Or how wonton soup tells about the creation of the world?
Separated into courses like a Chinese menu, these tales—based in real history and folklore—are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. This book will bring you to far-off times and marvelous places, all while making your mouth water. And, along the way, you might just discover a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph behind this food, and what makes it undeniably American.
Award-winning and bestselling author Grace Lin provides a visual and storytelling feast as she gives insight on the history, legends, and myths behind your favorite American Chinese dishes. Chinese Menu makes the perfect gift book for anyone who loves good food—and an even better story.
Editorial Reviews
"Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods" by Grace Lin is a delightful journey through the rich and fascinating tales behind beloved American Chinese dishes. Lin, a Newbery and Caldecott honoree, weaves together a colorful tapestry of stories, connecting scallion pancakes to pizza and revealing how dumplings once saved a village.
Structured like a Chinese menu, the book invites readers to explore courses filled with mythical dragons, enchanted fruits, and wise monks. Each story, rooted in real history and folklore, not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph embedded in this unique culinary heritage.
Grace Lin's lush illustrations and captivating storytelling make this book a visual and literary feast. It's not just a celebration of good food; it's an exploration of cultural richness and the undeniable American essence found in every bite. Perfect for those who savor both good food and a compelling narrative, "Chinese Menu" is a must-read that will leave you hungry for more stories and, undoubtedly, your favorite Chinese dishes. This book is an ideal gift for anyone who appreciates the intersection of diverse cultures, delectable cuisine, and the magic that lies within both. -- Starry Ferry Books
"Not to be missed, grab your chopsticks, some oolong tea, and dive into this culinary treasure trove." ― SLJ
About the Author
Grace Lin is the award-winning and bestselling author and illustrator of Starry River of the Sky, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, The Year of the Dog, The Year of the Rat, Dumpling Days, and Ling & Ting, as well as picture books such as The Ugly Vegetables and Dim Sum for Everyone! Grace is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Massachusetts.
Her website is www.gracelin.com.
Product details
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Publication
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
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Author
Grace Lin (Author)
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Language
English
Lexile:
8 - 12 years (Grade 3 - 7)
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Pages
288
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ISBN-13
9780316486002