Coming together to share food creates and sustains community. In children's literature, stories of community and food often go hand-in-hand. These books invite readers to welcome differences and newcomers, opening a door for people from various background to bond and share their food and traditions.
Below you will find a list of books we hope will start conversations with young people about the importance of food and community.
Our Little Kitchen
By Jillian Tamaki
Groundwood Books, Canada (2020)
A group of neighbors work together to prepare a community meal. In rhyming verse rich in onomatopoeia, fresh produce harvested from the community garden, day-old bread, and other donated items become a feast for the masses. Tamaki’s background as a graphic novelist shines through in her visual storytelling and use of speech bubbles. This picturebook includes an author’s note about the volunteer experience that served as her inspiration.
Awâsis and the World Famous Bannock
By Dallas Hunt & Illustrated by Amanda Strong
HighWater Press, Canada (2018)
Kôhkum (Grandmother) asks Awâsis to take some of her world-famous bannock to a relative. Along the way, Awâsis accidentally loses the tasty bread. Oh no! Thankfully, the animals of the forest are there to help. An ode to the importance of seeking help from your community in times of need. Cree vocabulary words (animals, baking ingredients) are used throughout.
Au 10 Rue Des Jardins
(Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street: A Collection of Recipes To Share)
Written and illustrated by Felicita Sala
Éditions Cambourakis, France (2018)
The residents of 10, Rue Des Jardins love to cook! In this multicultural apartment block, everyone is making something tasty. Each double page is dedicated to each one neighbour and their signature recipe, from Salmorejo to Coconut Dahl. On the final page, all the residents gather outside to share their meals.
Also available in Italian, Spanish, Korean, Greek, Polish, Russian, German, and Complex Chinese translations.
Sharbar is So Hungry
By Samar Baraj and Sinan Hallak
Academia International, Lebanon (2016)
Sharbar is a green monster who is hungry. It could be enough for a normal human to eat one big sandwich, but not for Sharbar. He is extremely hungry! People and animals run and hide as he devours everything in front of him. When he finally sleeps, people gather to figure out a creative solution. A story that navigates complex political ideas in simple ways and shows the power of one community against the greed of one green monster.
Salma the Syrian Chef
Written by Danny Ramadan & Illustrated by Anna Bron
Annick Press, Canada (2020)
Salma and her mother are refugees from Syria who have moved to Vancouver, Canada. They anxiously wait for her father to join them in their new country. Together with new friends, Salma makes food from Syria to cheer up her mom. Salma the Syrian Chef is a story of connecting with family (both biological and found) through food.
Thank You, Omu!
By Oge Mora
Little, Brown Books, USA (2018)
Omu (pronounced AH-moo) is making a delicious red stew for her supper. It smells so good that her neighbours come to the door one by one, hoping for a taste. Omu hands out bowl after bowl. When it comes time for supper, the pot is empty. Omu’s kindness is returned to her as her neighbours come together to prepare a feast. A beautifully illustrated reflection on generosity, community, and what it means to give back.
2019 Caldecott Honor
2019 Corretta Scott King Steptoe Award for Best New Illustrator
2019 Ezra Jack Keats Book Award
Bilal Cooks Daal
By Aisha Saeed & Illustrated by Anoosha Syed
Simon & Schuster, USA (2019)
Bilal is excited to cook his favourite meal with his dad – daal! His dad learned the recipe from his mother, who grew up in Pakistan. Bilal is even more excited to share his daal with his friends, but this slow-cooked dish takes time and patience. While they wait for the daal to cook, Bilal worries his friends might not like it as much as he does. This picturebook, written by a founding member of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books, celebrates sharing traditions and trying new things. Includes an author’s note and a recipe for Chana Daal.
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book 2019
The Neighborhood Surprise
By Sarah van Dongen
Tiny Owl Publishing, UK (2021)
All the children in the neighbourhood like Mrs. Fig. They love her stories and delicious cookies. When children find out that Mrs Fig is leaving for a nursing home, they organize a surprise street party for her. The twist at the end is sure to put a smile on readers' faces. Food brings the neighbourhood together in this charming picturebook about life-styles. An endnote includes information on vegan and vegetarian diets.
Do you have a favourite book about food and community? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below.
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