Happy Nowruz: Cooking with Children to Celebrate the Persian New Year
Combining a cookbook format with straightforward, informational text, this amply illustrated title offers a detailed introduction to the history and customs surrounding Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Beginning spreads cover the holiday’s historical roots and traditional preparations, outlined in clear explanations and activities broken down into highlighted steps. Later pages focus on recipes, starting with safety cautions for both adults and children. From flatbreads to fish strips to Popsicle desserts, the featured dishes adhere to international kid tastes. The covered spiral binding allows pages to remain open while cooking, and the uncluttered, attractive format, featuring color photos of kids in the kitchen and whimsical illustrations, will attract interested browsers. Much more than just a recipe collection, this compendium of customs and cookery about a holiday rarely covered in books for youth will be of great value. Grades 4-8. --Gillian Engberg