Lidia's Family Kitchen: Nonna's Birthday Surprise
In this companion to Nonna Tell Me a Story (2010), chef and television personality Bastianich welcomes her grandchildren to the kitchen to plan a surprise birthday party for Nonna (the author’s mother). The group discusses favorite foods (and how they don’t always go together), and Bastianich reminisces about her own childhood in Italy, emphasizing the importance of serving fresh, seasonal foods. Finally, they visit a farmer’s market to select ingredients for pasta primavera. Graef’s soft-focused, full-color artwork features rosy-cheeked, earnest children always on their best behavior. Meanwhile, the 18 appended, adult-focused Italian recipes include foods with much child appeal. They are arranged seasonally and include practical suggestions for child participation. Although Bastianich’s adult fans may be this book’s most reliable audience, children who enjoy cooking should appreciate the book’s edible results. Other titles that wax nostalgic about Italian cooking include Nancy F. Castaldo’s Pizza for the Queen (2005). Grades K-2. --Kay Weisman