What Should I Make? by Nandini Nayar, illustrated by Proiti Roy
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Tricycle Press (August 11, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-1582462943
Back-of-the-book-blurb: Neeraj loves to help out when his mom is cooking his favorite snack: hot, light, puffy chapati. And today she’s given him a bit of dough. What should he make with it?
A snake?
A cat?
A mouse?
But what if one of these shapes come to life? Neeraj wonders. “Roll it up, quick!” says his mother. And he does.
This is a playful story about imagination and the satisfaction that comes from creating something in the kitchen.
She is Too Fond of Books’ review: What Should I Make? is at once simple and familiar, a story about finding pleasure in the routines of our daily lives. That’s how it read to this adult anyway, my 5-year-old jumped right into the adventure of imagination with Neeraj, and then mimicked his dough creations when we made our own chapatis.
Nandini Nayar’s text is easy to understand, and introduces some Hindi words (chapati and tava); the other word that was new to my preschooler was kneaded. There is a pattern to Neeraj sculpting an animal with the dough, imagining trouble, and his mother calling “Roll it up, quick, quick!” This repetition of text encourages the young reader to make predictions and to be able to “read” (tell) the story easily.
The bright uncluttered illustrations focus on Neeraj and the key ingredients to his adventure – the dough, rolling pin and board, and the tava. Proiti Roy shows only a fraction of his mother’s clothing, but she is there, encouraging Neeraj and keeping him safe.
The back of the book lists the steps for making chapatis, and has a pronunciation guide and definitions for chapati and tava.
After we read the book, we mixed the dough and my little guy made several creatures while I rolled the rest. This was my first attempt at chapatis – I perhaps should have made them thinner or the heat a little higher so they’d puff more. In any case, they were tasty with jam and butter, and a nice diversion for a boy who’s been sick all week.
Pop on over to Beth Fish Reads’ Weekend Cooking to find links to other food-related posts today. There may be book reviews, recipes, kitchen gadget tips and tricks …
FTC disclosure: review copy provided by the publisher.
This looks like a fun learning book for kids, but really the determining factor is having a good caregiver like you to participate along with your children!
I like that your little guy could see the connection between book and fun. Having something yummy to eat was good too, I’ll bet. Hope he’s feeling better.
What a precious post! The book looks adorable and I love that you made it come alive for a sick kiddo!
The book and the chapatis look yummy. And it sounds like the perfect afternoon for a kid who’s been fighting a cold for long, long week.
I love books that get kids involved! This sounds great. I hope your little guy is feeling better today.
yummm…everything is better with butter and jam!
I am always amazed at the projects you undertake, both with your children and on your own. Your chapati’s look great as well! I would think they would be a delicious afternoon snack for any age group. I’m sorry to hear that your son was feeling bad, and it’s good to know he got a lot of enjoyment out of the book.
This sound great…and reminds me what a fun and creative mom you are!