Description

One day, in a village in Southern China, a young girl leaves her mama’s house to buy ingredients for wonton soup. On the way to market, she meets a wonderful array of characters going about their daily lives. There’s Ms Chen pulling radishes from the fields, Mr Li and his daughters hauling shrimp from the lake, and grandma hanging out strings of persimmons to dry in the sun.

As the girl greets each of them with “Zao an,” and thanks them with “Xie xie,” they gift her with something special for her mama’s cooking pot. By the time the little girl reaches home, she has more food than her and her mama can possibly eat. What should the two of them do now?

A charming story of cooking, sharing and peaceful rural life that soothes the soul in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world.

Publisher Review

“A mouth-wateringly delicious story, showing how steaming soup can bring people together in surprising and celebratory ways. A young girl sets off with a bamboo basket to fetch meat from the market, encountering all manner of sights, smells, sounds and friends and family along the way in this deeply special story of community and connections.” – Jake Hope, Inclusive Books for Children “I loved this cozy take on a familiar tale set in a new locale. This is a feel-good tale of food and community that will resonate with all readers.”

– Youth Services Book Review, 5 STARS “Canadian author Wong’s welcoming tale of connected community is lovingly enhanced by Zhu’s pastoral illustrations, their earthy tones highlighting the warmth enjoyed throughout the village. A heartfelt reminder of the power of communal caring and sharing.”

– Kirkus Reviews “This warm, involving story of independence and community will be particularly fascinating to young readers in this country, who will learn so much about the little girl’s south China home, and some useful phrases too. The illustrations, in earthy tones of brown, cream and blue, add extra depth.” – Love Reading 4 Kids