Publishers Weekly
06/28/2021
It’s the night before brown-skinned Kalamata’s first day at a new school, and despite earlier excitement, nervousness now overwhelms. But with the emotional support of her stuffed alligator Al Dente—and a little help from her mother—Kalamata might be able to revisit the bravery she experienced at an Indian spice market over the summer: “Al wasn’t scared to try ANYTHING in the market!... Maybe we should go back!” As Mama opens the spice cabinet and begins cooking, Thomas follows Kalamata’s imaginative journey beneath the kitchen table with plenty of transportive sensory details: “There was a sizzle in the distance, and the world blossomed into a deep, dense curry-leaf forest.” Edwards illustrates vivid, earth-toned digital spreads with Indian-inflected designs and patterns. This picture book sweetly portrays one child finding comfort in her heritage. Back matter features a recipe for Kalamata’s Dal and a brief glossary of ingredients and methods mentioned. Ages 4–8. (July)
From the Publisher
Kalamata’s Kitchen is an inspiring picture book for the next generation of curious eaters and courageous cooks.” –Bon Appétit
"A beautifully illustrated, lyrical picture book" –Kirkus Reviews
“This picture book sweetly portrays one child finding comfort in her heritage.” –Publishers Weekly
“[Reminds] readers to remember all the ways they are brave every day, even in their imaginations. This helps prepare for new experiences with confidence rather than anxiety.” –Booklist
School Library Journal
07/01/2021
K-Gr 3—While her mother prepares dinner, Kalamata is anxiously anticipating her first day of school. She talks about not going, so she and her alligator, Al Dente, slide under the magic dining room table to go for a little trip. The trip is full of the delicious smells and sounds of her mom making dinner, which turns out to be a South Asian dish, dal. A recipe is included so readers can try recreating the exciting adventure at home. Kids who like to cook or like to try new foods will be intrigued by the food descriptions and figurative language, such as comparing the popping of mustard seeds to fireworks. The artwork is vibrant and vivid, with deeply saturated colors, conveying what the heroine is seeing and experiencing. This is apparently the start of a series of books about Kalamata and her culinary travels. VERDICT This is a fun adventure story, with the benefit of piqueing interest in international cooking.—Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elem., FL
Kirkus Reviews
2021-05-19
Kalamata, who is about to start a brand-new school, is trying to figure out how to be brave.
She remembers a time she and her family visited a spice market in India where, when faced with the intimidating crowd and all of the new sights and sounds and smells, Kalamata’s curiosity got the better of her nerves. Maybe, Kalamata thinks, if she can remember how she channeled that bravery, she can find the courage to be OK with going to school tomorrow. Kalamata climbs under the kitchen table with her stuffed-animal alligator, Al Dente, and works some under-the-table magic to transport herself back to the spice market. In her fanciful imagination, the stalls full of delicious ingredients transform into multicolored mountains, curry-leaf jungles, and even fluffy snowstorms. By the time she is ready to return to her hideaway under the table, Kalamata has found her courage—as well as her sense of adventure. The book’s vivid collage illustrations feature saturated hues and a female protagonist with dark skin and black, textured hair. The text is lyrical and poetic, conjuring clever and unexpected images that invoke all five senses. The plot, however, feels unfinished, particularly since there is no clear reason why Kalamata’s visit to the spice market results in her subsequent bravery, making the change in her character unconvincing. A final spread offers a map of India and some facts about cooking and spices.
A beautifully illustrated, lyrical picture book with an underwhelming plot. (Picture book. 4-8)
