100 Chapatis

October 15, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 Simon and his grandpa are waiting at home while his parents are at the hospital--Simon's mom is having a baby, and he's not very happy about how much change it will bring. He's also feeling impatient, and Pappa suggests they pass the time by making chapatis. A lot of chapatis. Together they mix the dough, and Simon shapes it into rounds while Pappa fries them on the stove. At first, Simon's chapatis are awkward and misshapen, but eventually his are just as perfectly round as Pappa's. Robinson's homey, mixed-media artwork playfully depicts the bread-making process in appropriately flour-strewn scenes that are expressive with motion; a cat appearing on nearly every spread will be fun for little ones to spot. There's an understated message that finding ways to help can make soon-to-be older siblings feel more comfortable: once Simon and Pappa complete their task, Simon is eager to make 200 chapatis with the new baby. At its heart, though, this is a cheerful portrayal of intergenerational bonding over bread, and that will ring true to plenty of children.

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November 15, 2023
A South Asian boy and his grandfather await a new addition to the family. Simon and his grandfather Pappa are waiting for a call from Simon's father to tell them that Simon's mother has had a new baby. Simon is anxious about becoming a sibling; he likes his family just the way it is. When Pappa tells Simon that things are about to get even busier, Simon doesn't understand how this is possible--they've been busier than ever getting the house ready for the baby. But when Pappa says that the two of them should make 100 chapatis--both to pass the time and to prepare some food that the family can eat when they're too busy to cook--Simon is delighted. He loves chapatis so much that he'd be happy to eat them three times a day! At first, Simon's chapatis aren't as round as Pappa's, but the more he practices, the more uniform they become, until he feels confident enough to teach his new sibling to roll chapatis just like him and Pappa. The book's beautifully textured illustrations have an intimate feel; the chapatis seem to leap from the page at times. The visuals complement the earnest, clear text, though a few moments may go over readers' heads--for instance, the ending implies rather than states outright that Simon's father is calling to say that the baby has been born. On the whole, though, it's a warm and reassuring read. A testament to the power of comfort food. (Picture book. 4-7)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 24, 2023

PreS-Gr 3-Waiting is not easy, especially when you're waiting for something that you're not quite sure you want in the first place. While waiting for the birth of his new sibling, Simon works with Pappa to make 100 chapatis. His grandfather talks about the process and helps the boy work the dough into the perfect shape. The pair is so busy making the flat bread, the time goes by quickly. The text gently flows, which makes it a very easy and comfortable read and soothing for anxious children. Unfortunately, there is no recipe or back matter included. There are many "prepping for new baby" books out there, but Mascarenhas's has the added bonus of simply being an enjoyable, calming story. VERDICT This debut picture book is a recommended purchase.-Cassie Veselovsky

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