Boys Don't Fry
By Kimberly Lee, Charlene Chua (Illustrated by)
2023 • Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
A loving, gentle picture book debut about a young Malaysian boy who wants to help his grandmother prepare traditional meals for their New Year’s feast.
Jin loves the aromas and the bubbly chatter coming from his kitchen. He loves to breathe in the bright citrusy notes of kaffir lime leaves and the zesty tang of lemongrass as his aunties float around as they dice, slice, and cook for the New Year. There's nothing he wants more than to learn about the history of his family's cooking, and lend them a helping hand. But his aunties try to shoo him away, claiming that he'll just get bored or be in the way.
Luckily, his grandma intervenes and asks Jin to help her prepare their special New Year's dinner, creating a delicious tale filled with sweetness and spice that aims to warm the heart (and the stomach). A heartfelt celebration of family, honoring one's culture, and traditions, old and new.
Tags: $25 or less, AAPI & diaspora authors, Books, kids and family, malaysian, multigenerational, non-cookbooks, Peranakan Chinese, picture book, story book, was-preorder
