By Selina Brown and Maxwell A. Oginni
Penguin, Paperback, £7.99
Any books about food immediately draw me in, and this was no exception! Brown’s storytelling and Oginni’s illustrations are bound to start conversations about favourite foods and cooking. Each page is brimming with as much energy as the children in the book, Yinka and Shane, who start arguing about whose rice is better. When many other children in their class get involved in the discussion, they realise just how many ways there are to have rice, whether that’s rice and peas, jollof rice, paella, risotto or fried rice. This is a bright and joyful celebration of variety, and after the characters are finished fighting over their food, they learn to share and enjoy their lunches together. This is a very enjoyable read that demonstrates the beauty of diversity of food and culture.
My Rice is Best! is a picture book perfect for children aged around 3 to 7 years old. Brown’s language really brings out the characters’ excitement, and Oginni’s illustrations display movement and emotion very effectively. The words and pictures come together nicely to express the intensity of Yinka and Shane’s argument about whose rice is best!
One to make tummies rumble. And maybe even inspire some cooking.
Review by Jamie