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Meera Makes Aloo Paratha: A Picture Book About Cooking Indian Food With Kids
Learning can be a wonderful experience.
You can learn from others, or by doing or by reading a book. Or you can read this wonderful book where Meera’s Dadaji teaches her to make an aloo paratha while teaching her that in life, often we have to take a deep breath and be open minded before we can take any decisions about our relationships.
This heart-warming story takes you into the heart of the Indian kitchen and shows the –
1. Valuable bond that grandparents can establish with their grandchildren
2. Cooking is not gender bound or age bound . It can be done by anyone of any age.
3. The importance of conversations with family.
Cooking and stories can be a fun way to guide our kids through the highs and lows of life.
Make sure you leave the book a review and ask the author for the classroom activity guide for this book via narayan.sangeetha@gmail.com
You can learn from others, or by doing or by reading a book. Or you can read this wonderful book where Meera’s Dadaji teaches her to make an aloo paratha while teaching her that in life, often we have to take a deep breath and be open minded before we can take any decisions about our relationships.
This heart-warming story takes you into the heart of the Indian kitchen and shows the –
1. Valuable bond that grandparents can establish with their grandchildren
2. Cooking is not gender bound or age bound . It can be done by anyone of any age.
3. The importance of conversations with family.
Cooking and stories can be a fun way to guide our kids through the highs and lows of life.
Make sure you leave the book a review and ask the author for the classroom activity guide for this book via narayan.sangeetha@gmail.com
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
33 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2023
7 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 19, 2025
A lovely picture book that celebrates family and cooking
This cute little book offers a glimpse into life with a family from India as a little girl is sharing a cooking lesson with her grandfather. The story has a very insightful lesson about how one must be a good student in order to be a good teacher. Kids will be inspired when developing their skills in the kitchen and sharing recipes with their loved ones. This book will resonate with many children and their grandparents. The end of the book has a glossary of Indian words plus a recipe for readers to learn how to make their own spicy Aloo Paratha. I would recommend this book for kids between the ages of 4-11. With this book readers will learn the importance of being patient, asking questions and being good listeners.
This cute little book offers a glimpse into life with a family from India as a little girl is sharing a cooking lesson with her grandfather. The story has a very insightful lesson about how one must be a good student in order to be a good teacher. Kids will be inspired when developing their skills in the kitchen and sharing recipes with their loved ones. This book will resonate with many children and their grandparents. The end of the book has a glossary of Indian words plus a recipe for readers to learn how to make their own spicy Aloo Paratha. I would recommend this book for kids between the ages of 4-11. With this book readers will learn the importance of being patient, asking questions and being good listeners.
January 6, 2024
Delightful and a beautiful lesson!
"So to do anything, first we should be willing to learn," wondered Meera
"Meera Makes Aloo Paratha" by Sangeeta Narayan is not only a beautiful story for a great lesson for children. The best kind of book!
We are all excited for our cooking lesson to but are reflecting deeply on the lessons learnt from simple things.
I think this is a great book for children of any age although it's aimed at the beginning school aged children. And the illustrations are lovely and help make the story fun for all ages.
What are you waiting for?
♥️ Happy Reading! ♥️
"So to do anything, first we should be willing to learn," wondered Meera
"Meera Makes Aloo Paratha" by Sangeeta Narayan is not only a beautiful story for a great lesson for children. The best kind of book!
We are all excited for our cooking lesson to but are reflecting deeply on the lessons learnt from simple things.
I think this is a great book for children of any age although it's aimed at the beginning school aged children. And the illustrations are lovely and help make the story fun for all ages.
What are you waiting for?
♥️ Happy Reading! ♥️
October 21, 2023
Lessons learned through cooking with love.
What a beautiful book this is!
Meet Meera, a young girl with a situation that many children will relate too - a disagreement with a friend because of the feeling of unfairness in a game they are playing. Her Grandfather not only listens and tries to calm her, but shows her how to make a new dish - Aloo Paratha , whilst giving her some wonderful advice too.
The story perfectly provides opportunities to explore friendship challenges, the love and learning families provide, beautiful and special times with grandparents and learning new things and the emotions that come with this.
The illustrations are gorgeous and perfectly complement this sweet story. It also comes with the recipe to make Aloo Paratha ( which sounds delicious) and some great questions to explore the story further too. What a beautiful book!
What a beautiful book this is!
Meet Meera, a young girl with a situation that many children will relate too - a disagreement with a friend because of the feeling of unfairness in a game they are playing. Her Grandfather not only listens and tries to calm her, but shows her how to make a new dish - Aloo Paratha , whilst giving her some wonderful advice too.
The story perfectly provides opportunities to explore friendship challenges, the love and learning families provide, beautiful and special times with grandparents and learning new things and the emotions that come with this.
The illustrations are gorgeous and perfectly complement this sweet story. It also comes with the recipe to make Aloo Paratha ( which sounds delicious) and some great questions to explore the story further too. What a beautiful book!
August 7, 2025
I love finding books that feel like a warm kitchen hug and this one truly does. Meera Makes Aloo Paratha is sweet, cozy, and full of quiet wisdom about listening, sharing, and the magic of learning from grandparents. Also now I want paratha.
December 31, 2023
what a yummy read
Wow I loved that there is a proper recipe in this book. My boys (and I) will love making this. It is a cleverly thought out story, with the right amount of sympathy and teaching, a great way to remind children that we all have to learn new things all the time.
Wow I loved that there is a proper recipe in this book. My boys (and I) will love making this. It is a cleverly thought out story, with the right amount of sympathy and teaching, a great way to remind children that we all have to learn new things all the time.
May 29, 2024
This story shows how important it is to learn from others and find ways to work together. The bond between Meera and her grandfather is really touching. Plus, there's a delicious recipe for aloo parathas included, making it a delightful read. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
August 31, 2025
Cooking Up Love and Culture
Food has a way of carrying stories, traditions, and love from one generation to the next. In Meera Makes Aloo Paratha, Sangeetha Narayan brings that truth to life through the story of a little girl learning to cook. What begins as a recipe becomes a journey into heritage, togetherness, and confidence in the kitchen.
Young readers follow Meera as she helps make aloo paratha, a traditional Indian flatbread stuffed with spiced potatoes. The text guides us step by step, but it’s more than instructions—it’s a celebration of family bonds and cultural pride. Narayan beautifully weaves in sensory details that let children “smell” the spices, “feel” the dough, and “taste” the final dish right off the page.
Noor Alshalabi’s bright, cheerful illustrations make the story come alive. Kitchens glow with warmth, Meera’s joy is contagious, and the food looks delicious enough to make you hungry mid-read. The artwork also celebrates the vibrancy of Indian culture through color, detail, and expression, giving children a window into a world that feels both inviting and familiar.
Meera Makes Aloo Paratha is a delightful blend of storytelling and cultural exploration. It encourages children to try cooking, to be curious about food, and to take pride in family traditions. Whether read aloud at story time or shared in the kitchen while making a meal, it’s a book that turns reading into a full sensory experience.
Food has a way of carrying stories, traditions, and love from one generation to the next. In Meera Makes Aloo Paratha, Sangeetha Narayan brings that truth to life through the story of a little girl learning to cook. What begins as a recipe becomes a journey into heritage, togetherness, and confidence in the kitchen.
Young readers follow Meera as she helps make aloo paratha, a traditional Indian flatbread stuffed with spiced potatoes. The text guides us step by step, but it’s more than instructions—it’s a celebration of family bonds and cultural pride. Narayan beautifully weaves in sensory details that let children “smell” the spices, “feel” the dough, and “taste” the final dish right off the page.
Noor Alshalabi’s bright, cheerful illustrations make the story come alive. Kitchens glow with warmth, Meera’s joy is contagious, and the food looks delicious enough to make you hungry mid-read. The artwork also celebrates the vibrancy of Indian culture through color, detail, and expression, giving children a window into a world that feels both inviting and familiar.
Meera Makes Aloo Paratha is a delightful blend of storytelling and cultural exploration. It encourages children to try cooking, to be curious about food, and to take pride in family traditions. Whether read aloud at story time or shared in the kitchen while making a meal, it’s a book that turns reading into a full sensory experience.
November 29, 2024
Book" Meera Makes Aloo Paratha:A Picture Book about Cooking" by Sangeeta Narayan is the amazing and a good habit of cooking story for children. This is a great children book for accompany children before sleeping or bed time story. This book has a beautiful colour illustration. This book has many great lessons to children.
This lovely book tells about The sweety Meera, who's learning to make Aloo Paratha with her Dadaji. It teaches about Relationships and being open minded, before we can take any decisions.
The source are Goodreads and Amazon.
I rate this 5/5 stars. I recommend this book to read by children, parents, and grandparents. I am so proud with Indian Kitchen story and important and valuable bound between grandparents and granddaughter or grandson. Cooking is a precious habit and hobby. Cooking is a fun time with our family, especially Asian Family
This lovely book tells about The sweety Meera, who's learning to make Aloo Paratha with her Dadaji. It teaches about Relationships and being open minded, before we can take any decisions.
The source are Goodreads and Amazon.
I rate this 5/5 stars. I recommend this book to read by children, parents, and grandparents. I am so proud with Indian Kitchen story and important and valuable bound between grandparents and granddaughter or grandson. Cooking is a precious habit and hobby. Cooking is a fun time with our family, especially Asian Family
January 31, 2024
This was a delicious read! Meera has had a frustrating day where she feels her friend has been bossing her around. When she gets home, her Dadaji (grandfather) gently guides her through her frustration as he engages her to help make Aloo Paratha. You can almost smell the food as they work. The author's descriptions are wonderful and the story is truly engaging. It includes the recipe so you can try it at home, making this a very well rounded way to introduce your child to another culture and new foods as well as learning to be humble and accept that sometimes we need to be taught. It also includes discussion questions and a small glossary for words that may be new to you. An excellent addition to home or classroom with wonderful content and beautiful illustrations!
October 15, 2023
The bond with a grandparent is so precious, and this book portrays that beautifully!
In "Meera Makes Aloo Paratha" we are gifted with cultural immersion, a delicious recipe to try, and insight into a wonderful way to help a child work through an emotional challenge or social conflict.
Meera is struggling with a bossy friend, and is resistant to the idea of being a student all the time. When we remember that children spend most of their time being told what to do, we understand how she feels. But Dadaji demonstrates that learning is lifelong, and together they find the joy in that - as well as a solution to Meera's problem.
In "Meera Makes Aloo Paratha" we are gifted with cultural immersion, a delicious recipe to try, and insight into a wonderful way to help a child work through an emotional challenge or social conflict.
Meera is struggling with a bossy friend, and is resistant to the idea of being a student all the time. When we remember that children spend most of their time being told what to do, we understand how she feels. But Dadaji demonstrates that learning is lifelong, and together they find the joy in that - as well as a solution to Meera's problem.
November 16, 2025
Can cooking with Grandpa help turn around a frustrating day and also help navigate means to resolve a conflict with a friend ? Oh Yes ! It absolutely can! Like our friend Meera in the book finds out. Join Meera in her emotional ride as she discovers how willingness to learn is paramount. This book is a stellar example of blending culture with teaching life skills. Young readers will enjoy the colorful illustrations. Noor Ashlabi (the illustrator) take a bow. The author Sangeeta Narayan weaves learning skills into a simple story and highlights the bond between generations. Bonus is the recipe of Aloo Paratha for young readers to try with the family
May 9, 2024
Meera is frustrated. Her best friend always wants to play teacher, leaving Meera to be the student, over and over again. While they cook together, Dadaji (grandfather) gently reminds Meera that to do anything, first we must be willing to learn. This important life lesson is taught while cooking Aloo Paratha. Spoiler alert: there’s a recipe at the end of the story!
This well written and illustrated story conjured up beautiful memories of baking with my grandparents and their endless love and wisdom.
This well written and illustrated story conjured up beautiful memories of baking with my grandparents and their endless love and wisdom.
January 19, 2024
heartwarming story
Just finished this book with my kids and we're all smiles! It's a heartwarming story about cooking and learning life lessons in the kitchen. The bond between the granddaughter and her grandfather is so touching and beautifully portrayed. We also loved the part where they make aloo paratha together - it even inspired us to try the recipe ourselves! A great read for families, especially if you're looking to introduce your kids to new cultures and wholesome values. Highly recommend!
Just finished this book with my kids and we're all smiles! It's a heartwarming story about cooking and learning life lessons in the kitchen. The bond between the granddaughter and her grandfather is so touching and beautifully portrayed. We also loved the part where they make aloo paratha together - it even inspired us to try the recipe ourselves! A great read for families, especially if you're looking to introduce your kids to new cultures and wholesome values. Highly recommend!
February 3, 2024
Lovely book teaches multiple lessons!
The book teaches valuable lessons about humility, patience, and learning from others. I particularly like, however, the way the author portrays the strong bonds between Meera and her grandfather and the values imparted by Meera’s grandfather. The book contains a recipe for aloo paratha and weaves into the story information about the benefits of the spices and other ingredients used, which are nice finishing touches.
The book teaches valuable lessons about humility, patience, and learning from others. I particularly like, however, the way the author portrays the strong bonds between Meera and her grandfather and the values imparted by Meera’s grandfather. The book contains a recipe for aloo paratha and weaves into the story information about the benefits of the spices and other ingredients used, which are nice finishing touches.
February 6, 2024
Cooking, Lessons, and Memory Making
Meera Makes Aloo Paratha is a sweet story that teaches many great lessons. This heartwarming book brought back wonderful memories from my childhood of cooking and learning life lessons from my grandmother. Children will enjoy following the recipe at the end. This book teaches that being a student can be fun. You’re never too old to learn something new or too young to teach others.
Meera Makes Aloo Paratha is a sweet story that teaches many great lessons. This heartwarming book brought back wonderful memories from my childhood of cooking and learning life lessons from my grandmother. Children will enjoy following the recipe at the end. This book teaches that being a student can be fun. You’re never too old to learn something new or too young to teach others.
June 18, 2024
A sweet different book that was very interesting to read! A simple everyday kids' problem becomes a great source for mentoring and wisdom through cooking with the grandfather.
i loved that the procedure of cooking shows ways to face behaviors ,food for thought and native words as well as the use of spices is a great idea.
overall ,the whole combination of all the ingredients of the book is really beautiful and worth reading.
Really enjoyed!
i loved that the procedure of cooking shows ways to face behaviors ,food for thought and native words as well as the use of spices is a great idea.
overall ,the whole combination of all the ingredients of the book is really beautiful and worth reading.
Really enjoyed!
August 18, 2025
Family Tradition Soothe
Oh my, I delighted in this book that uses culture, food and family traditions to show a child how to control her big feelings.
As an airline pilot, I love indulging in culture outside of my own when I travel. This book invited that without leaving your home! And I think everyone needs a cooking, drumming, calm family figure.
Highly recommended for any bookshelf.
Oh my, I delighted in this book that uses culture, food and family traditions to show a child how to control her big feelings.
As an airline pilot, I love indulging in culture outside of my own when I travel. This book invited that without leaving your home! And I think everyone needs a cooking, drumming, calm family figure.
Highly recommended for any bookshelf.
January 22, 2024
Learning how to cook
Meera learns to cook Aloo Paratha with her grandfather. It's an easy to understand book that includes how to make the dish from scratch and cook it. It looks like a lot of fun and sounds delicious. It gives you the full recipe towards the end to make it easier to follow when cooking. The author includes definitions too. Anyone can learn to make it.
Meera learns to cook Aloo Paratha with her grandfather. It's an easy to understand book that includes how to make the dish from scratch and cook it. It looks like a lot of fun and sounds delicious. It gives you the full recipe towards the end to make it easier to follow when cooking. The author includes definitions too. Anyone can learn to make it.
March 8, 2024
Great Book
This is a great book that teaches important life lessons to kids . The book gently nudges kids in a way that will help them solve their own problem. The book does a great job in showing kids how they can learn from others.The author did a great Job showing the special relationship between Meera and her Grandfather.
This is a great book that teaches important life lessons to kids . The book gently nudges kids in a way that will help them solve their own problem. The book does a great job in showing kids how they can learn from others.The author did a great Job showing the special relationship between Meera and her Grandfather.
March 12, 2024
Learning from others and taking turns
In order to learn new things, you have to be willing to be a student. A disagreement between friends opens the door for a grandmother to teach her granddaughter an important lesson... to be open to learning from others. Wonderfully illustrated and such a good lesson.
In order to learn new things, you have to be willing to be a student. A disagreement between friends opens the door for a grandmother to teach her granddaughter an important lesson... to be open to learning from others. Wonderfully illustrated and such a good lesson.
May 13, 2024
Enjoyable Book!
This book was enjoyable and had an important lesson that we can all learn from each other! Not everyone knows everything and even the things we do know, might just be able to be improved! Always grow and learn together! Beautiful lesson, amazing illustrations, and a fun recipe to make at the end!
This book was enjoyable and had an important lesson that we can all learn from each other! Not everyone knows everything and even the things we do know, might just be able to be improved! Always grow and learn together! Beautiful lesson, amazing illustrations, and a fun recipe to make at the end!
February 17, 2024
A story with a gentle lesson
MEERA MAKES ALOO PARATHA teaches and entertains. What can Meera learn from her grandfather, but to learn how valuable being a student can build a great teacher!
MEERA MAKES ALOO PARATHA teaches and entertains. What can Meera learn from her grandfather, but to learn how valuable being a student can build a great teacher!
March 12, 2024
This story beautifully portrays the importance of learning from others and finding compromises. The special bond between Meera and her grandfather shines through. With an engaging story, and a mouthwatering recipe for aloo parathas, it’s a delightful read.
March 20, 2024
This is a sweet story about Meera learning to make aloo paratha with her Dadaji. It teaches about relationships and being open-minded. The book shows how grandparents and kids bond, anyone can cook, and talking with family matters. It's a lovely read for everyone.
April 20, 2024
wonderful !!
Perfect and wonderful book, and personally i love aloo paratha so much, OMG i will make some of them really soon, i am so hungry after reading this book, anyways great content and very cool illustrations.
Perfect and wonderful book, and personally i love aloo paratha so much, OMG i will make some of them really soon, i am so hungry after reading this book, anyways great content and very cool illustrations.
May 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story is great to teach children to slow down and be patient. It may not always be fun to be told what to do, but in order to learn new things, we must stop and listen. I love that there is a recipe included at the end.
This story is great to teach children to slow down and be patient. It may not always be fun to be told what to do, but in order to learn new things, we must stop and listen. I love that there is a recipe included at the end.
August 17, 2025
Lovely!
This book is a wonderful celebration of family, culture, and togetherness. Its gentle message about humility shines through the story, while the nod to Indian traditions—complete with a recipe—makes it extra special.
This book is a wonderful celebration of family, culture, and togetherness. Its gentle message about humility shines through the story, while the nod to Indian traditions—complete with a recipe—makes it extra special.
October 27, 2023
Cooking isn’t just about good food…
In this sweet story, children will not only learn to make delicious aloo parantha, but will gain a valuable lesson. Meera and Dadaji make aloo parantha together while Meera shares about a problem she has with a friend. Dadaji carefully listens and as they cook, he subtly teaches her a lesson. I love that the author chose to make her characters a grandfather and granddaughter - you don’t see that a lot. I love that it’s centered around a popular Indian dish my kids (and many others) can relate to. I also love that it shows that the granddaughter could share her problem with her grandfather. The illustrations are beautiful as well. A great read and add to your home or school library!
In this sweet story, children will not only learn to make delicious aloo parantha, but will gain a valuable lesson. Meera and Dadaji make aloo parantha together while Meera shares about a problem she has with a friend. Dadaji carefully listens and as they cook, he subtly teaches her a lesson. I love that the author chose to make her characters a grandfather and granddaughter - you don’t see that a lot. I love that it’s centered around a popular Indian dish my kids (and many others) can relate to. I also love that it shows that the granddaughter could share her problem with her grandfather. The illustrations are beautiful as well. A great read and add to your home or school library!
April 2, 2024
Delicious
Loved the relationship between child and grandmother relationship in this book.
As an Indian Aloo Paratha is my favourite dish. Lovely book with beautiful illustrations. A must buy.
Loved the relationship between child and grandmother relationship in this book.
As an Indian Aloo Paratha is my favourite dish. Lovely book with beautiful illustrations. A must buy.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews