Yasmin la Chef

Yasmin #5

by Saadia Faruqi, Hatem Aly (Illustrations)

Yasmin loves hosting parties! Music, friends, fun! But what she doesn't love is the spicy food her Pakistani family serves. Yasmin puts on her chef hat and plans to make her own amazing, fantastic recipe...as soon as she figures out what that is! Fully translated Spanish text.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Food, Juvenile, Realistic Fiction, Family

32 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Saadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American author, essayist and interfaith activist. She writes the children’s early reader series “Yasmin” published by Capstone and other books for children, including middle grade novels “A Place At The Table” (HMH/Clarion 2020) co-written with Laura Shovan, and “A Thousand Questions” (Harper Collins 2020). She has also written “Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan” a short story collection for adults and teens. Saadia is editor-in-chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry and prose, and was featured in Oprah Magazine in 2017 as a woman making a difference in her community. She resides in Houston, TX with her husband and children.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Yasmin series which I thoroughly enjoyed. I've been keeping my out on transitional readers that showcase a little more diversity. I read the first four in this series and they are perfect for those who are learning to read independently. This specific book follows Yasmin as her family decides to cook a big meal for friends and family. Yasmin takes readers through traditional Pakistani dishes that her family is making, but each one proves to be too spicy or too messy. It's then up to Yasmin to use her creativity to create a dish that not only honors her culture, but also satisfies her own pallet. This was cute and I love that Saadia Faruqi includes back matter that not only explains certain terms, but also geographical and cultural notes about Pakistan. With the addition of beautiful artwork by Hatem Aly, this a series that you don't want to miss out on!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book handles frustration well. It acknowledges the feelings of not knowing. It also can be used to start a discussion with kids about integrating parents culture with their own.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story to help little ones relate to processing frustrating emotions. Includes easy age appropriate talking points. I also love how Faruqi delicately weaves in Pakistani tradition and language, providing English / Urdu translation in the back. This is a wonderful choice for any child’s or classroom library.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.4 Stars.

[Margaret Gerberding · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun picture book about a girl named Yasmin, who does not like the spicy food her family cooks. Can she make her own recipe?

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yasmin prepares for a party at her home with special clothes and foods.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

One premise for many easy reader books is that five-year-old kids are exactly the same as grownups, only considered "kids." Yasmin is that kind of proto-adult who is treated like an adult, and thinks she's an adult.... only the story reveals that she has the taste buds of a five year old.

In this sweet tale Yasmin dresses like a grownup; she has a sophisticated wardrobe and a sizeable collection of jewelry. Adults in her family have authorized her to cook for dinner guests.

And, here's the part that young readers may like best: Adults take Yasmin sooooooooo seriously when as one of the few kids her age in this story, she finds the food too spicy.

The happy ending is best seasoned with a pinch of salt. Yet the general good humor, and Yasmin's family relationships, are inspiring throughout.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, the Yasmin books were the only series to get THREE Cybils nominations in 2019 (I'm a panelist, and got a review copy from Capstone to evaluate for the award).

This book will resonate with first-generation immigrant kids struggling to merge their Americanness with their (Pakistani) heritage.

[Ellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another super cute story. I I like how Yasmin starts by helping her dad clean. Then she turns into a bit of a Goldilocks (this is too spicy, too sour, too hot). She tries to think of the perfect thing to make, gets frustrated, pouts (I kind of love that the pouting is included. Makes her seem more real) and finally comes up with a solution.

(Story #2 in Yasmin in Charge)

[Cathie (ClassyLibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows a great family dynamic in regards to frustration and dealing with problems that seem overwhelming at the time. Finding creative solutions and not giving up. Colorful illustrations as well.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was mailing a package of books to our niece, and I wanted to read this before I sent it. I loved the first Yasmin book, and this was equally fun. The bright colors and the story are just a joy to read, and I hope our niece enjoys this half as much as I did.

[FM Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

My five year old loves and is so enthusiastic to read all these Yasmin books. Although she isn’t willing to read them on here own, she wants us to do it, haha!What a great Early readers series! Love to see a spunky South Asian female protagonist, rather than who we had to read about as kids.

[Sobia A Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review in "Yasmin in Charge"

[Zara Pemberton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the questions in the back to talk through with the child.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful series. I appreciate the fun Pakistan facts and Urdu glossary in the back of the book, helps when book talking, my students love learning new words and facts.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 4 year old daughter loves Yasmin

[asiya | アセヤ (free palestine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun story! The ending felt a bit rushed, but I loved it to bits nonetheless.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one, what kid can't relate to wishing the meal served was a little different?

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book to teach about getting frustrated and what to do about it. This "chapter book" was short and easy enough for a young beginner.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I learned a new word!

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how Yasmin makes something that children can make as well - and that the recipe is in the back of the book.

[Kaz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kinda dumb.

[Erin *BookDragon_Library* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early chapter book, about 21 pages of text. Color illustrations and large font. Pakistani American. Muslim. 3 discussion questions at the back and a glossary of Urdu words. The Urdu is not highlighted in the text within the book and some things in the glossary are never actually mentioned in writing within the story. There is also 1 page of facts about Pakistan #ownvoices author

This one showed Yasmin getting frustrated and needing to take a break. The back of the book talks about bing frustrated and also about some special family recipes. There is also a recipe for a fruit kabob.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - I love Yasmin! what would have really made this book outstanding would have been color photos of the foods mentioned, which sounded delicious.