Astrid and Apollo and the Magic Pepper

Astrid and Apollo

by V.T. Bidania, Dara Lashia Lee (Contributor)

Astrid and Apollo are heading to the farm with Grandma and Uncle Meng! The twins enjoy Grandma’s funny stories and Uncle Meng’s magic tricks while picking vegetables to sell at the farmers’ market. But Uncle Meng is looking for something else to pick―a magic pepper! Can Astrid and Apollo help make Uncle Meng’s long-held wish to find a magic pepper come true? Readers will love joining the twins on their adventures in this chapter book series about a Hmong American family.

Genres: Food

64 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2021

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book in the Astrid and Apollo series. Children who have been out in the garden or a farm will definitely be able to connect with it and those who haven't will find out about the experience. Coincidentally, a few weeks ago I was out at a farm with employees of a local Hmong organization. We went in the early morning and worked together among the peppers and melons. I went home with a cabbage, some peppers, and greens. I also got to try a Hmong cucumber. It made me smile often when Astrid and Apollo mentioned things I'd also experienced. I know there are many children who will really enjoy this and the rest of the series.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Astrid and Apollo go help their Grandma and Uncle on Grandma's farm plot for the day picking cucumbers and watermelon. While they work Grandma tells them stories from her childhood working on a farm in Laos.

I like the guide to Hmong vocabulary at the beginning and extra info about Hmong and Hmong American culture in the back of the book. This will provide readers with an interesting window or reflection of farming life and Hmong culture.

[AnnieM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good beginning chapter book with a story that can be enjoyed by all ages. Good illustrations.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this book with Hmong characters