Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

Her parents make perfect bao. Her grandmother makes perfect bao. But Amy Wu does not make perfect bao. Among other imperfections, hers either are not filled with enough seasoned meat or are filled so full they spill open. But today, Amy is determined to make the perfect bao. Zhang skillfully leads readers through the bao making process, which “is an all-day event” that involves multiple steps—mixing, kneading, stuffing, steaming—while Chua visually narrates the process with bright and humorous digital illustrations. Together, they create a story with more than a few things to admire. One is Amy’s determination and perceptive problem-solving. When failure in her quest seems imminent and she’s about to accept defeat, she realizes that the bao making process needs to be adjusted to better suit her youthful hands. Second, even when Amy does succeed in making the perfect bao and is proud of the accomplishment, she realizes that an imperfect bao can taste just as good as a perfect bao. Third, readers are shown that working side by side with family and sharing family traditions, culture, and heritage is rewarding and important. The inclusion of pronunciation guidance for “bao” will be appreciated by unfamiliar readers, as will the recipe for making the perfect bao for those curious or hungry for the tasty dish after reading about Amy and her family.