Boys Don't Fry

By Kimberly Lee, Charlene Chua (Illustrator)

A boy defies tradition to join the Lunar New Year feast preparations.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 364 ratings

40 pages

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Jin longs to join the kitchen bustle for the Lunar New Year feast, but tradition says only girls can help. As his grandmother cooks, Jin's desire to learn and assist grows. Despite his aunties' dismissals, his grandmother invites him to help, challenging gender norms. Will Jin prove his skills and embrace his cultural heritage? This vibrant tale of family and tradition will warm your heart and whet your appetite.

From the publisher

Jin wishes his family would ask him to help prepare the Lunar New Year feast. But boys, or Babas, never get asked–only Nyonyas, the girls. It’s the eve of Lunar New Year, and Jin can’t wait for the big family reunion dinner. He loves the aromas and the bubbly chatter coming from the kitchen. His grandmother, Mamah, is cooking up a storm! As his aunties dice, slice, and chop, there’s nothing Jin wants more than to learn about the history of his family’s cooking and to lend them a helping hand. After all, no one else can tell the difference between ginger and galangal as well as he can! But his aunties shoo him away, claiming he’ll just get bored or be in the way. Luckily, Mamah steps in and asks Jin to help her prepare their special meal. Soon, Jin is squeezing, slicing, and stirring, too! This loving picture book about a young Malaysian boy who defies gender expectations will make hearts warm and stomachs hungry. With beautifully vibrant illustrations of a traditional nyonya kitchen, Boys Don’t Fry is a heartfelt celebration of family, culture, and traditions–both old and new.

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