Meera Makes Aloo Paratha

A Children's Picture Book Highlighting South Asian Cuisine

Children - Grade K-3rd
33 Pages
Reviewed on 01/11/2024
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Author Biography

With an associate degree in early childhood education and a passion for writing, Sangeetha always aspired to write books that would help kids with social-emotional growth. Her belief that the older generation and daily chores can be therapeutic in assisting kids with a value-based upbringing. In her debut book, she takes her children’s experiences with their paternal grandfather to show kids everywhere that patience, time and patience, cooking can also help teach life lessons. When she is not writing stories inspired by her children, Sangeetha delves into singing and drawing. She is currently working on editing her novella, a chapter book for middle graders and thinking of more stories related to Meera and her Dadaji.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

Meera Makes Aloo Paratha is written by Sangeetha Narayan and illustrated by Noor Alshalabi. Meera wants to be the teacher instead of being Shelly’s student. Meera spends time with her grandfather Dadaji, and explains her problem to him. Dadaji decides to make Aloo Paratha while they discuss the problem Meera has in being a student instead of the teacher. While in the kitchen with Dadaji, Meera discovers that she doesn’t know how to make the delicious dish they love so much. How will Meera figure out how to make Aloo Paratha? Will she get over being angry at Shelly for wanting to be the teacher all the time? Is there a solution to the problem Meera is facing that will allow her to remain friends with Shelly?

I loved the way Meera and Dadaji interacted as they worked together to cook their favorite dish and how they discussed the problem the young girl was angry about. The family-style setting makes this story relatable and interesting for young readers. I enjoyed the way the lessons about sharing responsibility and learning new things were woven into the story. I also found it pretty awesome that there is a recipe at the end of the book as well as questions that will help kids understand more about the importance of learning new things. The illustrations by Noor Alshalabi are bright and colorful and add a layer of fun that kids will love. I recommend Meera Makes Aloo Paratha by Sangeetha Narayan to youngsters who are starting to read and ready to learn important life lessons that will stick with them throughout the years.