Papa’s Butter Chicken: A celebration of family and community

Papa's Butter Chicken: A celebration of family and community
Sharing a meal not only nourishes the body, it also builds bonds. This story is unique in that it highlights sharing an everyday meal can also build family and community bonds (independent of a celebration). The protagonist helps her father make butter chicken. During the cooking process, her father reminisces how butter chicken brings back childhood memories. They compare the qualities of family members to those of the spices they are using, and even dance while the curry simmers. As they set the table for dinner for two, family and neighbors drop in to share the special butter chicken meal. At first the protagonist is sad as she does not get to hear her father’s stories, but later sees the value of sharing with family and friends.

This charming story highlights a father–daughter bond, the importance of family activities, the Indian culture, and food as a means of bringing family and friends together. The illustrations are bold, bright and vibrant—dovetailing well with the smiling faces. The text is easy for young readers, or can be read aloud for younger audiences. The book paves the way for a discussion on culture, diversity, and inclusion. Recommended for younger and early readers.

By editor