What is this book about?
This book is a must-read! Vilayvanh Bender, the creator of “Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers,” eloquently balances cultural awareness and healthful food communication.
It’s a story about a mother who grew up in Laos and raised her child in America—a dynamic that applies to many households. Mom shares her upbringing with her daughter, shedding light on variances in day-to-day life. This story demonstrates a continuation of cultural identity and a blend of environments. It also provides an opportunity for children to learn about other cultures and appreciate their uniqueness.
One of the cultural differences that mom describes is her adoration for fried grasshoppers—an uncommon snack in the United States. Much like with the introduction of any new food, it’s often met with hesitation. But, throughout the book, the mom doesn’t pressure her child to eat the fried grasshoppers—although they are her favorite! Instead, she models positive food behaviors and leads by example, which sparks her daughter’s willingness to try the new food. This interaction is a testament to the power of positive food communication and how it can contribute to more adventurous eating habits.
This book exemplifies the magical blend of cultures that contributes to America’s diversity. It shows the inheritance of cultural identity while demonstrating the powerful influence of family mealtime interactions. Teach your child about different cultures, family heritage, and unfamiliar foods all in one heartfelt story!
After this book:
- Take your kiddo on a cultural adventure to an international grocery store or shop to explore the different items.
- Have your child pick out an unfamiliar ingredient at the grocery store or farmer’s market that they would like to try.
- Bring your kid to a cultural fair to experience the customs, celebrations, and foods that make each nationality so unique. Use this time to lead by example and try some unfamiliar samples to model adventurous eating!
- Incorporate theme dinners and experiment with authentic recipes from various nationalities. Get your kiddo involved by having them decide or narrow down which recipe to make. Feel free to also involve them in the cooking process!
Buy it today on Amazon!
Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers by Vilayvanh Bender, Sahtu Press, 2018
