LITTLE DUMPLINGS

Celebrate dumplings from around the world.

Rhyming couplets introduce the idea that dumplings are ubiquitous. “We’re little dumplings! / We’re found everywhere! / All the world’s cultures / have dumplings to share.” Written for very young readers, the poem sticks to generalities and few specifics. “We take many shapes, / some big and some small. / And we’re delicious! / You’ll love us all!” Accompanying digital illustrations dominated by bright blocks of color portray diverse people with dot eyes and smiley faces, but it is the exuberant dumplings themselves that steal the show. Dozens of different types of dumplings with kawaii-style happy faces populate landscapes, are fried in pans, or are served on platters. Every happy dumpling is captioned with its name (from wontons to pierogi to samosas), and backmatter lists every one that appears in the book along with its pronunciation and associated regions. No information is given about what fills them or what they taste like, and the poem’s meter is often uneven, making it awkward to read aloud. Little ones won’t mind—they’ll be captivated by the plethora of wrapped cuteness, and the simple message will resonate. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Yummy cuteness for toddlers and preschoolers.