HELLO COCO!

A young girl learns the importance of good hygiene and nutrition in McGlothin’s illustrated book for children.

Coco is a lively, precocious girl who loves cooking with her favorite aunt, Fancy. As the story opens, members of Coco’s extended family are starting to gather at her house for a big dinner, and Fancy has promised to help the little girl make the salad. The two set to work, but not before washing their hands; Fancy sings a new song to help them remember to do so, which includes the lyrics “Wash my hands; washing my hands / Wash, wash, wash, wash.” After a dance break, Coco and Fancy assemble ingredients and prepare the salad, which includes “lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, cucumbers, lemons, olives, and red and yellow peppers.” Along the way, Fancy and Coco chop vegetables safely, and Fancy stresses the importance of making just enough food for everyone. Coco’s big brother, Evan, appears in the kitchen, wanting a few slices of cucumber, but Coco reminds him to wash his hands, too—providing another opportunity to sing the hand-washing song. Soon, the whole family enjoys the big meal—especially Coco’s salad. McGlothin presents an upbeat and entertaining new addition to the pantheon of stories about little girls with big energy. Garcia’s colorful, contemporary illustrations, which feature a large Black family, will appeal to young readers, and the hand-washing song makes this book a welcome addition to storytimes about food, hygiene, and family. Kids will enjoy learning about the fresh produce that Coco uses for her salad and have fun counting Coco’s family members along with her. They’ll also like the song’s catchy beat and easy-to-remember format.

A bright, engaging kids’ story about a family dinner.