Jollof Day

November 15, 2024
"Jollof Day is my day...and IT starts early." On August 22--World Jollof Day--a father and child (who narrates) rise early to prepare a pot of the much-loved West African rice- and tomato-based dish. Together they scrub, chop, blitz, and stir their way through the ingredients for gravy. Finally, they add the contents of the Jar, which contains "a secret and special mix, bits of leaves, peppers, and powders." As Daddy notes, "It's our family's magic." Though the young narrator has trouble balancing the pots and pans, Daddy lets the little one help out every step of the way, and the child's pride is apparent. The blue and purple illustrations are overtaken by a rich golden orange that swirls throughout the house, beckoning Mummy and baby brother to wake and prepare for the feast. Watching the family eating small puffs of jollof with their hands, the child marvels at everyone eating "JUST... / Like / Me." The characters present Black, though their nationality isn't mentioned. Mensah's bouncy text makes lovely use of alliteration and vocabulary; though bold and readable, the type is fairly small and often feels lost against the vibrant, billowing illustrations and illustrated text that dances across the page. Still, it's a minor point; this one will make an ideal read-aloud any day of the year. The backmatter includes a description of jollof rice, information on Jollof Day, and a recipe. Downright delicious.(Picture book. 4-7)

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January 1, 2025
Grades K-3 Jollof is a popular West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, and spices, and it's so special that it has its own day: August 22. Recipes vary across countries, and Jollof Day pays tribute to the Ghanaian version, per the author's heritage. Here, a boy wakes up on Jollof Day, eager to start cooking with his father. The two of them go through all the steps, from rinsing the rice to preparing the spicy gravy in which the rice will simmer until cooked to perfection. All the while, they dance and bop about, filling the home with the scent of cooking, waking up the rest of the family in time to eat. This is a story about togetherness and love that is shared through jollof. Vibrant illustrations swoop across the pages, mirroring the fervor of the cooks as they prepare the meal. Their contagious enthusiasm will send readers to the kitchen to try out the recipe at the back. An enjoyable contemporary celebration of food and family with cultural specificity and universal appeal.

COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.