Cora Cooks Pancit

I really adore this book! I have a childhood friend named Cora whom I introduced Filipino culture to, and now she is happily married to a Filipino man. I find this children's picture book stands out from many international books. First, I noticed I rarely see Filipino culture illustrated in children's books. I appreciated all of the mentions of different popular Filipino foods. It provided rich new vocabulary for the reader, such as "lumpia," "pancit," and "Lulu." The book also made a strong connection to the importance of family. Family in Filipino culture is a very cherished and valued aspect to the culture, and this book underlines the story with this aspect.

"Cora loved the kitchen. She loved to drink in the smells of Mama's Filipino dishes." And one day, when her older sisters and brother are out, Cora gets her chance to help Mama with the cooking - to really help her. No more baby tasks like licking the spoon! Cora and Mama are making pancit - a Filipino noodle dish - and Cora gets to shred the chicken, and stir the noodles. But will her family appreciate the results...?

With adorable, warm-toned illustrations by Krista Valiant, this engaging story of a little girl and her mother cooking together really comes alive! Infused with a sense of family warmth, Cora Cooks Pancit also offers young readers a glimpse of Filipino culture, and the history of Filipinos in America. A recipe for pancit show more is even included at the back! Highly recommended for all young readers, particularly those who like to help out in the kitchen! show less

Cora's family loves to cook, and everyone has a special job. Except Cora. She's too small to do real jobs like shredding chicken or slicing vegetables. But one day everyone is gone except Mama and Cora has the chance to try all the cooking jobs she's been longing to do....because Mama is going to teach her to make Pancit!

This warm family story is full of delicious love and geniune childish emotions. Pancit is more than just a yummy dish, it's a family recipe that incorporates the history of Cora's family. Every child who's longed to be part of a family tradition or do something grown-up will sympathize with Cora's excitement and trepidation.

The illustrations are glowing and realistic, incorporating a variety of designs, from full-page show more spreads to small insets in a contemporary but accessible style.

The book also includes a glossary of the Tagalog words used (check it to see how to pronounce pancit before reading this story aloud!) and a recipe for pancit.

Verdict: A warm and embracing family story that a variety of ages and traditions can sympathize with. Recommended for family and storytime reading.

ISBN: 978-1885008350; Published April 2009 by Shen's Books; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library show less

I loved reading this story for several different reasons. First, it explores a different culture from the American one. Throughout the book, the reader is exposed to various Filipino words and foods like “Lolo” which means grandpa and “Pancit” which is the popular noodle dish that is traditionally prepared in the Filipino culture. Another reason I enjoyed the book is that at the back of the book, it provided the reader with a glossary for each Filipino word that was used as well as a recipe for the main dish that the story talks about, Pancit. The main character, Cora, is given the opportunity to cook with her mom and do all the “grown up” jobs which is a dream come true for her. Once she has gotten through all the various show more steps her siblings would usually take care of, she presents her family with the Pancit with a inquisitive faces to determine if they will truly enjoy it or not. In addition, the illustrations throughout provide a beautiful demonstration of the words that are used to describe the story as it is sets a warm, inviting mood. The main idea the book explores a family who has immigrated to the U.S. and use cooking traditional dishes to bond as a family and continue cooking important dishes to them. show less

I enjoyed “Cora Cooks Pancit”, the central message of which was that a mother and daughter can bond by sharing in a family tradition. I liked the book for its engaging and well-paced writing, which made me feel as though I was a part of the story. I also liked this story for its believable characters, who reminded me of my own family members and the times we have shared together cooking Filipino dishes. Additionally, I liked the book’s plot, which told the story of a mother and her daughter bonding by sharing in one of their cultural practices. It reminded me of times during which my own mother and I have enjoyed and learned about our Filipino heritage together. Finally, I liked the story’s realistic illustrations, which I felt show more enhanced the story by depicting the steps Cora and her mother went through to cook the pancit. Overall, this is certainly a book that I would like to have in my classroom library. I feel that it is a good multicultural book to have on hand in order for young readers to learn about a culture and its practices which differ from their own. show less

In a beautiful short story about Cora learning how to cook pancit, this children's book demonstrates how food can bring culture and family together. This is an excellent book to show a portion of what it is like to share and celebrate culture and food! I believe that this is a story that all children can learn from, and this can be a vital and important piece to add to any young reader's library. Although the content is important for all ages to understand, the language of the book may be too easy or simple for advanced readers (minus the Filipino words and foods listed in the back) and therefore would be more successful in being with younger readers instead.

This is *wonderful.* I adore the illustrations, the body language, the facial expressions, the variety of physical perspectives. Not to mention the warm colors and the way the love shines from every page. And the little dog is adorable! I know a lot of children's books would have been improved if Valiant had illustrated them.