Yumbo Gumbo

Visiting her grandparents Mamí and Papí, with Mom, Dad, and little brother, Beau, Annabelle’sexcited about learning to make gumbo—“Yumbo!”—especially with okra. But Beau wants to usechicken instead (“no slimy okra!”), and won’t budge. So, Annabelle has everyone vote—butthey’re evenly split. PapÍ suggests another option—seafood—which also brings a tie. Then Annabelle tries a different tack: they all vote for their most “unyumbo” choice, and that outcome,with Anabelle’s creative thinking, ultimately provides a solution that satisfies everyone. Bright,cartoon illustrations enliven, depicting…

This engaging picture book introduces the cultural importance of food, family traditions, and decision-making as ­Annabelle and her brother Beau embark on a culinary adventure at their grandparents’ house. There, they face the delicious dilemma of choosing what type of gumbo they should make. The story skillfully blends entertainment with education while incorporating elements, such as data collection and deductive reasoning. The digital ­media illustrations vividly depict a large and diverse ­Creole family and provide a visually appealing experience for readers. The book s­eamlessly weaves…