A Taste of the World: What People Eat and How They Celebrate Around the Globe
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
A Taste of the World is a delightful exploration of festive feasts from around the globe, uncovering different dishes, traditions, cultures, and festivals from 20 different countries including Egypt, Germany, China, America, France, Japan, and the UK. The book provides insights into the origins of various celebrations such as Thanksgiving, Bastille Day, Christmas, Hanami, and Chinese New Year, and includes an atlas to help guide readers through their culinary journey. Each chapter brims with facts about local and national dishes, enhanced by Beth Walrond’s striking color palettes, playful textures, and idiosyncratic characters. A Taste of the World offers an original approach to discovering the world through food, inviting readers to explore not just through their bellies, but also by learning about different cultures and traditions. Join in for a feast like no other and develop an appetite to explore the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What new food from another country would you like to try, and why does it interest you?
How do you think celebrating with food brings people together?
Can you think of a family or cultural tradition we have that involves food? How do you feel during these celebrations?
If you could create a celebration meal, what foods would you include and who would you invite?
How do different cultures show their values and history through the foods they eat?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable and interactive environment for discussion by sitting with your child and looking through the book together. Show genuine curiosity about their thoughts and feelings as they express them. Connect the book’s themes to your family’s own cultural practices or meals, making the conversation more personal and relatable. Consider preparing a recipe from the book together to fully experience another culture’s cuisine, enhancing the learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book introduces children to a variety of global cuisines and the traditions associated with them, encouraging an understanding and respect for diverse cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds in their own communities, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Adventurous Eating
Explanation: Through exploring the unique foods from different parts of the world, children are encouraged to be open to trying new foods and flavors.
Real-World Application: This can help children become more adventurous eaters at home and when dining out, which can enhance their social experiences and nutritional choices.
Example Lesson: Global Awareness
Explanation: The book provides information about international celebrations and how food plays a role in these events, giving children a glimpse into global traditions and lifestyles.
Real-World Application: Children may develop an interest in global issues and geography, broadening their understanding of the world and fostering a sense of global citizenship.
Example Lesson: The Value of Sharing Meals
Explanation: The shared experience of eating during cultural celebrations is highlighted, illustrating how food brings people together.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the importance of family meals and shared experiences, enhancing family bonds and creating lifelong memories.
Example Lesson: History and Origin of Foods
Explanation: The book delves into the origins and historical significance of various dishes, which can educate children about the history connected to foods.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can spark curiosity about history and provide a context for understanding how past influences present culinary practices.