Granny's Kitchen
What’s inside...
Granny's Kitchen, illustrated by Ken Daley and written by Sadé Smith, is a delightful children's picture book set in Jamaica. It follows Shelly-Ann, a young girl who learns to cook traditional Jamaican dishes under the guidance of her Granny. Throughout the story, Shelly-Ann encounters various challenges in the kitchen, but with perseverance and her Granny's teachings, she learns to embrace her Jamaican heritage and develop resilience. The book is beautifully complemented by Ken Daley's vibrant, sun-soaked illustrations, making it an engaging read for young readers and budding chefs. The story is not only about cooking but also about the importance of family, heritage, and perseverance.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite dish that Granny made and why?
How do you think the characters felt when they were cooking with Granny?
What have you learned from the story about helping others in the kitchen?
If you could add a dish to Granny's menu, what would it be and how would you make it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite moments or foods in the book, emphasizing sensory details such as taste, smell, and colors.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any family recipes or cooking traditions you share together.
Ask your child to imagine what it would be like to spend a day in Granny’s kitchen, prompting them to envision themselves in the story.
After reading, consider cooking a simple recipe together inspired by the book, enhancing the connection between the story and real-world activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family traditions
Explanation: In 'Granny's Kitchen', the story revolves around a child learning to cook traditional recipes with their grandmother, emphasizing the generational transmission of knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and participate in their own family rituals, understanding the value of preserving cultural heritage and family bonds through activities like cooking or storytelling.
Example Lesson: Respect for Elders
Explanation: The child in the book shows respect and attentiveness as Granny shares her cooking secrets, highlighting the respect due to elders.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value the wisdom and experiences of older family members or community elders, fostering a culture of respect and care in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Learning through experience
Explanation: The hands-on experience of cooking with Granny teaches the child practical skills and instills a love for learning by doing, rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to engage actively in learning new skills, whether in academic subjects, crafts, or daily tasks, enhancing their confidence and competence.
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: Cooking complex dishes requires patience and perseverance, as shown by the child who slowly masters difficult recipes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of patience and diligence in achieving goals, from completing homework to mastering a sport or art form.
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: At the end of the book, the child and Granny share their meal with the family, underscoring the joy of sharing one’s achievements with loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing their own successes and possessions, fostering a sense of generosity and community spirit.