sabesaw's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This children's book was pretty adorable. Seeing Kalamata's imaginary adventures was fun. The art style was incredibly beautiful and one could get lost in it. I enjoyed getting to know what makes Kalamtata anxious and brave. It's a nice story about finding what makes you brave and I appreciate that part of the story. It's a great read for kids and can be informative of the South Indian food culture.
The story seemed to end quite abruptly however and I wasn't a fan of that. All in all it was a cute story and I would read more from these series.
The story seemed to end quite abruptly however and I wasn't a fan of that. All in all it was a cute story and I would read more from these series.
mlottermoser's review
3.0
Kalamata is worried about her first day of school. She finds comfort in the smells of the kitchen.
ofloveandlayovers's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
jasbeingjas's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a really cute book. I love that Kalamata thinks back to a time when she was brave and adventurous with food to help her feel brave and adventurous about doing something else new. Overall the story felt a little disjointed but I’m looking forward to the rest of the series since this was just an introduction. I think it’ll be great to introduce kids to new foods and encourage them to try new things!
greymalkin's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Very cute, and I loved the evocative descriptions of spices and sounds. Felt a little synesthetic actually, which was fun.
alexanne's review
3.0
3.7 stars rounded 4
cute story about kalamata who nervous for her first day of school. kalamata so cutee!!! also the illustrations, i loveee.
cute story about kalamata who nervous for her first day of school. kalamata so cutee!!! also the illustrations, i loveee.
mutuallyinclusive's review
4.0
Kalamata’s Kitchen is the first book in a series following a young girl named Kalamata and her sidekick, an alligator name Al Dente. Kalamata is nervous about the first day of school when she remembers how brave she felt during her trip to India, where she and Al visited the spice market and fearlessly tried new foods and flavors.
Luckily, Kalamata has a “magical” kitchen table that she and Al can climb under and transport anywhere they want to be. Kalamata and Al travel back to the spice market in hopes of finding their bravery, as Kalamata’s mother cooks in the kitchen, filling the house with the delicious smell of dal. By journeying back to the market in India, Kalamata is inspired to connect with the children at her new school through food.
The illustrations by Jo Kosmides Edwards are wonderful. The bright colors are fun, but I was most impressed by the way she portrayed the spices on the page. Taste and smell can be such a tough concept to convey though text and illustration, but I could practically taste the cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric on the pages!
The back matter is also quite extensive for a fiction book. Readers will find a recipe for dal, a glossary of culinary terms, and a map of India highlighting the country’s unique regional dishes.
Kalamata’s Kitchen is set to launch as a full brand, including an upcoming animated TV show and themed toys and activities on their website. I’m personally a big fan of the Kal & Al Pals, a set of Kalamata and Al Dente plushies that young readers will certainly love.
Thank you so much to Random House Kids for providing me with a review copy of Kalamata’s Kitchen. It was an absolute delight, and I can’t wait to see what other cuisines Kalamata and Al Dente explore throughout the series.
Luckily, Kalamata has a “magical” kitchen table that she and Al can climb under and transport anywhere they want to be. Kalamata and Al travel back to the spice market in hopes of finding their bravery, as Kalamata’s mother cooks in the kitchen, filling the house with the delicious smell of dal. By journeying back to the market in India, Kalamata is inspired to connect with the children at her new school through food.
The illustrations by Jo Kosmides Edwards are wonderful. The bright colors are fun, but I was most impressed by the way she portrayed the spices on the page. Taste and smell can be such a tough concept to convey though text and illustration, but I could practically taste the cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric on the pages!
The back matter is also quite extensive for a fiction book. Readers will find a recipe for dal, a glossary of culinary terms, and a map of India highlighting the country’s unique regional dishes.
Kalamata’s Kitchen is set to launch as a full brand, including an upcoming animated TV show and themed toys and activities on their website. I’m personally a big fan of the Kal & Al Pals, a set of Kalamata and Al Dente plushies that young readers will certainly love.
Thank you so much to Random House Kids for providing me with a review copy of Kalamata’s Kitchen. It was an absolute delight, and I can’t wait to see what other cuisines Kalamata and Al Dente explore throughout the series.
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