A small biracial child and white woman burst through the door of a kitchen where a Black woman and a light-skinned pony-tailed man are getting ready to cook. With each page turn, more people enter and begin to chop, stir, peel, and sizzle whatever ingredients they have to prepare a community meal. Short couplets are paired seamlessly with dialogue bubbles and bright-hued illustrations showing many aspects of diversity among the neighbors-race, ethnicity, size, and age. Several different kinds of disability are also depicted, including the woman in charge of the kitchen, who uses a cane. What at first seems to be a frenzied chaos soon reveals an order and a purpose, a coming together in camaraderie and community. (Ages 3-6)

2021 Eisner Award Winner, Best Publication for Early Readers

A lively celebration of food and community from Caldecott Honoree Jillian Tamaki
 
Tie on your apron! Roll up your sleeves!
Pans are out, oven is hot, the kitchen’s all ready!
Where do we start?

In this lively, rousing picture book from Caldecott Honoree Jillian Tamaki, a crew of resourceful neighbors comes together to prepare a meal for their community. With a garden full of produce, a joyfully chaotic kitchen, and a friendly meal shared at the table, Our Little Kitchen is a celebration of full bellies and looking out for one another. Bonus materials include recipes and an author’s note about the volunteering experience that inspired the book.