After Mama leaves for work and Big Sis heads to school, young Bobo and his father begin their day’s task: making okra stew. They start in the garden, picking okra and tomatoes, while Grandpa sews baskets on the porch. Later Papa nets shrimp in the creek and Bobo collects shells in his bucket. Next comes chopping and dicing vegetables and adding seasonings to the pot before stirring in the shrimp, while Papa tells Bobo how he learned to make okra stew from his daddy in the same kitchen where they work now. They bake cornbread, and then Papa asks Bobo what else is needed. “‘Rice!’ I say. Papa laughs and sings, ‘Dat’s fa true, gotta have rice with okra stew!’” That evening the family shares a delicious meal that has been enjoyed for generations, clearly a beloved cultural and family tradition. An author’s note states that the Gulla Geechee people are descended from West Africans who were enslaved and brought to the American southeastern coastal region. The book is created “in the spirit of (Ages 3-7)

This rhythmic, joyous picture book from Natalie Daise, the co-star of the hit Nickelodeon show "Gullah Gullah Island," celebrates a special day of father-son cooking, and serves up a love letter to food, family, Gullah Geechee culture, and tradition—and includes the author's own recipe!

Papa has something special planned for tonight’s family dinner—and Bobo can’t wait! Excited to learn how to make okra stew like his ancestors, Bobo helps Papa pick veggies from the garden, catch shrimp from the creek, rain down rice in the pot, simmer the stew, and even make a tasty side of cornbread. When the stew begins to bubble and pop, Bobo and his family gather around for a mouthwatering feast. Perfect for fans of Fry Bread, My Papi Has a Motorcycle, and Thank You, Omu!

* "A loving family, a verdant garden, and Gullah Geechee traditions are key ingredients to this delightful stew of a story.'" —Kirkus, starred review