Food and Faith

Gr 3–5—Six children pose as narrators to introduce food and eating practices in their particular religion, with each of their entries on a set of colored pages with attractive small photographs sprinkled among short segments of text. This British import includes Christian festivals, Jewish holy days, and Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh traditions. The theme and intent are welcome attempts at developing cross-cultural understanding, but the material becomes confusing in not accounting for international differences in practice and language. Francesca's Christingle-an orange stuck with a candle and dried fruit-is interesting, but what is she going to do with it? Jacob lights candles in a Chanukiah, the special candlestick known on this side of the ocean as a menorah. Key elements of belief, observance of holy days, and related foods are briefly explained, and all the children-who are 10 or 11 years old-assist with food preparation. Cursory, simple explanations of major ideas in dietary and religious practice are likely to raise questions with some readers. What makes kosher or halal food different from other food? Why do people fast during Ramadan, and when in the year does that happen? Why are the followers of Islam called Muslims? The appealing layout of the book begins with a double-page set of introductions to each child. The concluding recipes from five of the six groups include a few ingredients unfamiliar in the United States. Though the book is simplistic, some parents, teachers, and librarians will find it useful for initiating discussion and further exploration.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston