K-Gr 3–Lintang is super excited for Nenek, her grandma, to arrive for a visit. Since Nenek speaks very little English, Lintang’s father does most of the translating. When Nenek hands Lintang a little sambal to try, the child discovers it is, “Spicy! Spicy! Hot!” and runs immediately to a bucket of cold water to dunk her head. Determined to try this chile-filled dish again, Lintang prepares mightily as Nenek gives her a bit more, with different additives each time. But every time, her eyes are watering, and her mouth is gasping for relief. Lintang feels left out from her family, as her white mother and Indonesian father both enjoy it so much. Only when Lintang tries sambal by dipping perkedel kentang into it is she at last able to eat the delicious delight. This picture book demonstrates that love and family know no obstacles when Grandma is in town. Written in the third person, it will have readers laughing at all the antics Lintang goes through to cool the peppery spice. Brightly colored gouache and colored pencil illustrations that are digitally enhanced will appeal to everyone. An illustrated and detailed recipe rounds out this spicy read.
VERDICT A fierce and funny addition to children’s collections.
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