The Discovery of Ramen

Gr 2–4—A red panda named Dao You takes students Emma and Ethan across the Pacific and back in time to learn the history of the noodles whose "savory scent" lures them away from their school field trip. Dao (whose full name means "tour guide" in Chinese, according to the helpful glossary) whisks hungry Ethan and curious Emma back in time to 19th century Japan where street vendors sold noodle soup from pushcarts. (Pulled noodles made from wheat flour were invented in northern China.) They leap ahead to the 20th century when Momofuku Ando, a Taiwan native, moved to Japan, popularized "instant noodles," and introduced chicken-flavored noodles in 1958. There's a side trip to a noodle factory where salt, eggs, and alkaline water are combined to make the familiar wavy, yellow product we know today. In the modern world, the travelers encounter varied flavors and toppings, learn about umami, and even watch a Japanese astronaut eating ramen in the space shuttle Discovery. Of course, Ethan has to slurp some noodles, too. The first title in the series, this profile a ubiquitous fast food should have broad appeal. The stylized cartoon characters and welcome diversity among the patrons pictured at noodle shops is echoed by the creative team who share a background in animation which is reflected in the story's design and pacing.