More Hands by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Ekinsu Kocaturk
Jul26
This 32 page picture book blends food and the concept that teamwork makes things better, when a young boy asks his grandfather why his pishmaniyah is so delicious, and Grandpa Yahya offers to share his secret ingredient. The book is a fun bedtime or story time read as the more hands needed builds and builds. As someone though who has now read the book over a dozen times, I do wish there was more backmatter. I would love a recipe for the cotton candy type sweet, maybe some history of what pishmaniyah is (I had to Google it), and how it is traditionally prepared. The text dances around the pages, and the fun illustrations will appeal to children and help explain the process. There is a “bismillah” in the book and it mentions “baraqah” on the back cover, athere are also a few hijabis in the illustrations, but the book is universal for all readers toddler and up.
The book jumps right in with Sami asking his grandfather about his pishmaniyah. It is unclear if grandpa was planning to make it, or if it was a question out of the blue, but either way, Grandpa Yahya offers to share the secret ingredient. The ingredients are pulled out, and then more hands are needed, and then more and more and more. Once the whole family, and neighbors, and their kids are all involved it is time to eat and enjoy the dessert together.
As an adult I wonder what would have happened if so many people were not available to help, and did they wash their hands, and how big is their house, but kids won’t care, kids will just think it is funny. And that is ok too, books that show family, community, and teamwork with humor are always great additions to share with our littles.