Review: Noodle Magic

written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, illustrated by Meilo So

Noodle Magic. Written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, illustrated by Meilo So.

About: A cute little tale about finding the magic within, told in the style of a Chinese folk tale. Plus, noodles! That made it an instant hit with my kids. The author spent 16 years living, working and studying in Asia, the illustrator is Hong Kong-born and British Empire raised. This book goes nicely in my collection of books about makers.

Good things:

• Non-Eurocentric / Western-centric setting and characters
• Little girl finding her own ability to do incredible things
• A maker story
• Author and illustrator both having a genuine connection to the culture they’re depicting
• Sense of community in the illustrations

The next morning, Mei and her friends played and jumped with strands of white, wheaty dough. “If only I had your gift,” Mei sighed. “I think you just might,” said Grandpa. But Mei knew that no one could spin magic like Grandpa Tu!

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