In a recent article for edutopia.org Kristen Rydholm discusses how, whilst there are many picture books for children on the subject of patience, she has found 10 books to recommend that feature lessons in patience embedded in stories about cooking.

The author discusses the various ways in which these books support and reinforce the skill sets of patience:

·      In these books, mealtime doesn’t just mean passively waiting for prepared food to appear on the table. The children are “encouraged and ultimately empowered by older family members to learn cooking skills and strategies. Simultaneously, they’re also guided toward corresponding wait-time activities during the cooking process to help with sustaining patience, such as playing games, resting, art, meditation, dancing and storytelling.”

·      In the stories, the child also learns to be patient with themself as they practice and learn meal preparation skills.

·      The stories support the ECE curriculum STEM model, approaching “cooking as a multisensory procedural endeavor requiring persistence via problem-solving using trial and error.

·      The author notes that the stories also support an emotional learning (SEL/CASEL) model with the characters:

o   Practising teamwork and collaborative problem-solving

o   Reflecting on their role in the promotion of personal, family and community well-being

o   Having a growth mindset

o   Using planning and organizational skills

o   Understanding and expressing gratitude

The stories are drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Brief story outlines and info links for each of the stories are included on the edutopia.com website

The ten recommended books include:

·      Soup Day by Melissa Iwai (A corresponding collage activity is available on the author/illustrator’s website.) Preschool to Kindergarten

·      Almost Time by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Preschool to grade two

·      Masala Chai, Fast and Slow by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Neha Rawat. Preschool to grade two

·      Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed. (Corresponding activities are available on the publisher’s website in the “Resources and Downloads” section.) Preschool to grade three

·      Bubbie & Rivka’s Best-Ever Challah (So Far!) by Sarah Lynne Reul. (A challah recipe is included in the book.) Preschool to grade three

·       Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasaki. (Corresponding activities are available on the author’s website and a Behind the Scenes video is available on the publisher’s website.) Preschool to grade three

·      The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story by Aya Khalil, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh. (A “simple Ka’ak Recipe” is included at the end of the book.) Preschool to grade 3

·      Okra Stew: A Gullah Geechee Family Celebration by Natalie Daise. (“My Okra Stew Recipe” is included at the end of the book.) Preschool to grade three

·      Tofu Takes Time by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Julie Jarema. Preschool to grade three

·      May Your Life Be Deliciosa by Michael Genhart, illustrated by Loris Lora. Kindergarten to grade two