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Mami King: How Ma Mon Luk Found Love, Riches, and the Perfect Bowl of Soup
Rejected by the parents of the girl he loves for being poor, Ma Mon Luk strikes out from China and boards a steamship headed for the Philippines in 1918. He vows to make a fortune and return for his beloved. Ma creates a chicken noddle soup he calls mami―"ma" for his name and "mi" for noodles―and peddles it as a street vendor. He eventually earns enough to open his own restaurant and wins the approval of the parents of his true love. Joyful illustrations from award-winning illustrator Kristin Sorra and heartwarming text from debut picture book author Jacqueline Chio-Lauri blend together to create a delicious story about creativity, perseverance, and the perfect bowl of soup.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2024
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 26, 2024
Mami King is a wonderful and inspiring story for children based on a real person.
China, 1918: Ma Mon Luk’s story begins with him leaving Canton for Philippines to make money as the girl he wanted to marry - her parents refused as he was poor.
In Manila, he searches for a way to earn a living. After seeing many vendors selling food, it gives him an idea for a dish. He makes noodles, cooks chicken, which he cuts and adds stock. He creates a bowl that is nourishing and comforting.
With a bamboo pole and two buckets, he travels as far as his legs would carry him. With time, his mee dish becomes so popular that he is able to open a restaurant, and he names his famous dish mami. He gives out many free bowls of mami. With his generous heart, the more he gives out, the more he receives.
With success in his hand, he returns to Canton, where the parents agree to marriage.
This story has a wonderful message of being generous, creating a space where people of all walks of life can gather, and above all the true fortune is the love of two people.
The illustrations are warm and support the words that not every child could be familiar with.
It’s presented in fairly accessible way for the target audience of 7-11 years.
It’s truly a heartwarming story, presented in beautiful way, and supported by lovely illustrations.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
China, 1918: Ma Mon Luk’s story begins with him leaving Canton for Philippines to make money as the girl he wanted to marry - her parents refused as he was poor.
In Manila, he searches for a way to earn a living. After seeing many vendors selling food, it gives him an idea for a dish. He makes noodles, cooks chicken, which he cuts and adds stock. He creates a bowl that is nourishing and comforting.
With a bamboo pole and two buckets, he travels as far as his legs would carry him. With time, his mee dish becomes so popular that he is able to open a restaurant, and he names his famous dish mami. He gives out many free bowls of mami. With his generous heart, the more he gives out, the more he receives.
With success in his hand, he returns to Canton, where the parents agree to marriage.
This story has a wonderful message of being generous, creating a space where people of all walks of life can gather, and above all the true fortune is the love of two people.
The illustrations are warm and support the words that not every child could be familiar with.
It’s presented in fairly accessible way for the target audience of 7-11 years.
It’s truly a heartwarming story, presented in beautiful way, and supported by lovely illustrations.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2024
Miami King by Jacqueline Chio-Lauri, illustrated by Kristin Sorra is the story of Ma Mon Luk, the Miami King of the Philippines. This is a nonfiction story about a poor man who left China to make his fortune so that he would be an acceptable suitor for the rich family of the woman he loved. He made his family mee soup, or chicken noodle soup, which he name Mami and sold at a market stall, then a small cafe, and ultimately a large restaurant His restaurant was eventually made into multiple branches by his sons. He was known for his kindness and generosity and his restaurants were frequented by the rich and the poor, something apparently unheard of at the time. I absolutely loved this book. The story was interesting and engaging and the illustrations were entrancing. I feel that it is important to read books to children that educate them about people from other parts of the world or that allow them to see people who look similar to themselves. This is an inspiring tale of a self made man. The fact that he also shared his wealth by feeding people in his community for free is another plus for a children’s book, showing the importance of helping others. I was especially tickled by the fact that both the author and illustrator were Filipino-American and had parents who had been frequent customers of the Miami King. I strongly recommend reading this book to the children in your life. It is a wonderful book and an important educational experience. I am voluntarily presenting this honest review after reading an advanced complementary copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group, Millbrook Press.
March 14, 2024
This is the true story of a poor Chinese man who went to the Philippines in 1918 to try to earn a living and make a name for himself. He wanted to prove to the rich parents of his beloved that he was worthy of her love. Armed with a little money, courage, and determination, he went around the streets of Manila to sell mee soup – a dish made with noodles, chicken, salt, and water. This “meal in a bowl” soon became a hit in the city.
Ms. Chio-Lauri did a great job of telling the story of how Ma Mon Luk overcame adversity through perseverance and hard work. Her concise narration and Ms. Sorra’s beautiful illustrations make it easy for young readers to understand and be inspired by the story. On the other hand, Ma’s love for Ng Shih as the driving force behind his determination to succeed is proof to the older generations that there are still things in this world that are worth fighting for.
Growing up in the province in the Philippines, I knew that Ma Mon Luk was a popular restaurant in Manila. I was already married when I first tasted their delicious mami and siopao and I realized why people were flocking to the place. Reading this story helped me understand why Ma became the Mami King. He was a patient and hardworking man who created a simple and delicious dish that everyone can afford. He also found joy in his trade and gave back to the community despite the difficulties he experienced earlier in his life.
As the late businessman and philanthropist, Rex David Thomas once said, “The more you give to others, the more you get in return.”
Ms. Chio-Lauri did a great job of telling the story of how Ma Mon Luk overcame adversity through perseverance and hard work. Her concise narration and Ms. Sorra’s beautiful illustrations make it easy for young readers to understand and be inspired by the story. On the other hand, Ma’s love for Ng Shih as the driving force behind his determination to succeed is proof to the older generations that there are still things in this world that are worth fighting for.
Growing up in the province in the Philippines, I knew that Ma Mon Luk was a popular restaurant in Manila. I was already married when I first tasted their delicious mami and siopao and I realized why people were flocking to the place. Reading this story helped me understand why Ma became the Mami King. He was a patient and hardworking man who created a simple and delicious dish that everyone can afford. He also found joy in his trade and gave back to the community despite the difficulties he experienced earlier in his life.
As the late businessman and philanthropist, Rex David Thomas once said, “The more you give to others, the more you get in return.”
March 18, 2024
"Mami King" by Jacqueline Chio-Lauri is a delectable treat for young readers, serving up a delightful fusion of food and an inspiring, heart-warming story. Set in a vibrant world of Manila’s Chinatown, this picture storybook not only connects hearts of Ma and his love Ng, it also masterfully weaves a flavorful journey through culture and cuisine. With each turn of the page, readers are invited into a world brimming with a story of triumph over adversity.
What also sets "Mami King" apart is its enchanting illustrations, meticulously crafted to whisk readers away on a visual feast of not just mami but also of siopao, lumpia, among other scrumptious memories of Escolta, Manila. Every stroke of the brush brings to life the mouthwatering dishes and the warmth of familial bonds of my youth living as a teenager in Manila in the 80s.
As a children's book, "Mami King" doesn't just entertain; it educates and inspires. In summary, "Mami King" is a delightful concoction of flavors, both literary and visual, that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Jacqueline Chio-Lauri has cooked up a literary masterpiece that is sure to satisfy the appetites of young minds (and oldies like me!) everywhere.
What also sets "Mami King" apart is its enchanting illustrations, meticulously crafted to whisk readers away on a visual feast of not just mami but also of siopao, lumpia, among other scrumptious memories of Escolta, Manila. Every stroke of the brush brings to life the mouthwatering dishes and the warmth of familial bonds of my youth living as a teenager in Manila in the 80s.
As a children's book, "Mami King" doesn't just entertain; it educates and inspires. In summary, "Mami King" is a delightful concoction of flavors, both literary and visual, that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Jacqueline Chio-Lauri has cooked up a literary masterpiece that is sure to satisfy the appetites of young minds (and oldies like me!) everywhere.
January 22, 2024
Mami King is about a Chinese man, Ma Mon Luk, who had to leave China to find his way in the Philippines, where he settled in the Chinatown of Manila, and begane to make a noodle soup that reminded him of home. He practiced until he got it to be perfect, and then began to sell it on the streets. He had such a good taste, that he was able to make enough to open a restaurant, and then finally he made enough he could return to China to marry his sweet heart.
Apparently his restaurants still exist (this all happened at the turn of the last century, and the illustrator’s parents met for the first time at one of his restaurants.
It is great to hear of an entrepreneur who isn't American, all the time. As both the author and illustrator said in their notes at the end of the book, they are proud that this story takes place, mostly in the Philippines.
The pictures are lovely, as is the cover.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 2nd of April 2024.
Apparently his restaurants still exist (this all happened at the turn of the last century, and the illustrator’s parents met for the first time at one of his restaurants.
It is great to hear of an entrepreneur who isn't American, all the time. As both the author and illustrator said in their notes at the end of the book, they are proud that this story takes place, mostly in the Philippines.
The pictures are lovely, as is the cover.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 2nd of April 2024.
March 6, 2024
This is an absolutely wonderful and inspiring story, beautifully illustrated. It's a tale of determination and entrepreneurship, of an immigrant's struggles and nostalgia for his homeland, of bringing community together through food, of bridging divides between rich and poor. So much depth, so many layers! But at its core, this is fundamentally a story about the enduring power of love and how that helped Ma Mon Luk to achieve the impossible.
There is a very thorough and fascinating back matter section, detailing amazing personal connections to the story from both the author and the illustrator. It also includes more historical information about Ma Mon Luk's life and legacy, information about various settings and implements that appear in the book, and a bibliography. There is even a recipe! So much packed into this incredible, uplifting and informative picture book. A valuable addition to any bookshelf.
There is a very thorough and fascinating back matter section, detailing amazing personal connections to the story from both the author and the illustrator. It also includes more historical information about Ma Mon Luk's life and legacy, information about various settings and implements that appear in the book, and a bibliography. There is even a recipe! So much packed into this incredible, uplifting and informative picture book. A valuable addition to any bookshelf.
March 10, 2024
A delicious true story of perseverance and chasing dreams…
Too poor to be allowed to marry his true love, Ma Mon Luk sets sail from China to the Philippines to make his fortune (with the help of his tasty chicken noodle soup) and win his girl!
Truly inspiring, this book has the feel of a modern fairytale, as Ma makes his dreams come true thanks to a combination of hard work and kindness.
Wonderfully illustrated and rich in historical and cultural details, this picture book biography would be ideal for use in schools. I particularly loved the fabulous little details of how Ma made his dish affordable for both rich and poor and I was astounded by the way he carried his street food for sale.
The yummy food descriptions made me want to try it. And you can! The book even includes a recipe to make Ma's signature dish.
What an uplifting and nourishing book!
Thank you to Lerner for the free digital ARC in return for an honest review.
Too poor to be allowed to marry his true love, Ma Mon Luk sets sail from China to the Philippines to make his fortune (with the help of his tasty chicken noodle soup) and win his girl!
Truly inspiring, this book has the feel of a modern fairytale, as Ma makes his dreams come true thanks to a combination of hard work and kindness.
Wonderfully illustrated and rich in historical and cultural details, this picture book biography would be ideal for use in schools. I particularly loved the fabulous little details of how Ma made his dish affordable for both rich and poor and I was astounded by the way he carried his street food for sale.
The yummy food descriptions made me want to try it. And you can! The book even includes a recipe to make Ma's signature dish.
What an uplifting and nourishing book!
Thank you to Lerner for the free digital ARC in return for an honest review.
January 23, 2024
This lovely, inspiring picture book biography is about an Asian entrepreneur who began working as a street vendor to make something of himself and impress the parents of the woman he loved, who wouldn't let him marry their daughter because he was poor. Through creativity and hard work, Ma Mon Luk became successful, built a restaurant chain, married the love of his life, and gave back to the community through acts of charity.
This book shows his journey to success and celebrates Filipino culture, and it's a unique, well-told story. This is a must-have for libraries, especially since it is so rare to find books set in the Philippines, and the story has cross-generational appeal. The author's and illustrator's notes at the end are also excellent.
I received a temporary digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book shows his journey to success and celebrates Filipino culture, and it's a unique, well-told story. This is a must-have for libraries, especially since it is so rare to find books set in the Philippines, and the story has cross-generational appeal. The author's and illustrator's notes at the end are also excellent.
I received a temporary digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2024
Mami King is a beautifully illustrated picture book biography for older picture book readers.
An uplifting, warm story about food, love and generosity.
In 1918, Ma Mon Luk, left China on a steamboat, away from the love of his life, Ng Shih.
Ng Shih's parents had refused Ma's marriage proposal because he was poor, so Ma sets sail for the Philippines to find his fortune. Through hard work and determination, he creates a thriving business from his signature chicken noodle dish. But his business also builds community and brings together rich and poor - creating a place where he can eventually build a life with Ng.
The author and illustrator notes, and back matter are fascinating, and include a recipe to recreate Ma's dish - a lovely touch.
Enjoyable and informative.
Thank you to Lerner Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
An uplifting, warm story about food, love and generosity.
In 1918, Ma Mon Luk, left China on a steamboat, away from the love of his life, Ng Shih.
Ng Shih's parents had refused Ma's marriage proposal because he was poor, so Ma sets sail for the Philippines to find his fortune. Through hard work and determination, he creates a thriving business from his signature chicken noodle dish. But his business also builds community and brings together rich and poor - creating a place where he can eventually build a life with Ng.
The author and illustrator notes, and back matter are fascinating, and include a recipe to recreate Ma's dish - a lovely touch.
Enjoyable and informative.
Thank you to Lerner Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
Picture book biography perfect as a mentor text for theme with its story of determination, for use during an emphasis on kindness or even when demonstrating simple machines at work. Ma Mon Luk left China for the Philippines and with a recipe for great soup, lots of hard work and an attitude of generosity became a successful restauranteur. Digitally produced illustrations fill the page and augment the text beautifully. Back matter covers the use of simple machines (fulcrum & lever), more about the influence of the Chinese on Philippine culture, a recipe and even an interesting connection between Luk’s restaurant and the illustrator! Recommended for use in grades 1-4.
Thanks for the print arc, Lerner Publishing and Millbrook Press.
Thanks for the print arc, Lerner Publishing and Millbrook Press.
March 4, 2024
I LOVE IT! The pace of the writing is appropriate for young readers and the illustrations perfectly capture the cartoon movie vibe the author was aiming for.
Origin stories are always interesting, especially if the subject is as well known as Ma Mon Luk is to many generations of Filipino mami fans. I’m glad to have finally learned his back story, even if by force of circumstances it has to be a blend of fact and fiction.
Kudos to the authors on this lovely book. I’ll be sure to give it as a gift to friends familiar with Ma Mon Luk, especially to a particular Binondo-based foodie of Chinese heritage who I’m sure will be tickled pink at seeing Ma’s story in print (shoutout to Kath Tan).
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Origin stories are always interesting, especially if the subject is as well known as Ma Mon Luk is to many generations of Filipino mami fans. I’m glad to have finally learned his back story, even if by force of circumstances it has to be a blend of fact and fiction.
Kudos to the authors on this lovely book. I’ll be sure to give it as a gift to friends familiar with Ma Mon Luk, especially to a particular Binondo-based foodie of Chinese heritage who I’m sure will be tickled pink at seeing Ma’s story in print (shoutout to Kath Tan).
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
March 13, 2024
Mami King is a charming and informative tale of love, creativity and perseverance. The illustrations are simple yet evocative, and I think make this an enticing book for young 'uns keen to learn about an inspirational man, and the history and culture of the Philippines. Always great to see more Filipino representation out there, especially in children's books!
I knew faintly of Ma Mon Luk beforehand, but Chio-Lauri's book sheds more light on his story in an easy-to-read and straightforward manner, and I loved the additional cultural and historical context sections she included as well. And there's a recipe too!
I knew faintly of Ma Mon Luk beforehand, but Chio-Lauri's book sheds more light on his story in an easy-to-read and straightforward manner, and I loved the additional cultural and historical context sections she included as well. And there's a recipe too!
April 10, 2024
Welcome to the Philippines and the tale of how one man shared his family's recipe in other countries and earned enough to marry the girl. The recipe is here, too!
The illustrations by the Kristin Sorra are imaginative yet representative, colorful, and delightful!
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC on Adobe Digital Editions from
Lerner Publishing Group/Millbrook Press ™ via NetGalley. Thank you!
#OwnVoices #Philippines #Noodles
The illustrations by the Kristin Sorra are imaginative yet representative, colorful, and delightful!
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC on Adobe Digital Editions from
Lerner Publishing Group/Millbrook Press ™ via NetGalley. Thank you!
#OwnVoices #Philippines #Noodles
March 1, 2024
The story of Ma, who sailed from China to the Philippines to prove himself and marry the woman he loved, is a delightful story of perseverance, ingenuity, and magnanimity. This is a great children's biography to show kids how hard work, perseverance, and care for humanity can blossom into a fruitful life. The illustrations delightfully pair with the inspiring story to introduce us to a man most have never heard of.
March 7, 2024
Mami King was a very heartwarming biography fit for children and adults alike. The story was short but packed with lessons on hard work and perseverance. The illustrations were amazing and I could just easily picture Ma on the streets of Manila. Don't for miss the author's note and some history at the end of the book.
5 stars!
Thank you #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
5 stars!
Thank you #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 8, 2024
This is such a charming book that gathers all the elements of a good universal story. A success story that takes place in the Philippines giving a nice historical context to the young readers. I really liked the extra information provided at the end of the book too. Giving readers about the motivation and the personal story of both the writer and the illustrator, together with some historical background. A great book with a true voice, and even a soup recipe :) I just loved it.
March 9, 2024
I love the creative structure of this book. Mami King, a biography in a storybook style, makes an enjoyable read about the life of the man who introduced and popularized this comfort soup to the Philippines. Now I know the origin of the term “mami.” Hats off to Jac and Kristin for the clever distilling of the life story of Ma Mon Luk into a language and illustrations that are friendly to both the young and the young at heart. Two thumbs up for this book!
March 26, 2024
This is a simply told but heartwarming and inspiring picture book based on a true story. When our hero is in love with a woman, and her parents say he's not good enough because he's poor, he leaves China and goes to America to make his fortune.
I loved the story and the pretty illustrations. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
I loved the story and the pretty illustrations. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
March 30, 2024
Mami King: How Ma Mon Luk Found Love, Riches, and the Perfect Bowl of Soup was an inspiring tale about hard work, perseverance, love, and equitable access for all in the community. My family enjoyed seeing how Ma Mon Luk used his determination to build himself up for the woman he loves, while giving to the community. This story was full of warmth like a warm bowl of mami.
April 3, 2024
As a member of the Gen X generation, I was aware of the Ma Mon Luk restaurant although I never got the chance to eat there, This book, in a very enjoyable way, tells the story of how Ma Mon Luk came to be. The pictures are also very easy on the eyes, making me feel like I’m reading a children’s book for adults. I want more books like this!
October 4, 2024
Ma Mon Luk makes soup - and he sells it everyday, putting everything he has into his dream of making enough money to one day become successful. A wonderful story about overcoming the odds and working hard. Really stresses how important it is to work hard and follow your dreams. I really liked the art!
January 19, 2024
I have added this book to my TrueStory Bookshop and recommend it in four categories:
True Stories ~ Makers
True Stories ~ Foodies
True Stories ~ Asian and AAPI Stories
True Stories ~ Entrepreneurs
https://bookshop.org/shop/KarlinGray
True Stories ~ Makers
True Stories ~ Foodies
True Stories ~ Asian and AAPI Stories
True Stories ~ Entrepreneurs
https://bookshop.org/shop/KarlinGray
March 7, 2024
Deliciously written and illustrated, one could almost hear slurping and taste what so many Filipinos very well know - the mami and its many permutations. Not to be forgotten is the story of how it came to be! Ma Mon Luk is not just a restaurant but a rite of passage to many a Filipino.
March 17, 2024
Mami King is a great book for kids to understand the value of determination and hard work triggered by love and compassion for others. This book about Ma Mon Luk should be in every library and elementary school to encourage the relentless pursuit of dreams that benefit those in need.
June 27, 2024
This is the mostly true story of the young man that brought mami, a type of noodle dish, in the Philippines. His is a story of hard work and devotion. This was an interesting story and a lovely biography of a man many may not learn of otherwise.
February 5, 2024
ARC from Netgalley.
March 3, 2024
Fascinating story.
Really enjoyed it
Really enjoyed it
June 3, 2024
I like the story and the back matter is amazing!
April 13, 2025
A fascinating look into the origins of a popular and tasty noodle soup. It's the story of how a Chinese immigrant moved to the Philippines to find work to win his love back home and ended up creating a name for himself with the dish he popularized. I don't think people realize how much of a melting pot the Philippines is and this story is a great example of how certain things it's known for has been directly or indirectly influenced by another culture.
April 29, 2024
MAMI KING: HOW MA MON LUK FOUND LOVE, RICHES AND, THE PERFECT BOWL OF SOUP
BY: JACQUELINE CHIO-LAURI
ILLUSTRATED BY: KRISTIN SORRA
"Mami King" is a heartwarming children's story beautifully illustrated and one that I enjoyed that I think early readers will be sure to also find to be a pleasurable reading experience.
Just look at the cover and you can gain a glimpse to imagine how young readers between the ages of seven through ten years old will be sure to also find it eye-catching.
I know that this allegorical tale will be one that teaches children that kindness by giving and helping others yields rewards in feeling warm feelings within. To never give up on your hopes and dreams which through hard work and effort they can become a reality.
It is about a young man from Canton, China around 1918, who falls in love, but her parents won't allow her to marry him because he is poor.
It begins with Ma Mon Luk (young man) aboard the deck of a steamship with his arms stretched out leaving the port of Canton, China with longing for the girl he loves whose name is Ng Shih. You can see that he is full of angst that all who know young love is vividly portrayed through an easy to understand text in a vivid picture. The words of the young woman's parents are thoughts in his mind and from his observations of the other passengers he tells himself:
"The rich and the poor, like oil and water, didn't mix."
From what he sees aboard the ship he is thinking those sad but true words which were true in that era of his culture. They were evident throughout the world, also. He vows to himself that he will prove her parents wrong. He arrived in the Philippines in Manila's Chinatown wandering the streets in search of finding a way to earn a new living.
Through perseverance and innovation with much hard work and experimentation he creates what we know today to be delicious home made chicken noodle soup. He took it one step further by adding home made dumplings.
At the end of this story it even has a recipe that parents or caregivers can create together with young children which would be fun for both the child and parent to further enhance and taste this young man's invention.
This bowl of noodles with chicken is what this young man in the story invented that is nourishing is how he became his self made successful young businessman.
It was through trial and error that he created his bowl of noodles with chicken which, he sold by traveling and fed both the rich and poor. His kind heart made it affordable for all walks of life to buy.
He returned to China a successful young man proving to the girl who he wanted to marry parents that he was worthy of what her parents expected and they relented.
The tools that he used and how he implemented them are included in the story. Also it tells how he created his meal in a bowl through trial and error.
There is a heartfelt story at the end which having to do with the illustrator's parents which is endearing.
This will be such a great example for young and impressionable minds to learn that by giving you reap benefits far beyond monetary value. By showing kindness and generosity the inner beauty and rewards are felt within.
I liked this children's non-fiction story because it is a testament to what they learn by enjoying a warm story is factual and thus can give hope to all who read this that they can attain their dreams. It's a lesson to never give up and through hard work it gives all with a vision that success can be attained. It teaches the importance of sharing to young minds.
I loved it and am vague but this was impressively told as a work of Own Voices which I will be buying copies when it's published. I'm reiterating that the words are economical and the illustrations help to portray what the text on the page conveys. I love its biodiversity which made this appealing to me on a personal level.
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley, Jacqueline Chio-Lauri and Lemer Publishing Group for generously providing me with my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#MamiKing #JacquelineChioLauri #LemerPublishingGroup #NetGalley
BY: JACQUELINE CHIO-LAURI
ILLUSTRATED BY: KRISTIN SORRA
"Mami King" is a heartwarming children's story beautifully illustrated and one that I enjoyed that I think early readers will be sure to also find to be a pleasurable reading experience.
Just look at the cover and you can gain a glimpse to imagine how young readers between the ages of seven through ten years old will be sure to also find it eye-catching.
I know that this allegorical tale will be one that teaches children that kindness by giving and helping others yields rewards in feeling warm feelings within. To never give up on your hopes and dreams which through hard work and effort they can become a reality.
It is about a young man from Canton, China around 1918, who falls in love, but her parents won't allow her to marry him because he is poor.
It begins with Ma Mon Luk (young man) aboard the deck of a steamship with his arms stretched out leaving the port of Canton, China with longing for the girl he loves whose name is Ng Shih. You can see that he is full of angst that all who know young love is vividly portrayed through an easy to understand text in a vivid picture. The words of the young woman's parents are thoughts in his mind and from his observations of the other passengers he tells himself:
"The rich and the poor, like oil and water, didn't mix."
From what he sees aboard the ship he is thinking those sad but true words which were true in that era of his culture. They were evident throughout the world, also. He vows to himself that he will prove her parents wrong. He arrived in the Philippines in Manila's Chinatown wandering the streets in search of finding a way to earn a new living.
Through perseverance and innovation with much hard work and experimentation he creates what we know today to be delicious home made chicken noodle soup. He took it one step further by adding home made dumplings.
At the end of this story it even has a recipe that parents or caregivers can create together with young children which would be fun for both the child and parent to further enhance and taste this young man's invention.
This bowl of noodles with chicken is what this young man in the story invented that is nourishing is how he became his self made successful young businessman.
It was through trial and error that he created his bowl of noodles with chicken which, he sold by traveling and fed both the rich and poor. His kind heart made it affordable for all walks of life to buy.
He returned to China a successful young man proving to the girl who he wanted to marry parents that he was worthy of what her parents expected and they relented.
The tools that he used and how he implemented them are included in the story. Also it tells how he created his meal in a bowl through trial and error.
There is a heartfelt story at the end which having to do with the illustrator's parents which is endearing.
This will be such a great example for young and impressionable minds to learn that by giving you reap benefits far beyond monetary value. By showing kindness and generosity the inner beauty and rewards are felt within.
I liked this children's non-fiction story because it is a testament to what they learn by enjoying a warm story is factual and thus can give hope to all who read this that they can attain their dreams. It's a lesson to never give up and through hard work it gives all with a vision that success can be attained. It teaches the importance of sharing to young minds.
I loved it and am vague but this was impressively told as a work of Own Voices which I will be buying copies when it's published. I'm reiterating that the words are economical and the illustrations help to portray what the text on the page conveys. I love its biodiversity which made this appealing to me on a personal level.
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley, Jacqueline Chio-Lauri and Lemer Publishing Group for generously providing me with my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#MamiKing #JacquelineChioLauri #LemerPublishingGroup #NetGalley
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