Miso Magic

by Moni Ritchie Hadley, Mizuho Fujisawa (Illustrator)

A young girl learning to make miso discovers that good things can take time. When the first snowfall of the year reaches the foot of the nearby mountain, Chiyoko wants nothing more than to go there and build a snowman. But her father has other plans―there's miso to be made. Papa, Papa's papa, and Papa’s papa’s papa were all miso makers, and Chiyoko is proud to learn about her family’s tradition. But miso making is a long process, and the snow isn’t going to last forever. To make something truly special with her father, Chiyoko will need the most important ingredient of patience.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Japan, Family, Childrens, Asian Literature

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 5, 2024

About the author

Moni Ritchie Hadley, a half-Japanese, military brat bounced back and forth from the USA to Japan as a child. Daydreaming was a favorite pastime. She received a BA in Psychology at UCLA and later became a home/hospital teacher for the LAUSD, where she taught students with medical needs. Today she lives in Los Angeles, where she turns her sky-gazing daydreams into stories for children.
Also published in Highlights Magazine, THE STAR FESTIVAL is her picture book debut.

Reviews

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite recent picture books because (like magic!) it shows us how multigenerational miso-making process seems like a chore at first but soon enough becomes a beloved tradition. The lovely lyrical words make this a must-have at read-alouds and the art is gorgeous. The story warms my heart and also makes me crave a bowl of miso soup! I enjoyed learning how miso is made--it's fascinating. This book will be a hit with kids who tire of their chores, people who love food books, and a great gift for Father's Day.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely book is one that children will want to read over and over again. Hadley's child-friendly text paired with Mizuho Fujisawa's beautiful illustrations bring the reader into young Chiyoko's world. Chiyoko wants to play in the snow, but Papa says it's time for her to learn the family business of making miso. Miso takes time and patience, and Chiyoko isn't sure she has the patience. But as Papa helps Chiyoko learn the process, she realizes that making miso is magic, and so is continuing the family tradition with Papa at her side. The back matter which includes vocabulary and even a recipe, makes this book even more delightful. I highly recommend this beautiful book for both school and home libraries.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We will find Magic in the Transformation." This is one of my favorite lines in MISO MAGIC! Not only does this sweet story highlight cultural traditions and familial love, it also teaches readers how change can help us grow and takes patience and time. This concept is often hard to understand but using the metaphor of the making of the miso soup, helps us to simply. A heartwarming story steaming with many valuable and delicious life lessons. With back matter on the topic, this would make a great addition to school libraries as well!

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every step, both miso making and working with family, is like a warm hug.

Chiyoko wants to build a snowman, since the snow now glistens at the foot of the nearby mountain, but her father insists there's more important things to be done first. Walking in the footsteps of generations of miso making, Chiyoko's father decides its time for her to learn the family business. But miso takes time to make it just right. Step by step, Chiyoko and her father go through the process, and while Chiyoko was reluctant to help at first, the magic begins to lure her in, too.

There's so much goodness in these pages. A young girl wishes to head outside to build a snowman and grows frustrated when her father, instead, has her accompanying him to the business to learn to make miso. It's easy to sympathize with Chiyoko as she helps her father work with the rice, especially since none of the steps are quick. Creating Miso takes time and patience...neither of which bring her to the snow. The change in Chiyoko's attitude follows a gentle flow and allows the love her father has for her to come across clearly. The sense of family is inspiring, and Chiyoko's growing respect for the company's business leaves a smile on the face.

And then, there's miso. While Chiyoko's experience offers warmth and security, readers also learn more about miso and how it's created. The text flows smoothly as it shortly goes through each step, but it's the illustrations which bring this aspect across best. Not only does the process gain clarity through the visual scenes, but the Japanese culture comes across nicely. It's enjoyable to gaze at each one and follow Chiyoko's learning journey.

This makes a lovely read-aloud and can also be explored by those readers, who have a very decent grip on their words.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for learning about Japanese culture or about the science of fermentation, this book is above all about the bonds between parent and child. The magic of Miso Magic is as gentle as falling snowflakes and as warm as the blanket Papa tucks around his young daughter at bedtime. Seeing snow on the mountain one morning, Chiyoko wants Papa to take a day off to play in the powder. Instead, he decides Chiyoko is old enough to learn how to contribute to their generations-old family business, making miso. Grumbling at first, Chiyoko begins to enjoy helping Papa follow the steps to transform soybeans into the flavorful paste. The illustrations do a wonderful job of fusing tradition with today, so that Chiyoko and Papa fit in the time-worn Japanese misogura but also remind me of families I see at the neighborhood farmer's market. I will share this book with my grandkids for sure!

[Jan Schwaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6-year-old and I both really loved this beautifully illustrated book! We enjoyed everything, from the gorgeous word choices (so fun to read out loud) to the genuinely easy recipe at the end. Though we lead a very different life than the young protagonist, there is so much for any child (and an adult!) to relate to here - we've all dealt with impatience or times when a beloved custom seems boring or outdated. The magic of miso really permeates this book, though, and shows that wonderful things take time - and passing traditions down through families is about more than just the tangible things we create. Miso Magic isn't just about a delicious soup ingredient - it's about family bonding and keeping traditions alive from generation to generation. Highly recommend!!

[Heather Kinser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes your soup broth so delicious? Miso! Come learn how this complex flavoring gets made, in Miso Magic, a touching story of family tradition where young Chiyoko learns to appreciate that good things come with time. Chiyoko wants to rush to the foothills to play in the first snowfall, but Papa persuades her to wait, and to spend time learning the family business of miso making. Chiyoko embarks on the adventure with mixed feelings, still thinking snowy thoughts. But she soon comes to appreciate the time-honored process that produces miso, and bonds with her Papa along the way. Back matter offers a bit more info on miso, miso-making vocabulary words, and a simple soup recipe that young readers will love to cook up at home.

[Scott Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Miso Magic, Chiyoko follows Papa to the misogura to learn their family’s tradition of making miso. She’d rather enjoy the season’s first snowfall, but with father’s guidance–and patience– she becomes enthralled with the magic that soon takes place. Alongside Chiyoko, readers learn the series of steps and right conditions it takes to turn ingredients into delicious miso. Fujisawa’s beautiful illustrations and Hadley’s inviting narrative also transport readers to mountainside village where Papa’s misogura sits. And with the information and recipe in the backmatter, readers can also make their own miso magic at home. Miso Magic is a must read for young food lovers.

[Kerry Aradhya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chiyoko and her Papa (father) make miso - and magic - together in this heartwarming intergenerational story. All Chiyoko really wants to do is play in the snow, but her family has a miso making business...and miso must come first today! Chiyoko appears to forget about the snow as she becomes absorbed in the long miso-making process, and in sharing and making memories with her Papa. The child-friendly text and expressive art show the love between the two and bring the story to life. Back matter includes a glossary, the science behind miso making, and a simple recipe. A perfect book for a day of bonding with a child through reading, discussing Japanese culture, and making miso soup together!

[Deidre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this beautifully illustrated picture book about how miso is made just about as much as I love miso soup. Written by Moni Ritchie Hadley and illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa, Miso Magic is a heart-warming, father-daughter story about a generational tradition – the making of miso! Chiyoko learns that cooking good food takes patience; sometimes, the ingredients we use can take a year to prepare! It was a pleasure learning about miso through the eyes of a child. Backmatter includes a recipe for miso soup, information on kōji rice, and a Japanese language list.

[Kelly Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend Miso Magic for anyone who wants to help a child cultivate patience and/or persistence when a parent or teacher asks them to do something they don't want to do. I’ve read Moni Ritchie Hadley’s other books, and she does such a great job of taking the perspective of a child as her characters grapple with new challenges. I also love the inter-generational aspect of her books. The child solves their own problems but always in relationship with others. I also appreciated learning about the process of making miso, which I knew nothing about.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In MISO MAGIC by Moni Ritchie Hadley w/art by Mizuho Fujisawa, Chiyoko wants to play in the snow, but her father says it is time for her to learn how to make miso, a long-held family tradition. Chiyoko reluctantly joins her father, following along with each step. Gradually, her frustration and lack of patience turn to excitement as she becomes engaged in the process and begins to see, smell, and taste the fruits of her labor. The A lovely and informative story that pairs family traditions and culture with an important message about the value of hard work, perseverance, and patience.

[Maria Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about Chiyoko's family as they make miso soup. Chiyoko just wants to play in the snow, but her papa says it's time to learn the family business. I enjoyed learning about the miso-making process. It's explained in a very kid-friendly way. And I love Chiyoko's journey to coming to appreciate her heritage as she becomes her father's helper, as he was his own father's helper, all the way back for three generations!

[Laura Bontje · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of patience and hard work and tradition. The language is as rich and warm as the soup, and the illustrations add so much character to the story. Chiyoko is an inquisitive and engaging protagonist who must weigh the desire to build a snowman against the need to take time to help her family. Kids will be eager for a bowl of miso after this!

I received a digital ARC for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

[Shirley Ng-Benitez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly delightful picture book! Not only was I curious about the topic of miso, but it was a joy to follow sweet Chiyoko and her father as he passes down the family heritage in a loving and playful way. The warm, friendly illustrations pair perfectly with Moni's engaging and playful text. It was a true treat to learn about the hard work and patience it takes to create delicious miso. A wonderful book for a fun read-aloud. I highly recommend this!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of my senses were tickled as I read about Chiyoko, her Papa, and her miso. My heartstrings were tugged, and now, I'm hungry. This story brilliantly shows a little girl as she begins to understand the deeper happiness earned from delayed gratification rather than from immediate satisfaction while also celebrating tradition and history. I recommend all families read this intergenerational story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm embarrassed to admit that, as much as I love miso soup, I never once stopped to wonder about miso. What is it, actually? How is it made? The answers can be found in this sweet picture book, alongside a gentle lesson about patience and the importance of waiting. I always love getting peeps into other cultures and traditions in picture book form, and this informative and interesting book does exactly that.

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miso Magic is a story told through the lens of Japanese culture. The author, Moni Ritchie Hadley, weaves a story about learning heritage through traditions while also highlighting the strength of family bonds. Colorful illustrations engage readers and will keep little ones interested. Miso Magic is a heartwarming and informative read. It was interesting to learn about making miso. This book is great for at home, in the classroom, or library.

[Nadia Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

In MISO MAGIC, Chiyoko reluctantly helps Papa make miso just like her grandfather and great-grandfather made before. This is such a sweet story told from the perspective of a child who rather be doing something else, but in the end finds an appreciation for the hard work and bonding. Beautifully written and illustrated, Chiyoko' voice is strong and wonderful, and we go on a journey of her feelings with her. Such a wonderful book that teaches gratitude and perseverance!

[Kelly Rice Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book! Rich imagery, emotion, wordplay, and lush, colorful illustrations depict a loving tale between father and daughter of patience and pride in hard work. I love the family bonds and how the father instills family tradition and values in his daughter. As a foodie and lover of Asian cuisine, I really enjoyed a peek into the Japanese miso making process. I also love the hot soup coupled with cold winter snow! Highly recommend for kids that struggle with waiting and patience.

[Aixa Perez-Prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story about family tradition, culture, and the preparation of food that often brings us together. In this story, we learn about the long and elaborate process of making the ingredients that make the delicious miso soup and are reminded that magic takes time. The beautiful illustrations go perfectly with this lovely story and add to the overall feeling of warmth and comfort that is found in the text.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to finally get my hands on this book. Not only does it fulfill my foodie heart's deepest desires, but it also is a fun, interesting way to teach my little one about miso. Since miso isn't a food that I cook with, it's a great opportunity for my kid to get exposed to food from a different culture. The relationship between the dad and daughter was captured so well and Mizuho Fujisawa did an excellent job with the artwork!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl learns about the family miso business from her father. She would rather travel to the mountains to play in the snow, but over time she gets more invested in the process.

I LOVE miso soup, so I enjoyed learning where this ingredient comes from and the process that goes into making it. I like the girl learning about her family's business and how it slowly grows on her. There's a recipe for an easy miso soup in the back along with a little more information on miso.

[Sayuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miso Magic is a beautiful, heartwarming and delicious story about a father and a daughter sharing an important family tradition. Educational and touching, this is a great story for sharing a cultural and culinary lesson in miso making, as much as it is an excellent text for discussing the importance of patience, hard work and carrying on the memory and love of our ancestors. Be prepared to get hungry!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The snow has finally reached the foot of the mountains and Chiyoko cannot wait to go play in it. When she goes to Papa urging him to take her there, he tells her to wait. Papa has another task for Chiyoko to do, and that is to help him make the miso that Papa's papa taught him, and who's Papa's papa's papa taught him before that. Now it's Chiyoko's turn to learn the family business but it takes too long and waiting is too hard.

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about a father-child relationship, and patience, and the richest part, for me, was learning about how miso is made--all the careful, traditional, complex steps that go into making an ingredient with a long history and widespread current use. The back matter is also fascinating and includes a simple recipe for miso soup!

[Elizabeth E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning about different cultures and this picture book about the process of making miso does not disappoint. Chiyoko’s emotions can be felt both in the illustrations and in the words, from disappointment and boredom to curiosity and exhaustion. The generational history that is woven throughout makes the story extra special, as well as interesting back matter that explains umami and mold.

[Maria Wen Adcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miso Magic is a heartwarming story about a girl gaining a deeper understanding of her heritage through traditions as well as the strength of family bonds. Through the lens of Japanese culture and making miso, the author weaves a story that encourages readers to reflect on their own family traditions. Soft, colorful illustrations reflect the tone of the story and engages readers.

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

MISO MAGIC is a wonderful story to honor family tradition while also addressing the concept of patience. Chiyoko and her dad work together in a lighthearted presentation creating yummy miso! The illustrations are so sweet and colorful. A perfect read aloud and a must have for families, libraries and food lovers!

[Tracy Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I had no idea how miso was made or how complicated it was to make it! How cool! Now I know! This book will fascinate kids and adults alike. Beyond the science of miso, this book beautifully shows a loving relationship between a father and child and the magic of patience. A lovely pick for homes, schools, and libraries--science, multicultural food, and social emotional learning all in one!