Boys Don't Fry

by Kimberly Lee, Charlene Chua (Illustrator)

Jin wishes his family would ask him to help prepare the Lunar New Year feast. But boys, or Babas, never get asked--only Nyonyas, the girls.



It's the eve of Lunar New Year, and Jin can't wait for the big family reunion dinner. He loves the aromas and the bubbly chatter coming from the kitchen. His grandmother, Mamah, is cooking up a storm!

As his aunties dice, slice, and chop, there's nothing Jin wants more than to learn about the history of his family's cooking and to lend them a helping hand. After all, no one else can tell the difference between ginger and galangal as well as he can! But his aunties shoo him away, claiming he'll just get bored or be in the way. Luckily, Mamah steps in and asks Jin to help her prepare their special meal. Soon, Jin is squeezing, slicing, and stirring, too!

This loving picture book about a young Malaysian boy who defies gender expectations will make hearts warm and stomachs hungry. With beautifully vibrant illustrations of a traditional nyonya kitchen, Boys Don't Fry is a heartfelt celebration of family, culture, and traditions--both old and new.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Family, Childrens, Holiday, Asian Literature, Gender

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Kimberly Lee is the award-winning author of BOYS DON’T FRY (Freeman Book Awards 2023 (Honorable Mention); Crystal Kite Awards 2024 (Honor)) and the co-author of WHAT IF?. She is also the Managing Editor of parenting platform makchic.com, a lawyer, and was named one of Tatler Gen T. List 2023’s Leaders of Tomorrow in Asia.

Kimberly is a firm believer in the power of stories to create change, and in the right of every child to have their voice heard. She lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with husband and their two young sons. When she isn't busy writing, or navigating life with her family, Kimberly can often be found singing, stress baking, and covertly consuming her own baked goods.

Find out more about her online at www.kimberlyleebooks.com, or on Instagram and X as @kimlsywrites.

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book for my toddler's bedtime. A great story about boys wanting to cook. This story followed Jin. As soon as he neared the house coming home from school, he could smell the fragrance of cooking, especially his grandma's cooking from inside the house's kitchen.

It's Chinese New Year and many aunties came. The foods are being prepared by his 3 aunts and his grandma. One of Jin's aunts asked Jin's two younger sisters to help cook but they ran. He wondered why they don't ask him especially since he loved foods. He decided to volunteer. The aunts pushed Jin away giving excuses that he would get in their way. All aunts agreed, except one person. Once Jin was given the opportunity to cook, he enjoyed it.

My toddler is now asking me if she can cook too!

The inside cover has illustrations of different foods and its name mentioned in the story.

Thank you MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review!

[Juan Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boys Don’t Fry is written by Kimberly Lee and I found out about this book after learning it was an honorable mention for the 2023 Freeman Book Awards, which honors East and Southeast Asian titles for children and young adults.

This book takes place during the eve of Lunar New Year, which is a very important holiday in China. The main character Jin is very excited for the celebration his family is going to have. His family members are in the kitchen preparing some food for the celebration and he really wanted to help out however, some of his aunties tell him he would get in the way or get bored. Despite this, his Mamah allows him to participate and we see the bond between Jin and Mamah as Jin is happily helping prepare traditional dishes.

This was such a fun read aloud, and I really appreciate how the author chose to break traditional gender roles as only little girls want to help out and enjoy being in the kitchen. I really liked the colorful illustrations as well.

This would be such a fun read aloud to use in my 4th grade classroom. I can see myself using this read aloud to teach about different holidays around the world. In addition to this, I can see myself using it to teach theme of a story, which is a 4th grade ELA standard.

[Sarah Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 11 month old daughter and I attended the author's (Aunty Kim's) book reading. It was an enjoyable and funny read, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It has an interesting, simple storyline that many can relate to and sends an important message to embrace the interests of young children.

[Lannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great intersectional book about gender norms and cultural traditions. The story is about a boy who wants to learn to cook in a culture where secret family recipes are passed down through the women in the family. Also set during lunar new year which was a lovely nod to multiple Asian countries who also celebrate. I learned about another Asian group, the Peranakan Chinese heritage, which is where the author’s family hails from. Learning about their food customs, similar ingredients but different dishes, was really refreshing and reminds us that we all have something that connects us and also some things that make us unique.

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the years, I’ve read Lunar New Year books based in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to my kids, and this year I decided to find a Malaysian one since my family does not know much about their traditions. Other than showcasing some staple Malaysian LNY dishes, however, this book doesn’t feel much like a “holiday” book. Instead, it focuses more on breaking down traditional stereotypes —specifically, cooking being only for females.

It is still a good book to read to your kids because they’ll learn a little bit of Malaysian vocabulary and about some common foods and dishes, in addition being a good opportunity to open a discussion about gender roles.

[Elaine Utin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was special to be able to read this with my son who also enjoys being helpful in the kitchen. Out of our book haul from the library, he said this one was his favorite. Reading this book also had us hungry and ready to try new foods! We also learned so much about Peranakan culture in a way that was pleasantly engaging and informative at the same time. Looking forward to taking my family to enjoy our first Malaysian restaurant in the near future. "Boys CAN fry!" 😊

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet and cute. Wonderfully expressive illustrations and a great story about being vocal in what you want and helping pass on tradition !!

[Shannon Bedore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful story about defying gender stereotypes and doing what you love in this story that includes Chinese representation. Jin is preparing to celebrate Lunar New Year with his family and is most excited for the food because he loves his Mamah's cooking. When none of the girl grandchildren volunteer to help cook, Jin decides to be brave and volunteer even though he's never been asked. At first, he's told no by his aunties because they assume he cannot do it, but his Mamah overrules and insists that he helps if he would like to. He felt so happy getting to learn from his Mamah in the kitchen, but was also nervous because he didn't want to mess up the meal. She reminds him, though, that cooking is about the heart, not the head. He suddenly felt a sense of calmness and magic after hearing that, and when they taste tested everything after, Mamah said it was all perfect. When the family ate the meal, they all agreed it was the best one yet, and his aunties even tried to claim that they knew he could do it, but he was just happy that everyone liked it. Jin couldn't wait to keep doing this every year with his Mamah and he was proud of himself for proving that a boy can fry.

I would use this book in my future classroom to teach my students about Lunar New Year. The story details many traditions and goes over some recipes in the dishes Jin cooked with his Mamah, so they can learn much about the holiday while also learning that they too can defy gender stereotypes like Jin.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Jin's family, the Lunar New Year is a memorable feast. Girls are invited to cook. But boys? Never.

Nonetheless, Jin wishes that his family would ask him to help prepare the big feast.

Early on, we meet Jin's relatives, especially his grandmother, Mamah.

Sadly, sexism is alive and well in the family traditiuon. As his Third Aunty says, "You'll mess everything up! The kitchen is not a playground." But Mamah dares to invite Jin to show what he can do.

Mostly this is a tale of culinary triumph and family's learning. Of course, I'm going to rate it at FIVE STARS.

HERE'S ONE IDEA THAT IS NOT IN THIS BOOK, YET YOU MAY FIND IT WORTH NOTING.

Why does Jin have relatives named "Third Aunty" and such? Because, according to tradition, birth order and sex are all a person needs for a name. (Ask your friends who come from East Asian families. Often, this custom persists to this day.)

One of my favorite chapters in my last book, "Seeking Enlightenment in the Age of Awakening" -- provides a historical perspective the emergence of personhood. Did you know, Goodreaders? Individuality is a rather new discovery. In this new Age of Awakening, all of us are going to need it.

I'm glad that this story shows some budging of the traditional prejudices, bending of rigid roles, and even the emergence of personhood for this book's wonderful hero, Jin.

[Annie Bhurya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beautiful pictures in this book draw a reader into the Lunar New Year celebration.
This picture book centers on a “Baba” (boy), wanting to help his grandma cook the Lunar New Year feast. This story tackles the gender stereotypes of boys not being allowed in the kitchen. Although the context sets up that the cultural norm is that only Nyonyas (girls) cook in the kitchen, many families of different backgrounds will connect to wanting books like this one which strive to push past “gender-norms”.
Our protagonist Jin is supported by his Mamah who steps up, and includes Jin in on the fun. Having an elder take Jin's side was an intentionally well written detail by the author, supported by the cultural practice of elders being leaders in Malaysian communities.
Food is also the glue in so many communities around the world, with recipes being the artifacts that preserve tradition through generations. Lee depicts this importance in her story.
The book is full of Malaysian words and phrases but I found myself wishing there was a pronunciation guide.
At the back is a recipe for Peranakan Pongteh chicken and more information about Peranakan Chinese heritage and traditions. I enjoyed that the author included these in the book.
This book would be a great addition in any classroom, expecially during lessons on holidays and food from around the world.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A delightful and delicious story full of family, food, and love. Jin is disheartened when his sisters are asked to help prepare the family's Lunar New Year's feast and he never is. When he asks to help, his aunties only shoo him away, assuming he will just get in the way. But his grandmother welcomes him into the kitchen to learn more about his family and their recipes.

Gorgeous illustrations. Bright and colorful, they perfectly capture the excitement of the holiday, the deliciousness of the food, and the joy of spending time with those you love.

This is such a sweet story. I love the representation of a family member being open and accepting, encouraging a child to follow their interests and do what they enjoy. A lovely way of embracing opportunities to learn from each other and grow closer as a family.

At the back is a recipe for Peranakan Pongteh chicken. There is also an Author's Note that discusses Peranakan Chinese heritage and some of the cuisine and traditions.

Lovely themes of being open to change and not holding too strictly to traditions. A beautiful representation of the bonds that can form when we allow people to be themselves and do what they love.

[Olga Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boys Don't Fry

In a family dynamic where the kitchen belongs to the women in the house, it is so refreshing to see a boy enter this realm and become part of the heart of the family.

I loved it all, from the story to the fantastic illustrations. This book is filled with exquisite details that represent the reality of life, from the attitude of the aunties to the smells and tastes described in the book.
The manuscript is sprinkled with words in the author's native language. Still, they are so expertly intermingled in the text that anyone can understand through context what is being said.

The illustrations are fun, colorful, and exciting; every page is a delight to discover

This book also includes a delicious recipe in the back matter that readers will undoubtedly be excited to try.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message in the story is just as fantastic as the illustrations and the food and family.

In the story, the boy is watching his aunties and grandma cook all the festive food for Lunar New Year however they tell him that boys don't cook after he expressed interest. That's until Grandma speaks, the queen of the kitchen, and says, of course boys belong in the kitchen. He chops, mixes, and fries with the best of them creating a feast and learning that boys DO belong in the kitchen.

Living in a household where my husband does much of the cooking while I bake and my two boys enjoyed a mix of both as teenagers, I wholeheartedly adore this message as a celebration of a festival but also that anyone who loves it, can be in the kitchen and cook up fantastic food (of course the aunties knew the entire time).

[Elena L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the eve of Lunar New Year, a young Malaysian boy (Jin) wants to help cooking the family reunion dinner. This is a lovely story that defies gender expectations and a heartfelt celebration of family, culture and traditions. Jin, who loves food and with the heart to learn, shows the satisfaction of cooking food to share with the family. The vivid illustrations of a traditional nyonya kitchen is a love letter to the author's Peranakan Chinese heritage. We were hungry reading this book and we love books about food and culture.
(note: the Peranakan Pongteh Chicken recipe in the end sounds delicious!)

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - MacKids books . All opinions are my own ]

[Alexandra Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tackles the important topic of gender stereotypes and self-expression. The story follows a young boy named Terry who loves to cook but feels pressure from his family and classmates to conform to traditional gender roles. It challenges stereotypes and celebrates individuality and encourages children to pursue their passions and interests regardless of societal expectations, while also promoting acceptance and empathy towards others who may be different.
In the classroom, this book provides an opportunity for discussions about gender stereotypes and societal expectations. Teachers can use it to facilitate conversations about the ways in which gender norms can limit individual expression and potential.

[Alexis Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. As an English teacher, I am always on the lookout for books which engage the reader using the language, and this book does it well. Lee's descriptions evoke the senses (which I feel is so important for children when they are reading), and she manages to create excitement and this feeling of 'what's going to happen next!' with her story-telling. The colourful and wonderfully detailed illustrations made me feel as if I was momentarily transported into this world. I was rooting for Jin the whole way, and I wanted to eat some Peranakan food by the time I was done reading.

[Dazzle Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a powerful moment in this book where Jin's enthusiasm for cooking and confidence in his skills come up against gender, cultural, and family norms in the form of aunties who mean well but are so quick to dismiss him. Flippant comments like theirs can crush dreams in an instant without anyone noticing. But another key figure in Jin's life and family stopped this from happening... and an entire world opened up to Jin. This book is for anyone who loves food, the warmth of family celebrations, learning about new cultures, and chasing/supporting dreams. Text, illustrations, and their details(!) are absolutely captivating.

[Kennedi Foster]

Boys Don't Fry is a story about a young boy named Jin who really wanted to help cook for their families big reunion, where they celebrate the Lunar New Year. However, it is traditional that only the girls and women cook, so now Jin needs to show everyone that cooking can be for both boys and girls. In the end, Jin finds pride in being able to do his part in helping his family prepare the food and breaking gender stereotypes while doing so . I could use this book in my future classroom to have a week dedicated where each student brings an item or snack and shares with the class about the special celebrations they have with their own families.

[Tia Ramahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Jin, who is celebrating the Lunar New Year with his family. Jin wanted to assist in the dinner preparation this year, and everyone in his family tried to sway him away from that idea because "cooking is a woman's task, and he'd get in the way." Mamah was the only one who believed in him and brought him into the kitchen. With his Mamah's support, he was able to cook the best meal. This is yet another great book that challenges traditional gender norms. I would tie this book into the other books that don't fit into the traditional gender norms. It would also show boys that they, in fact, can be the main character of a story.

[Erin Pioquinto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a-lot about the Peranakan Chinese culture through this book. It was really fun to read this and look at all the illustrations. This book pushes back on the stereotype that only girls belong in the kitchen - Jin was truly made to shine in all the seasonings and tastefulness of his family's kitchen. I would read this book and encourage all of my students to go to dramatic play at some point in the day and make their favorite dish. Or, they can be a creative chef and come up with their own recipe. Either way, I think this could be a great way to get kids thinking creatively and help them realize that anyone can cook if they want to.

[Abby Eberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows a boy named Jin who was eager to help his family prepare the feast, but according to tradition, "boys, or Babas, never get asked, only Nyonyas, the girls". While his aunts prepared and cooked the food, Jin watched and waited to be invited to help. Soon, his grandmother steps in and invites him into the kitchen. Through this experience, Jin challenges gender expectations while celebrating family, culture, and food.

This is a great way to introduce gender roles and expectations to kids and to let them know that interests and skills should not be limited based on their gender.

[Kaitlyn Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, a young Malaysian boy named Jin loves being able to help his family. They are preparing for a big celebration. Jin goes through the struggle of wondering if he can belong in the kitchen. Throughout this book, Jin is able to learn his family traditions but also feel accepted and welcomed in the kitchen. No matter your gender, you can learn to love and cook in the kitchen. This book would be excellent in the classroom because it helps children see no matter their gender, they can belong anywhere. It celebrates family traditions and helps promote the feeling of belonging for children.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes you hungry! I can almost smell the spices throughout the book! I love Lunar New Year celebrations in Southeast Asia. I barely see Sambal, kebaya, sarongs, and all the representations in the English market books. The story is also relatable; in Asian families, boys are often free from kitchen duties. A kitchen is a place for girls and women. Boys and Men will get teased if they help out in the kitchen or cook. I love how Jin is proud to be in the kitchen.
Charlene's artwork is so beautiful and accurately represents the Chinese Malaysian diaspora.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through SLJ Picture Book Palooza.
Jin feels sad as he is not asked to help cook with his Mamah and aunts. The aunts tell him he doesn't belong in the kitchen as he is a male. Mamah stops that and welcomes him to come in and help cook the Lunar New Year. His skills shine through and the meal is delicious. More important, his gift are acknowledged by his family.
Lee breaks down gender roles and supports using your skills and gifts for what you enjoy.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt immersed in this family's world as they prepare for an important holiday feast. All the characters came alive in this delightful story, from the trio of busy aunties to the earnest Jin and his Mamah, who takes him under her wing and becomes his biggest champion.

The illustrations are colorful and energetic, a perfect match for the heartwarming text. I also loved the inclusion of a Peranakan recipe at the end of the book, featuring many of the same ingredients from the story.

*I received a digital ARC from Macmillan.

[Brea Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jin wishes that his family would ask for his help while preparing the Lunar New Years feast, but only girls get asked. Jin watches as his aunties chop, slice, and dice food to prepare the family meal. He wants to know more about his family's cooking history and offers to help prepare the meal but is shooed away. Thankfully the young boys Mahmah or "grandma" allows him to help the family cook, and before Jin knows it he is stirring and slicing just like his aunties. This book defies gender expectations, and teaches us the importance of family.

[Crystal Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a book that I would share in my classroom. This book tells a story about a boy who shows his interest in cooking but his family is telling him that he couldn't only because he is a boy. He was determined to get in the kitchen to help and when he finally did he showed everyone just how good he was and they were impressed. This story encourages children to not let others limit you to what you can do because gender of for any reason at all. This teaches children that there is no limit to what they can do or who they can become.

[Hwee Goh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mamah always said that the kitchen was the stomach of the house.

And the heart?

That was Mamah, of course.”

Here’s a beautiful picture book set in a Peranakan kitchen during the Lunar New Year. It’s gotten down the flavour, aroma, and the gaggle of aunties down to a T.

Jin has always thought he had something of a nose for Peranakan flavours and spices, and really want to help, but is told,

“You’ll get in the way.”

Until Mamah steps in, and Jin slices and dices away, along with long-held gender roles and building empowering new ones.

📚: @definitelybookskids

[Bella Drummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Boys Don't Fry" is a story about gender stereotypes in cultural traditions. This story is being told during the Lunar New Year and is about Jin who is a young boy who loves to help his grandmother prepare for the family feast which is a task that is reserved for women.
I would use this story in my future classroom to teach my students that no matter your gender, you should be doing what you love to do. I would then follow this with a cooking activity where we would be cooking simple dishes and a team which is breaking the tradition gender role said during the book.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this beautiful picture book about family, tradition, cooking, defying gender roles, and being true to your interests and passions! The art by Charlene Chua sparkles! And the characters are engaging. The author did a fantastic job of weaving interesting detail into the storyline and the book ends with fantastic back matter: an author's note about her Peranakan Chinese heritage including the food represented and a recipe. Highly recommend!