Reviews
Sweeter than Jalebis!
"Unique and stunning!
I feel that Soni is one of those master storytellers, someone who can weave a spell over you with the power of her words and send you magically off to another land..."
The first thing that strikes you about this book are the exquisite, intricate illustrations. They are very different to lots of the illustrations that are in our home so my daughter was instantly mesmerised by their detail, patterns and colours. Fatima Zahra Hassan illustrates in a unique style that is based on traditional Mughal miniature painting with a contemporary twist.
Soni has a wonderful writing style. From reading the book, I feel that Soni is one of those master storytellers. Someone who can weave a spell over you with the power of her words and send you magically off to another land.
The message to take away from the story is simple yet powerful; that through coming together as communities we can overcome problems and help others through sharing and kindness. A discussion page of questions at the back would be the perfect starting point to help delve into the book further and allow readers to give their opinions.
We truly loved this book and it would make a wonderful primary school text.
"There’s so much to recommend 101 Dishes For The Emperor because this is a story that celebrates Indian culture, giving interest and an insight into food and tradition to all children as well as status to those who have an Indian heritage. Equally important is the fact that it is a little boy, Anwar, who is the catalyst for action rather than an adult so that children have an example of self-worth."
101 Dishes For The Emperor is a smashing story of community and how success can be achieved through collaboration and neighbourliness, providing inspiration for all readers regardless of age.
101 Dishes For The Emperor reads very much like a traditional tale and would be perfect for sharing with groups of children as well as enjoying in individual homes. I think it could also lead to some wonderful sharing of foods from different cultures within educational settings and the questions at the end of the story could be used to spark classroom discussion, creative writing and oracy.
There’s so much to recommend 101 Dishes For The Emperor because this is a story that celebrates Indian culture, giving interest and an insight into food and tradition to all children as well as status to those who have an Indian heritage. Equally important is the fact that it is a little boy, Anwar, who is the catalyst for action rather than an adult so that children have an example of self worth.
I thought the balance of text to image was perfect because there’s enough space not to daunt independent readers, but sufficient text to make an interesting narrative and to provide depth for shared reading. The language is accessible but not patronising and has a pitch perfect level of challenge too.
It’s impossible to review 101 Dishes For The Emperor without mention of the fabulous, sumptuous illustrations. Whilst Anwar is depicted in a more child like manner that children will be familiar with, the pictures including the Emperor are again traditional in style so that Indian culture is celebrated.
I thought 101 Dishes For The Emperor was simply lovely – even if it did make me hungry!
"This brilliant book reads like an ancient Indian Folktale. This book is a beautiful portrayal of the power of community and sharing and there's a lovely ending that also highlights this."
This brilliant book reads like an ancient Indian Folktale and is inspired by a true event that happened long ago to the family of author Soni Zuberi Shah that was passed to her by her father.
This book is a beautiful portrayal of the power of community and sharing and there’s a lovely ending that also highlights this.
The gorgeous illustrations by Fatima Zahra Hassan mix traditional Mughal style miniature paintings with a more contemporary style, giving the story a feeling of being passed down through generations yet still very relevant today.
This would be a great book to use in school and there are some great discussion ideas at the back of the book.
"Here is a book that’s sure to tantalise your taste buds!"
Here is a book that’s sure to tantalise your taste buds!
101 Dishes for the Emperor is a lovely parable about sharing food and communities coming together. It also ends with a lovely surprise for Anwar and his fellow villagers, which I won’t spoil! I love the vibrant, colourful Illustrations by Dr Fatima Zahra Hassan which really capture the era and the location beautifully.
I read this with my own children and my pupils and it sparked conversations about our favourite meals and times that we’ve celebrated special occasions by sharing food with others.
"The rich cultural representation is present throughout the pages. This story is such a fun one to read aloud. My kids listened attentively to every word.
This book was a breath of fresh air from the contemporary stories we have been reading lately. At the end, the book includes discussion questions related to the story. This a recommended read!"
Summary:
When little Anwar hears that the Emperor is visiting his village, he is determined that he should taste his mother’s special Dal recipe. When he invites the Emperor and his big caravan to lunch, Anwar realizes that his mother simply cannot make enough to feed such a huge crowd. Anwar comes up with a plan.
Review:
This is a story about family, community and generosity. It is told in a folk-tale fashion and the storyline is very well executed. The illustrations are so wonderfully unique and so much detail is presented in each page spread. The rich cultural representation is present throughout the pages. This story is such a fun one to read aloud. My kids listened attentively to every word. <br>
This book was a breath of fresh air from the contemporary stories we have been reading lately. At the end, the book includes discussion questions related to the story. This a recommended read!
"This folk tale of India instantly transported me to the moonlit nights resting on my grandmother's lap and hearing similar folk tales about Kings and Queens...
The writing is beautiful and the story pans out naturally. We already read it several times and enjoyed a lot, Alhamdulillah. Especially, all the South Asian food mentioned in the book make it delightful.
The illustrations in the book are refreshing and unique."
We all have a favourite dish cooked by our own mothers. We feel like everyone should taste that one special dish. Little Anwar is just the same. He loves his mother’s dal and he genuinely feels everyone should taste it.
The Emperor of India was travelling with his caravan, and the little village where Anwar and his mother dwell is along the way. As soon as Anwar sees the Emperor enter the village, he knew that he doesn’t want to miss the opportunity of inviting him to taste his mother’s special dal. Determined Anwar not only invited the Emperor but also ended up inviting the whole caravan of people for dinner. Upon hearing this, his mother Paro broke into tears. She doesn’t see how it would be possible to feed so many people by herself! At the end, it’s Anwar’s clever idea that saves the day. He even gets rewarded by the Emperor for such hospitality and quick-thinking.
This folk tale of India instantly transported me to the moonlit nights resting on my grandmother’s lap and hearing similar folk tales about Kings and Queens. Now I am reading and retelling these stories that I grew up hearing, to my children. The author of this book is also doing the same. She shared a story her father would tell her when she was a little girl.
The writing is beautiful and the story pans out naturally. We already read it several times and enjoyed a lot, Alhamdulillah. Especially, all the South Asian food mentioned in the book make it delightful.
The illustrations in the book are refreshing and unique. It’s done by a passionate miniature artist.
The book ends with a fun exercise and questions for discussion. I personally believe every book has something that can be talked about and if you can, initiate a short or a very very long conversation with children about it.
This is the first picture book from this author and I am really looking forward to seeing more work from her in the future. I would love to see her writing more stories incorporating Islamic values, InshaAllah.
"This was such a lovely and delightful read...
My children loved listening to the story and yep, you guessed it, we cooked our own version of dal too."
This was such a lovely and delightful read. The book was inspired by a true story of sharing , community and food . I really loved the fact that it is based on a true family true story.
The illustrations are so stunning and unique , mixing contemporary and traditional Mughal miniature paintings.
There are lovely discussion questions at the end and as a bonus you can visit www.101Dishes.co.uk to find how to cook dal and other yummy recipes . My children loved listening to the story and yep , you guessed it , we cooked our own version of dal too. Let me know how you cook your dal? Do you have a special family recipe ?
Soni Shah – what an inspirational lady and I am looking forward to reading more books from you Soni
"What an unexpected and delightful read"
What an unexpected & delightful read!
How does food bring a community together?
How can we be ingenuous & resourceful?
This story is one to be relished! It is a surprising (there’s a fun twist) story with gorgeous illustrations.
I adore that this is based on a true family story.
The recipes, discussion questions & informative back matter are especially wonderful as learning resources 
"Absolutely charming story about daring to do something bold and working out how, with help."
"A real visual feast and a beautiful way to introduce Mughal history to children!"
"To my folklore-loving heart, this was a delightful picture book! I adored the illustrations especially.”
101 Dishes for the Emperor” by Soni Zuberi Shah, illustrated by Fatima Zahra Hassan, is a charming story that evokes traditional folklore and is gorgeously accompanied by Mughal-inspired miniature art!
When the Emperor sets out across the land, an excited young boy named Anwar can’t wait to share his mother’s delicious daal! But when he accidentally invites the Emperor’s entire entourage, it turns out to be a challenge that only the village can solve.
To my folklore-loving heart, this was a delightful picture book! I adored the illustrations especially.
"Unique and stunning!
I feel that Soni is one of those master storytellers, someone who can weave a spell over you with the power of her words and send you magically off to another land.."
The first thing that strikes you about this book are the exquisite, intricate illustrations. They are very different to lots of the illustrations that are in our home so my daughter was instantly mesmerised by their detail, patterns and colours. Fatima Zahra Hassan illustrates in a unique style that is based on traditional Mughal miniature painting with a contemporary twist.
Soni has a wonderful writing style. From reading the book, I feel that Soni is one of those master storytellers. Someone who can weave a spell over you with the power of her words and send you magically off to another land.
The message to take away from the story is simple yet powerful; that through coming together as communities we can overcome problems and help others through sharing and kindness. A discussion page of questions at the back would be the perfect starting point to help delve into the book further and allow readers to give their opinions.
We truly loved this book and it would make a wonderful primary school text.
"There’s so much to recommend 101 Dishes For The Emperor because this is a story that celebrates Indian culture, giving interest and an insight into food and tradition to all children as well as status to those who have an Indian heritage.
Equally important is the fact that it is a little boy, Anwar, who is the catalyst for action rather than an adult so that children have an example of self-worth."
Equally important is the fact that it is a little boy, Anwar, who is the catalyst for action rather than an adult so that children have an example of self-worth."
101 Dishes For The Emperor is a smashing story of community and how success can be achieved through collaboration and neighbourliness, providing inspiration for all readers regardless of age.
101 Dishes For The Emperor reads very much like a traditional tale and would be perfect for sharing with groups of children as well as enjoying in individual homes. I think it could also lead to some wonderful sharing of foods from different cultures within educational settings and the questions at the end of the story could be used to spark classroom discussion, creative writing and oracy.
There’s so much to recommend 101 Dishes For The Emperor because this is a story that celebrates Indian culture, giving interest and an insight into food and tradition to all children as well as status to those who have an Indian heritage. Equally important is the fact that it is a little boy, Anwar, who is the catalyst for action rather than an adult so that children have an example of self worth.
I thought the balance of text to image was perfect because there’s enough space not to daunt independent readers, but sufficient text to make an interesting narrative and to provide depth for shared reading. The language is accessible but not patronising and has a pitch perfect level of challenge too.
It’s impossible to review 101 Dishes For The Emperor without mention of the fabulous, sumptuous illustrations. Whilst Anwar is depicted in a more child like manner that children will be familiar with, the pictures including the Emperor are again traditional in style so that Indian culture is celebrated.
I thought 101 Dishes For The Emperor was simply lovely – even if it did make me hungry!
"This brilliant book reads like an ancient Indian Folktale. This book is a beautiful portrayal of the power of community and sharing and there's a lovely ending that also highlights this."
This brilliant book reads like an ancient Indian Folktale and is inspired by a true event that happened long ago to the family of author Soni Zuberi Shah that was passed to her by her father.
This book is a beautiful portrayal of the power of community and sharing and there’s a lovely ending that also highlights this.
The gorgeous illustrations by Fatima Zahra Hassan mix traditional Mughal style miniature paintings with a more contemporary style, giving the story a feeling of being passed down through generations yet still very relevant today.
This would be a great book to use in school and there are some great discussion ideas at the back of the book.
"Here is a book that’s sure to tantalise your taste buds!"
Here is a book that’s sure to tantalise your taste buds!
101 Dishes for the Emperor is a lovely parable about sharing food and communities coming together. It also ends with a lovely surprise for Anwar and his fellow villagers, which I won’t spoil! I love the vibrant, colourful Illustrations by Dr Fatima Zahra Hassan which really capture the era and the location beautifully.
I read this with my own children and my pupils and it sparked conversations about our favourite meals and times that we’ve celebrated special occasions by sharing food with others.
"The rich cultural representation is present throughout the pages. This story is such a fun one to read aloud. My kids listened attentively to every word.
This book was a breath of fresh air from the contemporary stories we have been reading lately. At the end, the book includes discussion questions related to the story.
This a recommended read!"
Summary:
When little Anwar hears that the Emperor is visiting his village, he is determined that he should taste his mother’s special Dal recipe. When he invites the Emperor and his big caravan to lunch, Anwar realizes that his mother simply cannot make enough to feed such a huge crowd. Anwar comes up with a plan.
Review:
This is a story about family, community and generosity. It is told in a folk-tale fashion and the storyline is very well executed. The illustrations are so wonderfully unique and so much detail is presented in each page spread. The rich cultural representation is present throughout the pages. This story is such a fun one to read aloud. My kids listened attentively to every word.
This book was a breath of fresh air from the contemporary stories we have been reading lately. At the end, the book includes discussion questions related to the story. This a recommended read!
"This folk tale of India instantly transported me to the moonlit nights resting on my grandmother's lap and hearing similar folk tales about Kings and Queens...
The writing is beautiful and the story pans out naturally. We already read it several times and enjoyed a lot, Alhamdulillah. Especially, all the South Asian food mentioned in the book make it delightful.
The illustrations in the book are refreshing and unique."
We all have a favourite dish cooked by our own mothers. We feel like everyone should taste that one special dish. Little Anwar is just the same. He loves his mother’s dal and he genuinely feels everyone should taste it.
The Emperor of India was travelling with his caravan, and the little village where Anwar and his mother dwell is along the way. As soon as Anwar sees the Emperor enter the village, he knew that he doesn’t want to miss the opportunity of inviting him to taste his mother’s special dal. Determined Anwar not only invited the Emperor but also ended up inviting the whole caravan of people for dinner. Upon hearing this, his mother Paro broke into tears. She doesn’t see how it would be possible to feed so many people by herself! At the end, it’s Anwar’s clever idea that saves the day. He even gets rewarded by the Emperor for such hospitality and quick-thinking.
This folk tale of India instantly transported me to the moonlit nights resting on my grandmother’s lap and hearing similar folk tales about Kings and Queens. Now I am reading and retelling these stories that I grew up hearing, to my children. The author of this book is also doing the same. She shared a story her father would tell her when she was a little girl.
The writing is beautiful and the story pans out naturally. We already read it several times and enjoyed a lot, Alhamdulillah. Especially, all the South Asian food mentioned in the book make it delightful.
The illustrations in the book are refreshing and unique. It’s done by a passionate miniature artist.
The book ends with a fun exercise and questions for discussion. I personally believe every book has something that can be talked about and if you can, initiate a short or a very very long conversation with children about it.
This is the first picture book from this author and I am really looking forward to seeing more work from her in the future. I would love to see her writing more stories incorporating Islamic values, InshaAllah.
"This was such a lovely and delightful read...
My children loved listening to the story and yep, you guessed it, we cooked our own version of dal too."
This was such a lovely and delightful read. The book was inspired by a true story of sharing , community and food . I really loved the fact that it is based on a true family true story.
The illustrations are so stunning and unique , mixing contemporary and traditional Mughal miniature paintings.
There are lovely discussion questions at the end and as a bonus you can visit www.101Dishes.co.uk to find how to cook dal and other yummy recipes . My children loved listening to the story and yep , you guessed it , we cooked our own version of dal too. Let me know how you cook your dal? Do you have a special family recipe ?
A little bit of info about the author Soni Zuberi shah : Soni trained as an environmentalist and worked in conservation and development. She has also worked in science communication at the BBC and has gone on to work in the arts and community.
Soni – What an inspirational lady and I am looking forward to reading more books from you Soni
"What an unexpected and delightful read"
What an unexpected & delightful read!
How does food bring a community together?
How can we be ingenuous & resourceful?
This story is one to be relished! It is a surprising (there’s a fun twist) story with gorgeous illustrations.
I adore that this is based on a true family story.
The recipes, discussion questions & informative back matter are especially wonderful as learning resources
"Absolutely charming story about daring to do something bold and working out how, with help."
"A real visual feast and a beautiful way to introduce Mughal history to children!"
"To my folklore-loving heart, this was a delightful picture book! I adored the illustrations especially.”
101 Dishes for the Emperor” by Soni Zuberi Shah, illustrated by Fatima Zahra Hassan, is a charming story that evokes traditional folklore and is gorgeously accompanied by Mughal-inspired miniature art!
When the Emperor sets out across the land, an excited young boy named Anwar can’t wait to share his mother’s delicious daal! But when he accidentally invites the Emperor’s entire entourage, it turns out to be a challenge that only the village can solve.
To my folklore-loving heart, this was a delightful picture book! I adored the illustrations especially.