I mostly read adult fiction these days, but I'm known to cross genres if and when a Vietnamese book hits the market. From Grey and Mama (I'm sure you've seen their TikTok vids, or, if you're a millennial like me, when they're reposted later on Instagram), this is a heartwarming story featuring grandchildren with their Bà Ngoại. She teaches them to make bánh bột lọc, which makes me so hungry. Who wants to road trip to OC?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

What a touching children’s book on a grandmother spending time with her grandchildren and teaching them how to make dumplings.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Spicy aromas and grandma's famous fish sauce come together in this tasty treat of dumplings. Two kids visit their grandma in a day of making yummy dumplings. From start to finish, the process is filled with laughter and love. Grandma shares her memories of her time in Vietnam and how she brought her recipes home. Sometimes served with shrimp or even coconut, eating dumplings together is a heartwarming moment. The designs of the different foods made me hungry as I read about the molding of dough and adding cilantro later on. This picture book treated the reader to delicious foods and the times we were together.

Loved this book and so did my preschool class! It was a great look at different family traditions, culture, and a different style of cooking than what they are use to! My class was very interested in this book! The illustrations were beautiful, It told a beautiful story of a recipe being passed down from generation to generation! Thank you NetGalley and publishers for my ARC!

What's in a Dumpling, Grandma? is a beautifully illustrated story of a Vietnamese boy named Grey and his cousin Mila. They go to their grandmother's house, and she teaches them how to make banh loc, Vietnamese dumplings. While she teaches them how to make this special traditional food, she tells them stories of her childhood and how the food is special to her. She has memories of her grandmother making banh loc, too!

This is a fun and colorful way to learn about another culture and different types of food, while spending time with grandparents. It also shows the important of tradition and culture, especially for immigrants.

I always like to see diversity in children's books. This book adds a lot to our libraries. It is representation for Vietnamese kids and immigrants generally, but it is also a great way for other kids to learn about differences and learn to accept and appreciate them!

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!