Dim Sum, Here We Come!

Lam's love of both dim sum and family is infectious, and she deftly weaves cultural details into the story, such as family members tapping their fingers to thank Uncle Jeremy for refilling hot tea for everyone. Delicious. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Sharing, caring, and cultural traditions mark a Chinese American family's weekly meal together in author-illustrator Lam's delectable picture book. The book's plot doubles as a dim sum primer for those not in the know, showing the family ordering via a card, sharing from steamer baskets rotated around the table, and, via a revealing bird's-eye view of the table, respectfully taking turns. Lam's yummy watercolor and colored pencil art depicts char siu buns, pork dumplings, and spring rolls that are surely worth the wait." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

While the food might seem to steal the show in this cheerful book, Lam links it all together with an emphasis on sharing: "sharing dim sum means I love you." Whether they're familiar with dim sum or not, little kids are sure to recognize the experience of eating lots (and lots!) of food with loved ones. -- Booklist

This is a charming, ebullient celebration of family and food, but it is also a playful primer for readers unfamiliar with Chinese customs and dim sum, including details like tapping the table twice as a thank you. Lam's cartoony, big-headed figures call up Schulz's Peanuts characters, and the watercolor and colored pencil illustrations give mouthwatering detail to the delectable spread. This is an easy pick for a tasty food-themed storytime, perhaps paired with Maillard's Fry Bread or last month's Mama's Home--just be sure to have snacks on hand. -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books