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Warm-toned illustrated cover showing a young girl walking along a riverbank carrying a basket of ingredients, with a small dog running beside her. In the background, people fish from a boat and prepare food. The title appears in flowing red script.

Mama's Special Wonton Soup

Written by

Illustrated by

Translated by

About this story

When a young girl leaves her mama's house in Southern China to buy ingredients for wonton soup, she meets an array of villagers who each gift her with something special for her mama’s cooking pot.

Warm-toned illustrated cover showing a young girl walking along a riverbank carrying a basket of ingredients, with a small dog running beside her. In the background, people fish from a boat and prepare food. The title appears in flowing red script.

Book Details

One day, in a village in Southern China, a young girl leaves her mama's house to buy ingredients for wonton soup. On the way to market, she meets a wonderful array of characters going about their daily lives. There’s Ms Chen pulling radishes from the fields, Mr Li and his daughters hauling shrimp from the lake, and grandma hanging out strings of persimmons to dry in the sun.


As the girl greets each of them with “Zǎo ān,” and thanks them with “Xiè xiè,” they gift her with something special for her mama's cooking pot. By the time the little girl reaches home, she has more food than her and her mama can possibly eat. What should the two of them do now?


A charming story of cooking, sharing and peaceful rural life that soothes the soul in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world.


“I loved this cozy take on a familiar tale set in a new locale. This is a feel-good tale of food and community that will resonate with all readers.”

– Youth Services Book Review, 5 STARS


“Canadian author Wong’s welcoming tale of connected community is lovingly enhanced by Zhu’s pastoral illustrations, their earthy tones highlighting the warmth enjoyed throughout the village. A heartfelt reminder of the power of communal caring and sharing.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Awards & Accolades:

Freeman Book Award 2025 Honor Title

Book Specifications:

Age Range:

2-5

Page Count:

32pp

Country:

China

Region:

Eastern Asia

Sold in:

UK; US & Canada

HB ISBN:

9781836290186 (US)

PB ISBN:

9781915244901 (UK)

Themes:

Cultures & Immigration, Race & Ethnicity, Family, Friends, Community

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