Customer Reviews

Cora Cooks Pancit

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Although "Cora Cooks Pancit" is likely to be viewed as a children's book by many, in truth it is much more than a children's story. For anyone who grew up in a Filipino family (I did not,though I am happily a part of one now) or who has made pancit or other Filipino dishes(I have) or simply grew up in a large, loving family, I believe that this book will feel more a memory from a childhood long ago than simply a child's story. Why? First, the author has wonderfully included shared memories from childhood- jobs given to older children, the longing by younger children to help, the chance to lick the spoon, etc. Secondly- the author has woven into the story specific details that authenticate the Filipino experience, e.g. lumpia and adobo, the size of the family and the names of the children,the description of the pancit pan, "salamat", the mother's experssion and reaction upon the spill, etc. More importantly is the inclusion of the reflections upon "Lolo"- his life as a boy in the Philippine countryside, his work with immigrant farm laborers, etc., all help to create a memory shared by many Filipinos today for cherished loved one long gone. Finally, the author's description of the creation of pancit is completely authentic and mirrors my own lessons from my Pinay wife- shredding chicken with a fork, soaking noodles, stirring in the ingredients, and finally sending carrots and mushrooms and chicken out of the all-to-full pot when stirring! I am sure I am not alone in these memories..

Lastly, illustrations in this book accurately and wonderfully capture the Filipino persona (appearance, expressions, stance, smiles) as I have come to know it. The illustrator has also captured other details- the Filipino flag side-by-side with the American flag on the refrigerator, the tsinellas on the family's feet, images of tropical fruit on the walls, spoons and forks, but no knives on the table, and lastly, Cora's look as she awaits the response from her family as they try the pancit. I am sure I had the same look as I presented my first pancit to family and friends!

I recommend this book unconditionally to children of all agaes who still remember what it was like to gain new responsibilities within their family.

I have two young children who love to help Mommy in the kitchen. So I often look for picture books which depict parents and children preparing meals together. I was delighted to discover Cora Cooks Pancit, as it introduces my children to another culture's cuisine. Pancit is a traditional Filipino dish of noodles, chicken, egg and vegetables.

The first thing that impressed me about this book were the colorful, adorable illustrations by Krisi Valiant. The parent-child bond is so thoughtfully reproduced. There's sweet moments of Mama presenting little Cora with her grandfather Lolo's special apron and Mama leaning on the kitchen chair recalling how Lolo taught her how to make Pancit. The body language is so expressive and accurate, the characters feel as if they're moving on the page.

Cora's little face is tentative as she soaks the rice noodles for the first time. Mama's smile is encouraging. Truly, the illustrations made my heart warm.

After making a mistake with the noodles, Cora is apprehensive as the family tastes her first attempt at Pancit. But when they say it tastes just like Lolo's pancit, Cora proudly stands atop her chair and shows off her apron. "Salamat," she cries out. "Thank you!"

Cora Cooks Pancit demonstrates the importance of passing on family traditions and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

And the bonus is a wonderful pancit recipe, which is delicious! (I know, I've already made it twice to rave reviews!)

If I say this was a delicious book I would not be kidding. The story is about a young Filipino child who is too small to help cook in the kitchen. One day her sisters and brother leave the house and she is left to help her mother cook. Her mother lets her choose what they will eat. She chooses Pancit, her favorite dish. She gets to put the noodles to soak to soften them, help shred the chicken and check when the noodles are done. She also gets to help stir the pancit. Her sisters and brother are surprised to learn that she did their grown up jobs. They and their father tell her how proud they are of her. I loved the glossary of words that explain some of the foods. The end of the book contains the recipe for the noodle and chicken dish called Pancit. I loved the pictures. They were fun, but realistic enough that they made me hungry.

This is a very nice children's book about a young Filipino-American girl who wants to cook like her mother and older siblings. She finally gets a chance and with mom's guidance, makes her favorite dish Pancit. The book comes with a great description of the creation of the dish along with the recipe. A very nice multicultural book which tells a simple, great story.

When the young girl Cora's older siblings are not around as they usually are to help her mother prepare dinner, she steps in. The family is a Filipino American family. She and her mother prepare the favorite Filipino dish of noodles with vegetables, spices, and chicken called pancit. As Cora is doing some of the more involved tasks, the mother talks a little about how Cora's grandfather back in the Philippines would prepare pancit for field workers. The preparation of the meal thus becomes an activity bringing together different generations of the family. With the central activity of the story and the recipe for pancit following it, the book also relates to the current interest in teaching young children about food, diet, and cooking.

"Cora Cooks Pancit" presents a kitchen tale about a daughter who yearns to learn to cook her favorite Filipino noodle dish, pancit. Because her older siblings are gone, Cora is given the chance to help by shredding chicken, soaking noodles, and chopping vegetables, even stirring the noodles carefully while adding the other ingredients while the pancit is still on the burner. Cora is allowed to wear a special red apron that comes from her Lolo, or grandfather, who was a cook for Filipino farmworkers who picked strawberries and grapes. Lolo taught Cora's mother to cook and also told her stories about the Philippines where he was born while he was cooking. Even though Cora makes a few little detours in her cooking activities, she follows directions carefully, including washing up thoroughly, and when her siblings return, they enjoy a fine Filipino meal of pancit. They even decide it tastes just like Lolo's pancit! "Cora Cooks Pancit" is enriched by warm golden tones in its full page, full color illustrations by illustrator Kristi Valiant. Details of Filipino culture and life are highlighted. Designed for ages 4-8, "Cora Cooks Pancit" is both a careful cook's guide and a culturally rich tradition-laced story. A helpful Glossary at the end defines Filipino words and a final page of Lolo's Pancit Recipe contains the added instruction, "Children should make pancit with the help of an adult. Preparation involves chopping, cutting and sauteing on the stove (p. 32)."

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. The rhythm of the words captures deep sentiments of family (that many will relate to, regardless of culture), the celebration of one's culture or heritage, and rights of passage that we each face for the various roles in our lives... in this book in particular, of little Cora attaining kitchen rights she's only ever witnessed. The illustrator captures the heart of the story with vivid and warm illustrations. My kids LOVE this book... and so do all of their friends. That would be enough, but it so happens that all of their parents adore it too! It's a read-aloud book worth every read!

My daughter is only two and she loves this book. I just wished this author made more Filipino-American books for us to enjoy as much as we did this one.