In My Momma's Kitchen [Hardcover]

Jerdine Nolen (Author), Colin Bootman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 1999 | Age Level: 5 and up

From Talking Pots Day, when the aunts all gather to make the biggest pot of soup in town, to serenades and stories late at night, when the rest of the world is asleep, this book celebrates African-American and family life.'

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Seems like everything good that happens in my house happens in my momma's kitchen," begins the young narrator of this cozy picture-book collection of vignettes, set, appropriately, in the kitchen. There the girl's older sister, Nadene, announces she's won a scholarship to college; her aunts gather to cook and chat on "Talking Pots Day"; and Daddy sings "La Cucaracha" and does the cha-cha as he makes corn pudding. Employing her talent for comfortably paced storytelling and evocative description, Nolen (Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm) uses one- to three-page scenarios to evoke the rhythms and rituals of a close-knit, dynamic African-American family. Whether describing "Gran Lee," the old hand-me-down stove Momma would never part with, or a curious pet cat, Nolen's subtle details add color and depth to the proceedings. Bootman's (Oh, No, Toto!) softly lit, realistic oil portraits match the text's warm mood, capturing many tender moments between the narrator and her relatives. Art and text work together to transport readers to a place where abundant love and sweet memories are staples of daily fare. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-"Seems like everything good that happens in my house happens in my momma's kitchen." So begins the narrator of this book, an unnamed girl. Following are eight short vignettes that detail the various activities that take place in the heart of this loving African-American family's home. As Momma and her sisters gather to make the biggest pot of soup in town, Great-aunt Caroline celebrates her 95th birthday, and the whole family ends up in the kitchen raiding the refrigerator and listening to Daddy's stories. An especially pleasing tale depicts the father's autumn ritual of taking over the kitchen to make corn pudding. The narrator says that, "Watching Daddy make the corn pudding is a lot better than actually eating it" but when he "presents it at the dinner table wearing that smile of his and humming 'Glory Hallelujah,' having to eat it is worth it." Bootman's full-page illustrations, done in rich oil paints and framed against a white backdrop, nicely reflect the warmth that radiates from the stories. While the book has no high drama or overt humor, those who read it will share this family's feeling of contentment and quiet satisfaction.
Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Amistad (April 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688127606
• ISBN-13: 978-0688127602
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,577,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Momma's Kitchen is Delightful, August 16, 1999

By 

Shawn Thrasher "Senior Librarian - Youth Serv... (Monrovia, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In My Momma's Kitchen (Hardcover)

Momma's kitchen isn't just to cook in -- it's also a place to sing, to play, to reminisce, to get together, to share, to live and to love! Colin Bootman's oil paintings are perfect complements to these short, short stories. The story about Great Aunt Caroline is the cream in this kitchenful of stories!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Teaching Tool, March 16, 2011

By 

Lynda Sims - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In My Momma's Kitchen (Paperback)

In My Momma's Kitchen is a great teaching tool to use for personal narrative models. It is filled with special events which happened in a favorite room of the house: Momma's kitchen. Colorful illustrations add to the enjoyment this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul Food for Children, June 27, 2003

By 

TheRAWKidzReview - See all my reviews

This review is from: In My Momma's Kitchen (Hardcover)

In My Momma's Kitchen is a collection of short stories that all relate to family unity and togetherness with the setting of each story involving the family kitchen. Each story contains different emotions or sentiments that children of all ages can relate to. The true to life oil painting illustrations enhances the message of each story while helping bring the stories to life. Jerdine Nolen has done an excellent job in producing a children's book that promotes family solidarity, as well allows older children and adults to reminisce and give tribute to the traditions that African Americans have within our "momma's kitchens." I would wholly recommend this book to add to the African American family library. My children and I look forward to exploring more works from this author.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy of
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers