100 Chapatis
Derek Mascarenhas
DEREK MASCARENHAS is a graduate of the University of Toronto SCS Creative Writing Program, a finalist and runner up for the Penguin Random House of Canada Student Award for Fiction, and a nominee for the Marina Nemat Award. His short story collection, Coconut Dreams, was acclaimed by Quill & Quire and The Globe and Mail. Derek lives in Toronto, Ontario, and 100 Chapatis is his first picture book.
Shantala Robinson
SHANTALA ROBINSON is an illustrator and fine artist. Her artwork is inspired by both her urban and natural surroundings, and by her young son and daughter. Shantala lives in New Westminster, British Columbia with her husband and children. She grew up eating chapatis. Sometimes she would try making them with her aunt, and they were never perfect circles.
A boy makes one hundred chapatis with his grandfather while they wait for news of his new baby sibling’s arrival
Simon doesn’t want the baby to come. He was happy with just his mom, dad, and Pappa. Now, Mom and Dad are at the hospital, and Simon and Pappa are waiting for news at home.
Knowing how hard it is to wait, Pappa starts Simon on a project of making one hundred chapatis. They measure the ingredients, knead and roll the dough, and then drop them one by one into a giant frying pan. Soon, Simon is so busy that he forgets to worry. “Can I show the baby how to make chapatis?” he asks Pappa. And before they know it, Pappa is frying up the one hundredth chapati … and the phone is ringing!
A debut picture book with texture-rich illustrations and simple evocative text, 100 Chapatis is a gentle lesson in patience that makes for a wonderful read-aloud.
Derek Mascarenhas, Shantala RobinsonSKU: OB400103n0nn1nWWW | ISBN: 9781771475631
"There's an understated message that finding ways to help can make soon-to-be older siblings feel more comfortable ... At its heart, though, this is a cheerful portrayal of intergenerational bonding over bread, and that will ring true to plenty of children."
- Booklist"A warm and reassuring read. A testament to the power of comfort food."
- Kirkus Reviews"An enjoyable, calming story. This debut picture book is a recommended purchase."
- School Library Journal"Perfect for any child who has a hard time being patient ... [depicts] the joy of passing down family traditions."
- Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database"A celebration of intergenerational love, a celebration of food and culture, even a celebration of the complex emotions that accompany all major life shifts."
- Canadian Review of Materials"Pappa suggests it might take 100 chapatis long, before the baby is ready to make its entrance. Great idea!" - Sal's Fiction Addiction
Toronto Public Library First and Best List, 2023
Publication date
October 15, 2023
Number of pages
32
Curriculum
Self-Awareness; Self-Regulation; Relationship Skills
Interest age
From 4 to 7