Hurray…autumn is here! I love the scarlet and gold of New England’s fall foliage. The cool crisp mornings and the warm sunny afternoons remind me of the vacations I’ve taken at many of our country’s incredible National Parks where even in the middle of the summer, the mornings can be really chilly because you are at a high altitude.
Have you been to any of our National Parks? Yosemite is the one featured in today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection. If you’d like to see more of this week’s Perfect Picture Book reviews, please visit Susanna Hill’s blog.
I’m really excited to review this brand-new book—I just connected with the author, Annette Bay Pimentel…and guess what? I’ll be interviewing her for Will Write for Cookies next October!
MOUNTAIN CHEF: How One Man Lost His Groceries, Changed His Plans, and Helped Cook Up the National Park Service
Written by Annette Bay Pimentel
Illustrated by Rich Lo
Publisher: Charlesbridge (2016)
Ages: 5-9
Themes:
Discrimination, conservation, National Parks, cooking, ingenuity
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
The true story of a Chinese American mountain man who fed thirty people for ten days in the wilderness–and helped inspire the creation of the National Park Service.
Tie Sing was born in the mountains. The mountains were in his blood. But because he was of Chinese descent at a time in America when to be Chinese meant working in restaurants or laundries, Tie Sing’s prospects were limited. But he had bigger plans. He began cooking for mapmakers and soon built a reputation as the best trail cook in California.
When millionaire Stephen Mather began his quest to create a national park service in 1915, he invited a group of influential men—writers, tycoons, members of Congress, and even a movie star—to go camping in the Sierras. Tie Sing was hired to cook.
Tie Sing planned diligently. He understood the importance of this trip. But when disaster struck—twice—and Tie Sing’s supplies were lost, it was his creative spirit and quick mind that saved the day. His sumptuous menus had to be struck and Tie Sing had to start over in order to feed the thirty people in the group for ten whole days. His skills were tested and Tie Sing rose to the challenge.
On the last night, he fed not just the campers’ bodies, but also their minds, reminding them to remember and protect the mountains.
2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, created by Congress on August 25, 1916.
Today, you can hike to Sing Peak, named for Tie Sing, in Yosemite National Park.
Opening Lines:
Tie Sing was a frontier baby, born high in the mountains in Virginia City, Nevada. Growing up, he breathed crisp Sierra air and scuffed through sagebrush. He learned to write in both English and Chinese.
Why I like this book:
- I love unknown gems of history uncovered by writers who weave great picture book stories for kids.
- This story has so many different levels…National Parks, racial discrimination, conservation, cooking, ingenuity, courage…parents and teachers can use it as a springboard for many different discussions.
- Wonderful illustrations that help you feel you are camping right alongside Tie Sing.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
- This summer was the 100th anniversary of the National Park System: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/index.htm
- If you have a National Park in your area, why not plan a day trip. When we lived in Colorado, we often drove 2+ hours to get to Rocky Mountain National Park…in the summer, we’d fish…in the fall, we’d stroll around Estes Park, the town right at one of the park’s entrances, where elk would walk up and down the streets…and in winter, we’d go up for a weekend and stay at one of the local lodges in the park…to snowshoe and cross country ski during the day and soak in the outdoor hot tub in the evening.
- Fortune Cookies
Photo courtesy: Taste of Home
Have you ever made fortune cookies? The kids will have fun thinking up their own fortunes to put in the cookies.
You can find the recipe here: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-fortune-cookies
This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susannah Leonard Hill. Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, dear friends and readers.
oooooo, I really want to read this one.
Thanks for sharing, Vivian.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Linda! And if your local library doesn’t own it you could suggest they buy it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s really fabulous, Linda…and Annette makes a great point…everyone should request their local library purchase these new picture books..but I do understand…libraries in Europe might not be as responsive as those in the US, especially to buy American stories. Are patrons able to request their local library purchase books?
LikeLike
This is a gem. I love to find little unknown true stories. And, it is perfect addition for the National Park celebration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have loved seeing all the national parks books come out this year. Anniversaries are fun!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yup…Annette was definitely on the ball when she researched this golden nugget, Patricia. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE this account. I knew nothing of Tie Sing despite having read about the creation of the national parks! Terrific!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I too love those moments when I learn something that shows me a part of history I hadn’t known before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m right there with you, Joanna…I’ve read lots about the national park system…and several of the newer pbs about it…but I never came across this amazing man. So I’m thankful to Annette also. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow, wow, wow. I love the style of the opening line and the art is gorgeous. Plus it sounds like this book has plenty of layers. Thanks. Looking forward to your upcoming interview.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Joanne. The watercolor illustrations are luminous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you are excited for the interview with Annette, Joanne…sorry we have to wait till next October…but never fear…there are some other great authors/illustrators coming up in the next few months: Sylvia Liu in October, Emma Bland Smith (Journey: The Most Famous Wolf in the West) in November, and a double treat in December, Jessica Lawson (fabulous MG author – Waiting for Augusta, Nooks and Crannies, and more), and, as a Christmas present, Duncan Tonituah. With a book giveaway every month! And 2017 only has 2 spots left…I’m totally thrilled!
LikeLike
“Unknown gems of history”–Yes, Vivian! It makes us readers feel as if we, too, could do something of lasting importance. Thanks for introducing me to this book! And I love National Parks!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You express that central theme beautifully!–“makes us….feel as if we, too could do something of lasting importance.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with Annette, Jane…I love the way you put that…and you are 100% right..and that is what we want to convey to young kids. That’s why I LOVE to write about people in history who inspire me…hopefully, those books (if they get published) will inspire kids as well. 😉
LikeLike
Yay! Another nonfiction story I haven’t read. And this one takes place in Yosemite National Park where I spent my honeymoon! I know I’m going to love this book, stories, pictures, and all! And I love that you included a fortune cookie recipe! Perfect!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can’t imagine a more wonderful honeymoon spot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your honeymoon at Yosemite…oh my goodness, Lesile…that is so cool! Glad you enjoyed the post…and let me know if you try the fortune cookie recipe. 😉
LikeLike
I LOVE unknown gems like this, too! And with a multicultural component – you got me!
What a great story! Putting this one on my list. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Beth! I think it’s important for all of us to remember that our nation has been multi-cultural for a long time. This isn’t new!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right, Beth…the multicultural component is so important, especailly as we scramble to find more diverse books…thank goodness for Annette and her research!
LikeLike
I love Yosemite! And I love that Tie Sing is getting some long overdue recognition. This sounds like a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
For the last few years, Yosemite has been sponsoring an annual symposium named after Tie Sing. Check out the Sing Peak Pilgrimage if you’re interested.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That;s what I love so much about these newer nonfiction picture books, Gabi…they uncover these forgotten people and/or moments…and bringing history alive for young readers.
And yes, Yosemite is incredible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great book that covers several different themes. Very cool! We went to Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Niagara Falls, and Ft. Ticonderoga in one trip this summer. We LOVE our national (and state) park system! I would include Crazyhorse, but it’s neither a state nor national park.
Thanks, Vivian, for bringing the national parks and a lesser known book into the public eye!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve never been to Crazyhorse. Sounds like it’s worth a visit!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it is. There’s a wonderful Native American museum there, as well.
LikeLike
That must have been an awesome trip, Jilanne! And I’m really happy the spotlight is on Annette’s book for PPBF…it’s really important for kids in the US to develop an appreciation for the beauty of America!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So, so true. This nation has so many glorious natural wonders. It’s important to protect them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been eagerly anticipating this book! Thanks, Vivian!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m honored to have a book come out in the same season as Coyote Moon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Maria…oh I’m so happy you stopped by! And glad you are looking forward to reading Mountain Chef…I think you will love it!
LikeLike
Thank you for profiling the book, Vivian! I feel very lucky to have been paired with Rich Lo as the artist. He not only paints beautifully but also grew up, like Tie Sing, with feet in two different cultures. I’m glad you liked his illustrations, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, Annette…he was the perfect match for your text! And thank you so much for stopping by to respond to the comments that have come in so far…there may be more in the next few days. You are so prompt…I’ve been revising a ms…but will say howdy tomorrow to all who commented.
LikeLike
I love the idea of a hidden gem being shared in a picture book & this sounds like a fabulous story. And what a fabulous title – as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to open the book & read more. Thanks for highlighting this story & wonderful news that Annette will write for cookies next October.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t that true, Pat…I felt the same way about the title…I just had to grab it and open it up. And the funny thing is that ‘they’ tell us a title needs to be short and sweet…well, Annette did that…but she also wrote a sub title that is ultra long…but it makes you want to read the book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is an amazing story. I love the gems that Vivian finds and always a wonderful review that makes you want to check it out. Hoping this comes down my way. Thanks for sharing Vivian.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You bring up a really good point, Diane…is it difficult to get US published books in the bookstores and libraries of NZ?
So glad you enjoyed the review…it always fun for me to make those discoveries.;)
LikeLike
Mountain Chef sounds super!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So lovely of you to stop by, Sharon…and I hope you get to read the book…it’s so much fun!
LikeLike
My kind of story…culture + history! Thanks for the heads up about this one Vivian!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So right, Keila…and this story has so many layers…but they don’t impinge on the story…Annette did a really good job of that…I need to study how she did it…because sometimes my nonfiction pbs get a bit muddled and I lose the main thread.;)
LikeLike
I really like the idea of this book! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Erik…yes, I think you will like this one 😉
LikeLike