This post is part of a weekly series of synopses of children’s books, written by First Book staff members.

Mud Soup, by Judith Head, illustrated by Susan Guevara. Rosa calls one of her the favorite Mexican dishes that her family makes "Mud Soup". Whenever Rosa offers her friend Josh some Mud Soup, he always says “No, thank you,” thinking she is really eating soup made of mud! One day, Josh finally discovers that the soup is made with black beans, and that’s why it looks like mud. He tastes it and exclaims, "Mud Soup is delicioso!" Grades K-2.


Dim Sum for Everyone, written and illustrated by Grace Lin. Dim Sum is a special Chinese dish that is as diverse as the people that enjoy it! There are many different kinds that you can share with your family and friends. Grades 3-4.


All of a Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor. Life in 1912 seems much more simple than today — but even the most simple things can be an adventure for five young sisters — Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie. These girls love doing everything together — from trips to the library and delivering Purim baskets, to building a Sukkah in their backyard and hearing the tales of the peddlers in Papa’s shop. Join the All-of-a-Kind family through their adventures on the Lower East Side at the turn of the century. Grades 5-6.