Food and Faith

In this informative and engaging book on the importance that religions place on ritual foods, Reuben and Pelham introduce six children from six different religions and have them share their practices. Ten- and 11-year-old representatives from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism relate, in age-appropriate presentations, what foods are specially designated for consumption during holidays, what kinds of foods are allowed or not allowed in general, and the meaning behind some of these traditions. Each child and religious tradition is allotted four to six pages, with numerous pictures clarifying and bringing the learning to pictorial life. Explanations and descriptions are kid-friendly and uncomplicated, but the lack of a pronunciation key to help with the many unfamiliar words makes it difficult for readers to fully incorporate what they’ve learned. Still, this primer will pique children’s interest and introduce them to the spiritual side of food. Full-color photos. Ages 6–9. (June)