⭐ "A riotous celebration of family culture, adventurous eating, and bicultural fusion cooking. Highly recommended.—“Starred” review, School Library Journal" With equally delectable art and prose, this celebrates the adventure of being open to every bite."—Publishers Weekly"An engaging story of Korean culture, food literacy, and the importance of trying new things."—Booklist"An inclusively toothsome invitation celebrating cultures, flavors, and family.” — Kirkus“Frank, funny, fresh! Snap-happy art, irresistible sounds, and scrumptious cross-cultural flavors – what more could you want in a picture book?!” – Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and New York Times-Bestselling Author ⭐ "Taco night gets the star treatment in this punchy tale of a family dinner. The cover art bursts with color, blending retro 1970s aesthetics with manga-inspired energy that signals readers are in for something delicious. Inside, a busy family bustles around the kitchen preparing for the best night of the week. Every member of the family has a job, as depicted in the energetic cooking scenes; protagonist Ren presses masa into tortillas while a younger, diapered sibling covers himself in avocado. When Grandma arrives speaking Korean and serves up homemade kimchi, the story shifts into a relatable exploration of trying something new. The smell alone has Ren’s knees wobbling, but watching the family enjoy kimchi with a hearty “OO-WAAA” piques interest; a standout moment is a hilarious stare-down between the child and the kimchi itself, both eyeing each other suspiciously before Ren finally takes the plunge. It’s delicious, and the imaginative illustrations capture the elation as he experiences a spicy, flavor-filled adventure. Grandma and Ren embrace, and Grandma’s pride and the family’s enthusiasm reinforce an atmosphere of love and belonging—at least on the top of “Spicy Mountain” where the family has gathered for one final “AA-WOOO.” Strong back matter, including information about Korean meals, discussion prompts, a recipe, and creator notes are included.VERDICT: A riotous celebration of family culture, adventurous eating, and bicultural fusion cooking. Highly recommended." — “Starred” review, School Library Journal"A child contemplates a spicy gustatory mash-up in this cross-cultural culinary romp from collaborators Lee and Briggs Martin (Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix), teaming up with illustrator Choi (Bread Lab!). On young Ren’s calendar, Friday is marked with a starburst and the words “Taco Time.” The story starts with the event’s preparation: beans bubble on the stove, Mama chops vegetables, Papa grills outside, baby Agi smooshes avocado, and Ren presses and cooks masa rounds. But when Grandma, who grew up in Korea, arrives toting her “ong-gi tasting pot with some new yum to try,” and Ren peeks inside, the “LOUD and FUNKY” smell and “SPICY red” color result in a solid “no way.” Though Papa suggests that there is “NO wrong way to taco,” the child, who doesn’t care for spice, sees “taco troubles ahead.” Bold graphic digital illustrations vividly convey Ren’s perspective of the kimchi—curved lightning bolts shoot out of the tasting pot, and the child’s legs go visually wobbly—until a cautious taste yields a positive outcome. With equally delectable art and prose, this celebrates the adventure of being open to every bite. Back matter includes more about Korean cuisine, creators’ notes, and recipes. Ages 4–10." — Publishers Weekly