Cora Cooks Pancit

Although "Cora Cooks Pancit" is likely to be viewed as a children's book by many, in truth it is much more than a children's story. For anyone who grew up in a Filipino family (I did not,though I am happily a part of one now) or who has made pancit or other Filipino dishes(I have) or simply grew up in a large, loving family, I believe that this book will feel more a memory from a childhood long ago than simply a child's story. Why? First, the author has wonderfully included shared memories from childhood- jobs given to older children, the longing by younger children to help, the chance to lick the spoon, etc. Secondly- the author has woven into the story specific details that authenticate the Filipino experience, e.g. lumpia and adobo, the size of the family and the names of the children,the description of the pancit pan, "salamat", the mother's experssion and reaction upon the spill, etc. More importantly is the inclusion of the reflections upon "Lolo"- his life as a boy in the Philippine countryside, his work with immigrant farm laborers, etc., all help to create a memory shared by many Filipinos today for cherished loved one long gone. Finally, the author's description of the creation of pancit is completely authentic and mirrors my own lessons from my Pinay wife- shredding chicken with a fork, soaking noodles, stirring in the ingredients, and finally sending carrots and mushrooms and chicken out of the all-to-full pot when stirring! I am sure I am not alone in these memories.. Lastly, illustrations in this book accurately and wonderfully capture the Filipino persona (appearance, expressions, stance, smiles) as I have come to know it. The illustrator has also captured other details- the Filipino flag side-by-side with the American flag on the refrigerator, the tsinellas on the family's feet, images of tropical fruit on the walls, spoons and forks, but no knives on the table, and lastly, Cora's look as she awaits the response from her family as they try the pancit. I am sure I had the same look as I presented my first pancit to family and friends! I recommend this book unconditionally to children of all agaes who still remember what it was like to gain new responsibilities within their family.

Ah, for any fil am, this book is classic. My kids, ranging from 2 to 9, were delighted at hearing the word “Lolo” (because aren’t all lolos the best lolo ever?) and ecstatic at seeing printed illustrations of foods they have grown to love (lumpia, adobo and what looks like a cross between pancit canton and pancit bihon). The story is on point, from Cora sneaking bites of chicken while she shreds it, to the mom being low key upset when Cora makes a mess. This picture book is a must for any fil am. *BOOK TYPO: At the end of the glossary is the word TANGHON for Pinoy vermicelli. The correct word is SOTANGHON. And it makes for a delicious chicken sabaw.

Culturally relevant, includes a glossary and recipe, and illustrations are vivid and clear.

I've been looking for children's books that offer a glimpse into everyday Filipino culture through story (versus a reference or diagram-based book). I decided on Cora Cooks Pancit exactly for this reason and it definitely fit the bill! I had assumed the story was set in the Philippines when I bought the book, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that Cora is actually a 2nd generation Filipino-American (just like my kids) living in California. This made it even more relatable, and my kids love reading it! It's fostered great conversations with their Lola. Lovely illustrations as well.

This is a wonderful book. My 3 year old niece is half Filipino and is a big fan of bedtime stories, so I bought this for her in an effort to add some Filipino lit to her library. Her parents say that she loved it, and has been asking that they read it several times a week. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is sweet. I wholeheartedly recommend this to any parent with young ones but warning to the reader: you will definitely feed hungry afterwards!

Great story with great illustrations with bonus recipe in the back! It has such warmth in the story of a little girl who wants to learn how to help in the kitchen like her older siblings. It is a great story that features a Filipino family and would be a wonderful addition to any kid's library.

I bought this for the school I work at. I read this story as a part of AAPI month and to share my culture with the children! After we read it, we made our own batch of pancit and they loved it. Even the ones who were hesitant because they had never tried it before, fell in love and their eyes widened when they tried it. This story is beautiful and so cute!

Perfectly exemplifies Filipino American culture to a child. As a grown up Filipino American, born and raised, now raising a multicultural child, I love how Cora’s story is simple yet heartwarming and with history. Plus, on the added recipe.

My daughter is a cook by profession and my 7 year old granddaughter is learning to cook. She is allowed to cook one meal a week right now. Because her background is Scandinavian, Polish and Japanese, she is no stranger to foreign food and in fact enjoys many cultural delicacies. "Cora Cooks Pancit" will just add to her cookbook!

Love love love that a have a little bit of culture for my son in this book. Anything that has Filipino content is always a plus for me.

This story is well liked by my 3 and 4yr olds, who love helping in the kitchen, almost as much as they like eating pancit! Warm storytelling, with a great pancit recipe at the end.