The ABCs of Persian Food

Written by Sunny Sanaz Shokrae
Illustrated by Ly Ngo Heisig
Published by Abrams Appleseed

From Anar to Zereshk, this boldly colored picture book proves that the way to anyone’s heart—and appreciation of a new culture—is through their stomach! The ABCs of Persian Food introduces a Persian dish for each letter of the alphabet, with the aim of teaching phonetics and conversational Persian to pre-readers.

Examples of the dishes include: F is for Fesenjan, a slow-cooked chicken stew with toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses; L is for Lavashak, a fruit leather snack Iranian kids love; and R is for Reshteh polo, a special rice and noodle dish served on the Spring Equinox. With graphic art sure to catch the eye of young readers as well as their caregivers, this picture book is a delightful new way to teach the alphabet. Nooshejaan!

Extended back matter includes a glossary for English-speaking readers, complete with phonetic pronunciation, Persian text, and a tantalizing description of each featured food.