A Field Trip Life Blog is all about traveling through children’s books. It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday and today we are going to India!
I am fortunate to have had a front row seat to the launch of this fabulous book as it was written by one of my wonderful critique partners.
THE LEAPING LADDOO
by Harshita Jerath (author) and Kamala M. Nair (illustrator)
published by Albert Whitman & Co. 2022
Setting: a village in India
Themes: Retold Folk Tales, Indian Traditions, Humor
ages: 4-8 but this is a book that everyone will enjoy
The story begins…
Today was Mr. Kapoor’s Birthday,
so Mrs. Kapoor decided to cook
his favorite dessert.
I’ll make a large laddoo and
put a birthday candle on it,”
she said.
Mrs. Kapoor roasted chickpea flour with ghee.
She shaped the warm, fragrant dough into a
large, round laddoo.
Then suddenly…
This is where the fun begins! In a twist on the traditional story of the runaway gingerbread man, the laddoo comes to life and wiggle-jiggles out the door.
The chase is on!
Mrs. Kapoor calls to the cheeky Ladoo – “Rukja! Stop, Laddoo, stop!”
The laddoo runs down the busy street past rickshaws, cows, and kids playing cricket. Of course the kids want to eat the laddoo but he runs on singing –
“Bhago, bhago, as fast as you can!
You can’t eat me. I’m the laddoo man!”
He is chased by an increasing crowd until he meets his match in a clever little girl.
There is so much to love about this book:
- It is a hilarious twist the beloved Gingerbread Man.
- Through the story, so much about life in India is shared including street vendors, clothing, an Indian wedding, and food.
- The vibrant art swirls with color making each page an absolute visual delight.
- THE LEAPING LADOO is meant to be read aloud. The repeated phrases are tongue-twistingly fun!
- Hindi words are used throughout the book with a glossary included.
- The Laddo character is darling!
- As a bonus, there’s a simple Laddoo recipe which you really should try. We did!
I found the chickpea flower and ghee at our local health food store. I read about many variations so we added pistachios. I’ll admit, our laddoo came out like flat cookies instead of small round balls but they were delicious! I’m not quite sure what we did wrong so I’ll ask Harshita and post an update.
I encourage you to take a little trip to India with THE LEAPING LADOO. I’m sure you’ll have as much fun as we did.
Click here to learn more about author Harshita Jerath.
Click here to read Harshita Jarath’s newsletter and learn about events and forthcoming books
Click here to see more illustrations by Kamala M. Nair
I love the Indian printed fabrics that are illustrated throughout the book. Here are a couple of patterns for you to color. Just cut and paste.
And, check out more perfect picture book suggestions on author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog.
Very cute! Will look for this book. Thanks!
I love retellings of familiar tales and this one is wonderful!
Harshita Jerath grew up in India, watching her mom and aunties cook sweet laddoos for celebrations. When she’s not writing, Harshita spends her time cooking and chasing the feisty Laddoo down the street. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids.