FICTION

Kadooboo!: A Silly South Indian Folktale

by Shruthi Rao (text) & illus. by Darshika Varma
Page Street. Feb. 2024. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781645677895.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2–The subtitle reveals a lot about this story. Kabir, a young boy anxious to get home to give his mother sweets called kadooboo, runs across scene after scene within the pages. On his way, Kabir meets friends and tells them to come with him for the sweets, but he keeps getting the name wrong. Once he gets home, the thunderclaps outside remind him of the proper name of this sweet fried dumpling. The bright colors and excited faces of children drive the story at a swift pace. Readers will all be running with Kabir, eager to get home and share his treat. The repetition of sounds through the book will delight story audiences. There is also a recipe for kadooboo at the end.
VERDICT A slight but sweet tale that seamlessly conveys the cultural relevance of this much-loved treat.
Reviewed by Jessica Durham , Mar 01, 2024

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?