A Little Spice is Extra Nice
by Sruthi Vijayan and illustrated by Sanjana Ranjit
“A Little Spice is Extra Nice” by Sruthi Vijayan and illustrated by Sanjana Ranjit. Published by Talking Cub. A perfect introduction to the world of spices from the market of Mattancherry in Cochin.
Little Annie wakes up to the familiar and comforting smell of garlic being fried in coconut oil. She wonders what Appoopan (grandfather) is making for their breakfast. Could it be Appam and Stew or Idiyappam and Mutta Curry? Oh no!! She was supposed to start the day by reporting as sous chef in the kitchen and she is late. She hurries to the kitchen to find her favourite Kadala (Chickpeas) curry almost ready.
However, Annie hasn’t missed the best part yet according to Appoopan who is the head-chef of the Zachariah family. He is the maharaja of masalas and makes a mean meen moilee (fish curry). Ammachi often jokes that one could find any ingredient in his kitchen. Appoopan shows Annie his spice box and tells her all about it. It belonged to his mother and was almost seventy years old. It is time to temper the Kadala Curry.
Annie and Appoopan give the final touches to the curry. The tempering is like a perfume that tastes as good as it smells according to him :) They decide to visit the spice market after breakfast to replenish the spice box which will soon run out of some of the spices. Where is the spice market? What does Annie see and learn during the trip? Who are the people they get to meet? Take an armchair trip with the duo and learn about spices and the local cuisine from Appoopan. Also some titbits about the history of Mattancherry.
My seven year old enjoyed reading the book. He is keen to visit the spice market sooner than later. The book is sure to make one go hungry and yearn for the lovely food being shown. I was reminded of my trip to Cochin a decade ago. The illustrations are vibrant and charming. They bring the sights of Mattancherry alive in front of our eyes. The book is apt for children aged 6+.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Speaking Tiger here.
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.