Rice and Rocks - Sandra L Richards

5+ Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

Tradition takes flight in Rice & Rocks, a picture book celebrating culture and diversity.

Giovanni’s friends are coming over for Sunday dinner, and his grandmother is serving rice and beans. Giovanni is embarrassed—he does not like “rice and rocks” and worries his friends will think the traditional Jamaican dish is weird. But his favorite Auntie comes to the rescue. She and Giovanni’s pet parrot, Jasper, take him on a magical journey across the globe, visiting places where people eat rice and rocks. This exciting story celebrates the varied traditions of every culture while also highlighting the delicious similarities that bring us all together.

Finalist in the 2016 USA Best Book Awards

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Sandra L. Richards is a debut picture book author. With Rice & Rocks, Sandra brings a unique contribution to the world of children's books. An American-born daughter of Jamaican immigrant parents, she hopes the book will serve as an educational resource for families seeking to teach their children the value of their heritage and the importance of cultural diversity.

Check out her website - HERE

MY THOUGHTS -

What an awesome multi cultural book! This is a great way introduce the meaning of tradition into a young child's life and also teaching about other cultures.

The pictures are gorgeous and the story is absolutely delightful! A  young boy along with his Aunt and a talking African Gray parrot discover they are not the only ones to have "Rice & Rocks" aka - Rice and Beans as a traditional family meal. Travel with them as they go to Japan, Puerto Rico, and New Orleans. As well learning about the tradition from their own home - Jamaica!

An easy to read, easy to understand story that crosses four countries in such a way that will teach and be fun for any child! I can't wait to share this with my future grandchild! I think it would be fun to read this book and make your own Beans and Rice.

This book is getting all 5 star reviews and I can't imagine it getting anything less!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving an audio copy of this book from Kate Tilton's Author Services. Thank you! 

Order your copy from Amazon - HERE

Here is a recipe for Black Beans and Rice, I choose black beans because I like them better than red beans. If fact I think I will make this for dinner tonight!

 http://allrecipes.com/recipe/15559/black-beans-and-rice/

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup uncooked white rice

• 1 1/2 cups low sodium, low fat vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 1/2 cups canned black beans, drained

Directions

1. In a stockpot over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 4 minutes. Add the rice and saute for 2 minutes.
2. Add the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, cover and lower the heat and cook for 20 minutes. Add the spices and black beans.