Weaving a Web of Fruit and Culture

What I love most about fiction is that culture and geography can be subtly woven into the substance of the story. When it comes to picture books, the illustrations add to the power and mystery of that web.

And so, as we continue to connect the dots of food, literacy, and culture, I'd like to mention two children's books which will not only open our eyes to other worlds, but will also remind us to be grateful for nature, food, and neighbors.

The Market Lady and the Mango Tree, by Pete and Mary Watson, takes place in a West African village.

"But everyone knew that the law of the tree is that once they have fallen, mangoes are free."

So, even when a woman puts an invisible price tag on the delicious fruit, hungry children patiently wait for some to fall from the tree. And when she invents a mango trap, the woman soon realizes that she's the one who's been trapped by greed. Throw a few hungry hippos into the mix, and an important subject is brought to life in a fun and memorable way.

Sweet, Sweet Fig Banana, by Phillis Gershator (author) and Fritz Millevoix (illustrator), takes place somewhere in the Virgin Islands, and pairs well with the above selection.

A boy plants a baby banana tree, and watches it grow. He patiently waits for it to flower, and then for the bananas to turn yellow. Then he takes a trip with his mother to the local market, where she sets up a table to sell some fruit, vegetables, and other items. There he learns so much about the meaning of friendship, generosity, and helping others. He also comes to understand the power of words, art, and a library full of books. He is wise beyond his years.

There are many themes running through this picture book, and each reading could spark a different conversation. If you pair it with the selection above, your child will also pick up on many similarities and differences between the two very unique children's books.

I love how these books connect the dots of food, culture, and morals. The larger the web we weave, the more our children will come to appreciate the diversity of people, places, and food. The best part is, you don't have to travel far to find the spider in charge. You just have to take a trip to your local library.

Would you like to read the next post in this series? Here's Take 2 Books: From Seeds to Bread.