"Daddy gets the vegetables
and I scoop the rice.
Tomatoes, onions, gnarly ginger,
and garlic.
Pile high on the countertop,
ready for a delicious stew.
Jollof Day is bustling, planning and preparing."
The day starts very early for a young boy and his father. It is the child's favorite day ... and it is filled with the excitement of working with his father to prepare food for the family. Rousing his father and getting him into the kitchen is the first order of business.
They get started right away. A search for the jollof pot is successful, and the work can begin. They know what they need to have ready, and work together to ensure all ingredients are close by. There is so much to do. First, the rice and vegetables must be carefully washed. Now, it's up to dad to get the veggies ready with careful help from his son.
When all is in the blender, the noise and whirring encourage dancing in the kitchen. The pot is filled, and this child's next task is highly important. With help from Dad, he brings THE JAR down from a high shelf.
"Filled with a secret and special mix,
bits of leaves, peppers and powders.
Daddy says, "It's our family's magic."
And soon, when I'm old enough, it
will be MY MAGIC, too."
Now, they must wait patiently while the stew simmers and makes the house smell delicious. Wait, wait, wait until the rest of the family is up and ready to enjoy what the two have prepared for them. YUM!
Colorful, joyous illustrations were created using watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, and digital editing. Finally, a recipe for this beloved dish of West Africa is added. The celebration of Jollof Day is August 22, giving lots of time to find a copy of this book to share as the day approaches.
https://www.tiktok.com/@oyooquartey/video/7465342750599302406?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
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