Intergenerational story of a NaiNai (a grandmother) making tofu with her granddaughter. The time honored tradition and process being passed down......Makes me remember my Nana/my Grandma and myself. ( )

The fascinating and heartwarming tale Tofu takes time by Helen H. Wu and Julie Jarema is about Lin spending time with her NaiNai. Investigating the tools and techniques used to make tofu takes time. I now have a greater understanding of what goes into preparing a dish that I really enjoy. Helen's endearing writing is brought to life by Julie's whimsical and inventive pictures. After reading Tofu Take Time, kids will want to read and cook tofu. The excellent backmatter at the conclusion is a terrific place to learn more about the background of tofu. ( )

Lin and her grandmother make tofu together from scratch. Lin is impatient for the tasty results but her Nai Nai reminds her that "tofu takes time." A pleasant story that celebrates intergenerational connection over a cultural tradition.

Patience is cushioned with family warmth and the joy of spending time together in a tale, which also dives into the wonder of making tofu.

There are quite a few things to enjoy about this read. First, it explains the process of making tofu from the soy beans to milk, and then, to the press. So, readers get to know exactly how tofu is made. But they learn more. As each step occurs, the next page shows where the 'ingredients' come from to make the tofu. For example, creating soy milk requires water...and this is shown with the little girl floating gleefully (with a touch of adventure) down a river. It presents the broader picture on everything, which goes into making something.

Next, there's the wonderful relationship between the grandmother and little girl. While helping to create the tofu and learn how it's done, the two spend time with each other in a caring manner, which inspires. Of course, the grandmother offers wise words as she repeats the sentence that tofu takes time. This shows that not everything can be rushed, and that, sometimes, the most valuable things need to be waited for. The author doesn't keep this as boring wait time, but has the grandmother and child doing other activities together such as reading. Not only is the idea of patience nicely brought across, but it again radiates the wonder of spending time with a loved one.

The illustrations carry a gentle atmosphere, while holding details as well as a sense of imagination, too. These balance well with the words. While telling the story and repeating the grandmother's one phrase again and again, the author has also built in sound words (such as Tik) to add a sense of playfulness. Young listeners will be able to repeat these as well as the book is picked up again and again.

And to round the entire thing off, the author adds a few words for thought at the end, explaining the history of tofu as well as her own insights while doing research on the topic.

So, there is tons of goodness in these pages and not just for the kids. I received an ARC and enjoyed the atmosphere and tale quite a bit. ( )