Review: ‘The Dinner That Cooked Itself’ by J. C. Hsyu & Kenard Pak
The Dinner That Cooked Itself follows the hard working Tuan, a kind and loyal man, who cares for his small home and field. After the untimely death of his parents as a child, Tuan is taken in by a kindly old couple who, on seeing his loneliness when leaving their home as an adult, seek to find him a wife by hiring a matchmaker. The reader is introduced to Asian culture through both the social hierarchy and the mythology behind the characteristics of the Zodiac signs. Tuan continues to work hard, both in the city and cultivating his field at night but he longs for someone to share his life with. After a long day Tuan returns home to find a meal cooked and laid out for his return, but who made it for him?
This book is a simply lovely little introduction to Asian culture, whilst weaving a tale about determination and the outcome of positive thinking.
The creative duo behind this sensitive and cultural rich story is writer J. C. Hsyu and Illustrator Kenard Pak. Hsyu, who works in animation VFX industry has written several short stories in the past though this is her first book. Pak, who has worked with such animation greats as Disney and Dreamworks, developing concept work for films like Peabody & Sherman and Madagascar 3, first ventured into children’s literature with Have You Heard the Nesting Bird, which demonstrated the artist’s characteristic textured style. .
The aesthetic of Pak’s work relies heaving on shape making, pattern and texture to encapsulate that traditional vibe of the tale. The muted palette and attention to detail all work together to make this book visually engaging and utterly beautiful. Particularly effective is the use of these techniques when creating images of food and landscape. This is a lovely addition to any stocking, equally appealing to children and fans of illustration or cuisine alike.
You can purchase The Dinner that Cooked Itself over at Flying Eye Books