  | Chopsticks are Author: Ward, Chloe Ito | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
Why do we love chopsticks? Chopsticks can be so many things: they are a spatula for cooking, they are art, they are tradition, they are family. And most importantly, this meaningful picture book celebrates how chopsticks are used by so many people all over the world. Learn about how chopsticks are used in different cultures and countries, and join in the celebration of this multifaceted utensil.
| Illustrator: | Scurfield, Lynn |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.30 Points: .5 Quiz: 558848 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (01/15/26)
School Library Journal (12/12/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 12/12/2025 PreS-K—Ward's vibrant picture book elevates the beauty, versatility, and cultural significance of chopsticks in a lyrical text that acts as introduction, practical exploration, and work of art. As the book explores the role of chopsticks in kitchens and cultures across East Asia and beyond, Scurfield's richly colored illustrations offer authentic and visually appealing depictions of a variety of foods, traditions, and families brought together around the table. The visual movement of the text across pages adds a playful quality but can make it challenging to follow the flow of the words on the page. Some terminology may be unfamiliar to some readers, and there is no pronunciation guide. However, facts are presented in a way that does not detract from the book's appeal. This title is a strong choice for read-alouds in elementary classrooms and an excellent resource for cultural or inquiry projects. VERDICT A generously crafted, engaging picture book that broadens understanding of global traditions; recommended for all elementary collections.—Virginia Brown - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Publishers Weekly - 03/09/2026 Animated images and buoyant prose pay tribute to the use of chopsticks globally in a mouthwatering picture book from Ito Ward and Scurfield. Opening with chopsticks’ use as a flexible cooking tool and eating utensil, pages next outline chopstick characteristics in variations "rotated and rolled," "square like bento boxes," and similar to "qipao, hanbok, kimono, or?od?i." And a final section uses synecdoche to describe the objects via specific traditions and traits: "Chopsticks are family gathered around the table." Acrylic ink- and acrylic gouache-washed spreads with digital linework vary from implement and dish close-ups to familial scenes. Layered text and image build to a sumptuous feast in this celebratory, culturally rich accounting. Characters are portrayed with various abilities and skin tones. An author’s note and contextualizing information conclude. Ages 3-5. (Mar.) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.
