YUMBO GUMBO
Author: Keila V. Dawson
Illustrator: Katie Crumpton
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Number of pages: 28
Publisher: Charlesbridge (USA) First published in: 2024 Format: Picturebook Is the mathematical focus explicit in the story? Yes Is this story part of a mathematics story series? Yes (Storytelling Math) Preview and/or purchase this book on the Amazon websites: UK, USA, AUS, IND, CAN Synopsis by the author/publisher
Annabelle's grandparents are finally going to teach her how to cook gumbo! But the family can't agree on what type of gumbo to make. They vote for their favorite, but the vote results in a tie. Now what? A playful exploration of data and social-emotional reasoning, featuring Louisiana Creole characters and a glossary of Louisiana Creole words. |
“"Okra, seafood, or the squawking chicken?" "Chicken!" crowed Beau. Dad hesitated. "I do like seafood, but chicken is faster." "Hmmm," said Annabelle. "That's two votes for okra, two votes for seafood, and two votes for chicken." Mais la! Another tie! Now what?"”
Official review by MathsThroughStories.org:
Keila V. Dawson’s ‘Yumbo Gumbo’ (2024) is an engaging addition to Charlesbridge’s Storytelling Math series. The story captures the warmth of family, the richness of Louisiana Creole culture, and the complexities of making decisions as a group - especially when everyone has different opinions about what kind of gumbo to cook! Annabelle is eager to learn how to make gumbo from her grandparents, but her family cannot agree on the type - should it be okra gumbo, chicken gumbo, or seafood gumbo? Voting does not seem to help, and the family remains at a standstill, leaving them hungry and still undecided. Annabelle cleverly proposes a new approach: voting for the least favourite option, which finally leads them to a delicious solution - making a gumbo that combines everyone’s preferences. The author expertly weaves in mathematical concept of data handling through Annabelle’s creative efforts to solve the gumbo debate. Katie Crumpton’s lively illustrations capture the heart of the family kitchen, with bright depictions of the ingredients and the fun-filled cooking process. The expressive characters - especially Annabelle and her little brother, Beau - bring a relatable energy to the story, as readers can empathise with their determination to have their favourite gumbo on the table. Like the other titles in the series, there are also a few discussion points given at the back of the book that parents and educators can use to extend the learning, such as asking children what they would do if there is a tie or what they would do if someone does not like the most voted choice. Perfect for children aged 7+ years old, ‘Yumbo Gumbo’ blends maths, culture, and food into a delightful package that is sure to inspire both meaningful conversations and delicious meals. (Disclaimer: We received a complimentary inspection copy of this book from the publisher/author.)
Recommended age range:
7+ years old
Relevant mathematics topics:
Data Handling
Possible teaching activities:
At MathsThroughStories.org, we believe that stories can be meaningfully incorporated in mathematics teaching in different ways. Thus, we are inviting you to share your experience of how you have used this story in your mathematics lesson with other members of the community. By sharing your experience with us, you will be added to our team of On-line Contributors here, where you can also find our submission guideline.
Keila V. Dawson’s ‘Yumbo Gumbo’ (2024) is an engaging addition to Charlesbridge’s Storytelling Math series. The story captures the warmth of family, the richness of Louisiana Creole culture, and the complexities of making decisions as a group - especially when everyone has different opinions about what kind of gumbo to cook! Annabelle is eager to learn how to make gumbo from her grandparents, but her family cannot agree on the type - should it be okra gumbo, chicken gumbo, or seafood gumbo? Voting does not seem to help, and the family remains at a standstill, leaving them hungry and still undecided. Annabelle cleverly proposes a new approach: voting for the least favourite option, which finally leads them to a delicious solution - making a gumbo that combines everyone’s preferences. The author expertly weaves in mathematical concept of data handling through Annabelle’s creative efforts to solve the gumbo debate. Katie Crumpton’s lively illustrations capture the heart of the family kitchen, with bright depictions of the ingredients and the fun-filled cooking process. The expressive characters - especially Annabelle and her little brother, Beau - bring a relatable energy to the story, as readers can empathise with their determination to have their favourite gumbo on the table. Like the other titles in the series, there are also a few discussion points given at the back of the book that parents and educators can use to extend the learning, such as asking children what they would do if there is a tie or what they would do if someone does not like the most voted choice. Perfect for children aged 7+ years old, ‘Yumbo Gumbo’ blends maths, culture, and food into a delightful package that is sure to inspire both meaningful conversations and delicious meals. (Disclaimer: We received a complimentary inspection copy of this book from the publisher/author.)
Recommended age range:
7+ years old
Relevant mathematics topics:
Data Handling
Possible teaching activities:
At MathsThroughStories.org, we believe that stories can be meaningfully incorporated in mathematics teaching in different ways. Thus, we are inviting you to share your experience of how you have used this story in your mathematics lesson with other members of the community. By sharing your experience with us, you will be added to our team of On-line Contributors here, where you can also find our submission guideline.
