Praise for Books
“What a delicious book—a story of love and the lessons of life. And good food, too.” —David Lawrence Jr., retired publisher of the Miami Herald and Chair of The Children’s Movement of Florida
“You can practically smell Pip’s donuts in this lovely story about preserving culture through food, the loving embrace of family, and the sweetness of children.” —Alan Lightman, Professor of Humanities at MIT, author of Ada and the Galaxies and Isabel and the Invisible World
“This enchanting book celebrates the role of food in integrating immigrants into American life. Chanda Ouk Wolf draws on her roots in her native Cambodian culture to paint a charming picture of how creative cuisine can draw diverse cultures and communities ever closer. Ms. Wolf even provides an alluring bonus: an irresistible recipe for Cambodian donuts that can be made in your own kitchen.” —Finlay Lewis, former reporter for Congressional Quarterly
“This is such a sweet story, clearly focusing on the dual cultures of America and Cambodia in a clever, touching, and memorable way. I hope to get this book in the hands of children who love to read—or not. They will be motivated to follow the recipe, too, for delicious donuts!” —Willee Lewis, PEN/Faulkner Founding Friends Literary Chair and former president of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation
“The world needs more of this—diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives in children’s literature.” —Martin T. Meehan, President of the University of Massachusetts and former United States Congressman
“I love this story of food, family, and tradition, a story of America and the immigrant experience. I was excited to learn through the book and experience something new—in a picture book no less!” —Dawn Smalls, mother of three and a lawyer
“Every child should have books to read that reflect their story and culture. This book is a gift for all children to learn about Cambodian culture, including its wonderful array of food. It celebrates the diversity of our country by revealing important aspects of our rich heritage and provides a familiar place for many Cambodian children whose experiences are seldom revealed in what they read.” —Aileen Adams, Weingart Foundation Board and Former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor
“A lovely story about immigrants, family bonds, and food. A grandmother passes on a cultural tradition to her granddaughter who then introduces this to her American school—to the delight of her classmates.” —Ellen Winner & Howard Gardner, Ellen: Professor Emerita, Department of Psychology, Boston College and Senior Research Associate, Harvard Project Zero; Howard: Hobbs Research Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
“At a time when books that show diversity are under attack from some quarters, this lovely children’s book celebrates the richness of Cambodian culture. Using the common language of food and of the one thousand Cambodian donut shops in southern California, the text and pictures bring the multi-generational immigrant experience to life in a way that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy and understand.” —Professor Geoffrey Cowan, Annenberg Chair in Communication Leadership University of Southern California
“A Dozen Delicious Donuts is a lovely parable, instructing us on how to be responsible humans, with suggestions on effective communication, inclusivity, resilience, and participant-based resolution—in this instance, on taste, texture, and originality, a delicious and celebratory exemplum!” —Marcellette Gailliard-Gay Williams, Ph.D., Past Chancellor and Professor of English and Comparative Literature at UMass Amherst, Senior Vice President Emerita—International Strategy, UMass System
“I love this unique, charming, and important book. It is insightful and a must-read for children and adults alike.” —Rose Styron, poet, author, journalist, and human rights activist
“A Dozen Delicious Donuts is a delightful, engaging exploration of food and culture that invites readers into the Cambodian American immigrant experience. This book is a vital contribution to children’s literature, fostering inclusivity and representation and offering a charming story in which all children can see themselves reflected.” —Arn Chorn-Pond, musician, human rights activist, and Founder of Cambodian Living Arts
“If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself craving Pip’s perfect nom kong and your own family’s traditional dishes!” —Allison Gustavson, writer
“This touching book shows the many gifts that a family recipe can bring with it: a sense of pride and belonging for a young girl, the preservation of family tradition, new experiences for young students, and of course, yummy donuts! A wonderful metaphor for the ways that immigrants’ diverse customs enrich America for everyone, as expressed through a story that will be relatable for families of all backgrounds.” —Matthew Klein, chief program & impact officer, Robin Hood Foundation
“A tastefully inspiring anecdote that educates children to the treasure of Cambodia’s cultural heritage.” —Sophea Eat, former Cambodian Ambassador to the United Nations
“With each sweet bite, the author shares the history of a recipe passed down through generations, while also honoring the enduring spirit of a people who triumph over adversity.” —Loung Ung, author, lecturer, activist, and author of First They Killed my Father
“We all have stories. The importance of those stories lies in the way we use them, and how we share them with others. A Dozen Delicious Donuts certainly highlights the importance and necessity of inclusive children’s literature.” —Jay Stein, concerned American and tireless civic entrepreneur
“An amusing children’s book that celebrates the richness of cultural diversity, family happiness, and joy. The transfer of traditions, including culinary traditions, helps bridge the intergenerational gap. We all have fond memories of enjoying grandma’s recipes.” —HE Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Cambodian Minister of Women’s Affairs
