ALA Booklist (Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Kalamata is nervous about starting at a new school in the morning. She needs to find a way to feel brave. While her mother prepares a meal of dal and rice, Kalamata retreats beneath the magical kitchen table where, secure among comfy cushions and toys, she can let her imagination take flight. She imagines herself as an astronaut, a deep-sea diver, a mountain climber. As the room fills with the scent of familiar spices, she recalls her recent summer trip to a market in India, which had also made her nervous itially. The story affirms children's apprehension about unfamiliar experiences by reminding readers to remember all the ways they are brave every day, even in their imaginations. This helps prepare for new experiences with confidence rather than anxiety. A home-cooked meal always helps, too, and readers might be eager to follow the recipe for dal and rice in the back matter. For readers embracing the power of imagination, pair this with Matthew Burgess and Shahrzad Maydani's Bird Boy (2021).

Kirkus Reviews

Kalamata, who is about to start a brand-new school, is trying to figure out how to be brave.She remembers a time she and her family visited a spice market in India where, when faced with the intimidating crowd and all of the new sights and sounds and smells, Kalamata's curiosity got the better of her nerves. Maybe, Kalamata thinks, if she can remember how she channeled that bravery, she can find the courage to be OK with going to school tomorrow. Kalamata climbs under the kitchen table with her stuffed-animal alligator, Al Dente, and works some under-the-table magic to transport herself back to the spice market. In her fanciful imagination, the stalls full of delicious ingredients transform into multicolored mountains, curry-leaf jungles, and even fluffy snowstorms. By the time she is ready to return to her hideaway under the table, Kalamata has found her courage-as well as her sense of adventure. The book's vivid collage illustrations feature saturated hues and a female protagonist with dark skin and black, textured hair. The text is lyrical and poetic, conjuring clever and unexpected images that invoke all five senses. The plot, however, feels unfinished, particularly since there is no clear reason why Kalamata's visit to the spice market results in her subsequent bravery, making the change in her character unconvincing. A final spread offers a map of India and some facts about cooking and spices.A beautifully illustrated, lyrical picture book with an underwhelming plot. (Picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

It-s the night before brown-skinned Kalamata-s first day at a new school, and despite earlier excitement, nervousness now overwhelms. But with the emotional support of her stuffed alligator Al Dente-and a little help from her mother-Kalamata might be able to revisit the bravery she experienced at an Indian spice market over the summer: -Al wasn-t scared to try ANYTHING in the market!... Maybe we should go back!- As Mama opens the spice cabinet and begins cooking, Thomas follows Kalamata-s imaginative journey beneath the kitchen table with plenty of transportive sensory details: -There was a sizzle in the distance, and the world blossomed into a deep, dense curry-leaf forest.- Edwards illustrates vivid, earth-toned digital spreads with Indian-inflected designs and patterns. This picture book sweetly portrays one child finding comfort in her heritage. Back matter features a recipe for Kalamata-s Dal and a brief glossary of ingredients and methods mentioned. Ages 4-8. (July)

School Library Journal (Thu Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

K-Gr 3 While her mother prepares dinner, Kalamata is anxiously anticipating her first day of school. She talks about not going, so she and her alligator, Al Dente, slide under the magic dining room table to go for a little trip. The trip is full of the delicious smells and sounds of her mom making dinner, which turns out to be a South Asian dish, dal. A recipe is included so readers can try recreating the exciting adventure at home. Kids who like to cook or like to try new foods will be intrigued by the food descriptions and figurative language, such as comparing the popping of mustard seeds to fireworks. The artwork is vibrant and vivid, with deeply saturated colors, conveying what the heroine is seeing and experiencing. This is apparently the start of a series of books about Kalamata and her culinary travels. VERDICT This is a fun adventure story, with the benefit of piqueing interest in international cooking. Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elem., FL