This mouth-watering buffet enriched with history, culture, folklore, and personal anecdotes is divided into sections based primarily on courses of a Chinese meal (Tea, Appetizers, Soup, Side Orders, Chef’s Specials, Dessert) as author/illustrator Grace Lin details the history and traditions encompassed in various dishes of Chinese origin, along with some Chinese American offerings. She makes clear from the outset that “Chinese food” is actually food of many different regions and groups, building on this distinction as she delves into individual dishes and related stories. Lin also chronicles changes that took place when Chinese people began cooking food in the United States, adapting to what was available, and, sometimes, when opening restaurants, to preferences among the would-be customers. Throughout the work, she shares her personal connections to various dishes, which adds to the inviting feel of this informative, welcome, and welcoming volume. Each course and each dish is accompanied by cheery illustrations in this tasty treat for readers young and old, whether they’re discovering the history of foods with which they are familiar or those that are new to them. (Age 8 and older)