Faruq and the Wiri Wiri

Ajee's Cook-up Rice is a Caribbean celebration of family and food with a spicy twist. Faruq loves his grandmother Ajee's cooking and wants to be a chef, but Ajee says he has to be a doctor like his father. One day, when Ajee is too ill to make the family feast, Faruq picks some hot wiri wiri chili peppers and cooks up a banquet with the help of his neighbor Mrs. Joseph. This story celebrates Caribbean culture and food and includes a recipe for Guyanese Lime cookies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 40 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Templar Publishing

A Caribbean celebration of family and food, with a spicy twist!

The kitchen fills with the heavenly aroma of coconut, garlic, and spices, creating a scent that is simply irresistible. Faruq, a young boy, holds a special place in his heart for his grandmother, Ajee, and her exceptional cooking skills. In fact, Faruq dreams of becoming a chef, inspired by his grandmother's culinary prowess. However, Ajee insists that he follow in his father's footsteps and pursue a career in medicine.

Despite Ajee's reservations, Faruq's love for cooking refuses to fade. One day, when Ajee becomes too ill to prepare the family feast, Faruq takes matters into his own hands. With the help of his neighbor, Mrs. Joseph, he gathers some hot wiri wiri chili peppers and sets out to create a banquet that will leave his family in awe.

As Faruq prepares the food, his heart swells with love and pride. The sight of his family gathered around the table, enjoying his delicious creations, fills him with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. It is at that moment that he realizes that his true calling lies in the world of cuisine.

From that day forward, Faruq devotes himself to learning the art of cooking. He spends countless hours experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, seeking guidance from his grandmother and other experienced chefs. With determination and passion, he works towards realizing his dream of becoming a chef.

Years pass, and Faruq's culinary skills continue to grow. He opens his own restaurant, where he serves up a fusion of Caribbean and international flavors. His dishes become famous, attracting people from all over the world. Through his cuisine, Faruq not only expresses his love for food but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean.

This sumptuous story, written by Sophia Payne and illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat, celebrates Caribbean culture and food through a distinct voice that reflects Payne's Indo-Guyanese heritage. It also includes a recipe for Guyanese Lime cookies, allowing readers to experience the flavors of the Caribbean in their own homes.

In conclusion, "Ajee's Cook-up Rice" is a heartwarming tale that reminds us of the power of love, passion, and determination. It teaches us that pursuing our dreams can lead us to unexpected places and that our true calling may be hidden in the things we love the most. Through Faruq's journey, we are reminded that family, food, and the pursuit of our passions can bring us joy and fulfillment in life.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 227 x 264 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800782624