Dada and his grandchild are off to the market to shop for a special celebration in the delightful, delectable Seven Samosas: Counting at the Market by author duo Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal (The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk) and illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong (Fake Chinese Sounds).
Sona wears a yellow top, Dada sports a pink, patterned shirt, and both hold matching blue bags as they and their little gray dog arrive at the market. The trio is here to purchase "some tasty bites" for this evening's party. This rhyming picture book counts backwards from 20 as Sona and Dada buy a variety of Indian and South Asian treats: "20 ladoos at this store," "19 elaichis from a drawer," "12 paneers sit on a stand," while there are "11 jalebis in Sona's hand." The authors include notes in smaller font with additional information on each page: for example, "Paneer (puh-NEER) is Indian cottage cheese" or "Jalebis (juh-LAY-bees) are an Indian funnel cake made from flour, yogurt, ghee, saffron, and sugar."
An authors' note explains that many of the foods included in the book are some of the Sehgals' personal favorites and that "India has rich culinary traditions, with dishes and recipes that range from spicy vegetarian meals to cool desserts." Tsong's digital art is illustrated in a riot of colors and textures displayed on ample white space, allowing character features, foods, textiles, and market life to take center stage. Rhyming text, parenthetical descriptions of the food and treats, and adventuresome art captures Sona and Dada's excitement and the diverse community with which they joyously interact. --Hadeal Salamah, blogger, librarian, freelance reviewer