Dim Sum for Everyone!

Dim Sum for Everyone! written and illustrated by Grace Lin, published in 2001, is a multi-cultural contemporary realistic fiction picture book that teaches children about dim sum and how it relates to Chinese culture. The Chinese believe dim sum to mean "little heart." Throughout the book, there is a pattern in the text of using the word "little" to describe almost everything. This emphasizes the meaning of dim sum, making the concept memorable for children as they enjoy a trip to a dim sum restaurant with a little Chinese girl and her family. 

Colorful outline, representational style illustrations show the Asian family as they partake of dim sum at a traditional dim sum restaurant that serves iconic "little" plates. Lin includes images of the circular tables, rolling carts, and the "little" dishes served. The text also lists some of these dishes when explaining what each family member chooses from the carts. Both multi-cultural and educational, even the illustration of the inside of the restaurant includes a diverse crowd dining. The illustrations are vibrant and charming, bringing children into the world of dim sum and Chinese culture through their eyes and stomachs.

Dim sum is one of my favorite meals to have with my mother. We enjoy going to a delicious restaurant in downtown Los Angeles called Ocean Seafood. Dim Sum for Everyone! depicted and described the dim sum experience accurately. In the back of the book, Lin even includes a brief history lesson of dim sum and its origin as a tradition for tea. However, over time dim sum restaurants began serving small dishes to go along with their tea. Dim sum is now known for its dishes and less for its tea.

Motivational Activities:

*Everyone has a special dish they hold dear to their hearts. Have student(s) discuss a cultural/traditional food from their family and the significance of that food. What does that dish represent in their lives?

*Not every culture eats the same way. Supply chopsticks for student(s) and demonstrate how to pick up things with chopsticks. Explain that dim sum is typically eaten in Chinese culture with chopsticks in place of other utensils. 

Reader response questions:

1. In Dim Sum for Everyone!, how is food sold in a dim sum restaurant?

2. In Chinese culture, explain the translation of "dim sum."

3. When dim sum first began, what was the focus of the tradition, prior to the incorporation of small dishes?

Further Reading by Grace Lin:

*Fortune Cookie Fortunes
*Kite Flying
*Thanking the Moon
*Bringing in the New Year!