As a child from an immigrant family and someone who simply loves cultural books, I deeply value stories that introduce children to diversity and inclusion from an early age—and this book delivers beautifully on that front. It's a heartwarming, accessible story centered on a young girl running an errand for her mother, who is preparing wonton soup for dinner. Along the way, she encounters neighbors and extended family, each offering her ingredients and small gifts of food. In the end, she and her mother choose to share the soup with everyone, turning a simple task into a celebration of community.

The themes of generosity and togetherness are woven gently throughout the narrative, reflecting core values often emphasized in Asian culture. I can relate from my own background. I also appreciated how the artwork complemented the story, as it seems to draw inspiration from traditional Chinese art styles.

Overall, this was a cozy and delightful read that I would wholeheartedly recommend to children and families. It’s a perfect example of how picture books can nurture empathy and cultural appreciation in young readers.

This is an absolutely adorable story all about the incredible journey a girl makes on the way to get ingredients for her mother's famous wonton soup. She encounters so many kind people and she pays it forward at the end. It's such a slice of joy.

The only thing I would change is that I would love to see the recipe at the end of the book! That's one of my favorite parts about stories like this one! But other than that, an absolute DELIGHT.

Book 191 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I loved this and I know it to be true because I follow Rose 's channel and they are all so kind to each other.

This reminded me of that village love and spirit. I wish that the world would learn to be kind like them. The world would be a better place.

I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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When Mama needs pork for her special wonton soup, a little girl travels through her small town, greeting both neighbors and family (and accepting each of their many gracious gifts of delicious foods!) By the time she gets back home, she's got a wonderful idea for how to show appreciation and give back to those who unselfishly gave to her and her mom.

A beautiful tale of community and generosity told with stunning illustrations! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Being an immigrant myself, I have a soft spot for children’s books about the traditions of different nations and cultures. Here in the U.S. (or in Canada, where the author now lives), our kids need to learn about people from other continents - families who traveled halfway around the world to make a new home, bringing with them stories and customs passed down for centuries.

Who hasn’t tried wonton soup? We love it!
But imagine how different it must taste when made in a small Chinese village, cooked at home with neighbors nearby, after a long day of work in the fields. I could almost taste it while reading this book.
I’ve never been to Asia, but I understand how precious food can be in places where life isn’t easy. That’s what makes this story feel so warm and real.

This is a great story. I love the artwork and the message. It has enough of a plot to be entertaining but not too complex. The exposure to Chinese culture is also a plus. I would buy this for my little ones!

Sweet and cozy book about a family and their neighbors. It showcases people coming together. Positive messaging for young children about sharing. Lovely illustrations enhanced the story.

Mama's Special Wonton Soup is a delightful story of community and sharing with those special people in your social circles who contribute to growth, health, and safety. It was lovely to see the story move forward and in a sense moving backward as our narrator returns to her starting point so Mama can make her special wonton soup. In her return home, she invites all to take part in the meal that they helped contribute. This is a classic trope like Stone Soup. The illustrations feel like a classic story with the muted tones that stick to a few colors. There are details like crosshatching that make the art feel as if we're holding antique paper. This is a touching tale that will definitely be read over and over.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mama's Special Wonton Soup (Hardcover)
by Wai Mei Wong
To help her mother a young girl goes to the market. Each person she passes adds to her basket. Their thoughtfulness brings the child and idea. This book shows the nature of Chinese culture and the small villages that historically shared in their labors. A cultural book.

A cute story about a girl who goes to find ingredients for her mom's wonton soup in the village. The soft, muted illustrations enhance the feel of slow-paced life. There are themes of community and kindness. A wonderful story for young readers to remind them to slow down and experience the real world.

This is a charming story of the day to day adventures of a child in rural China who leaves to search for ingredients then finds novel experiences and friendly neighbors and family along the way. At the end of the book they all share in the feast. Great for an alternative to Stone Soup, and much more welcoming. This book includes Chinese characters and transliterated phonetic spelling.

This was a cute story with wonderful illustrations. I loved the message of sharing with others around us, and giving back to our communities.

Mama's Special Wonton Soup is a beautifully illustrated tale about one little girl's journey to the market to gather supplies for her mother's wonton soup and the people of the village she encounters along the way. I absolutely loved the illustrations and the language incorporated into the story. Will definitely be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf.