We celebrate the amazing work of Bhagya Madanasinghe, a Sri Lankan-Canadian illustrator of Awe-samosas! Bhagya brings her love for colorful, expressive art to the world of children’s books. Her passion for creating characters full of emotion and movement shines through in her illustrations, capturing the essence of each story. Now living in Canada with her husband and daughter, Bhagya continues to draw inspiration from her surroundings, whether through travel or everyday life. https://bhagyanuwanthi1992.wixsite.com/portfolio
Author Marzieh Abbas is an award-winning author with a passion for exploring new skills, jumping rope, savoring chai, and connecting with nature. She has several upcoming children’s books and is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. A graduate of the Children’s Book Academy, she currently resides in Pakistan. https://marziehabbas.com/
Awe-samosas! is a delightful picture book that celebrates creativity, family traditions, and the love of food. Noor, a young girl eager to recreate her Dadijaan’s (grandmother’s) famous samosas, faces a challenge when some key ingredients are missing. Unable to reach her Dadijaan, who’s asleep in Pakistan, Noor taps into her resourcefulness. She experiments with the ingredients she has on hand, ultimately inventing her own version of the snack—crispy, flaky Awe-samosas that her friends adore.
What makes this book stand out is the heartwarming blend of family culture and modern innovation. Abbas skillfully incorporates Urdu words, offering young readers a window into Pakistani culture while making Noor’s story both fun and educational. The book emphasizes problem-solving in a warm, relatable way, as Noor finds success through her imagination. The book includes Dadijaan’s traditional Potato and Pea Samosa recipe, encouraging readers to try their hand at the dish. You can give it a go in our Recipe section!
With vibrant illustrations and a loving portrayal of cross-generational cooking traditions, Awe-samosas! is a joyful celebration of food, family, and creativity. Perfect for families looking to explore cultural traditions while embracing new possibilities. Purchase the book at https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780063257276/awe-samosas/ or win a copy in our Giveaway section!
Contents and images used with permission from Awe-samosas! Text copyright © 2024 by Marzieh Abbas. Illustrations copyright © 2024 by Bhagya Madanasinghe. Published by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved. https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780063257276/awe-samosas/
