Chung, Hannah. Bread Days. Hannah Chung, Illus. Astra, 09/2025. [34]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-66262-101-7. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.
Nara loved baking sourdough bread with Papa, but one day he was no longer around. She sadly put away the sourdough starter in the refrigerator until one night when she thought about giving baking another try. This time, she and Mama fed the starter and baked bread. There is no explanation as to where Papa went, except everyone was sad, and the author’s note mentions the death of the author’s father. Aside from that confusing aspect, the story reminds children to be resilient. The softly focused, digital, cartoon-like illustrations depict the family as Asian. The only thing missing is a recipe. Review based on an ARC.
Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool