Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando

"An inspiring story of persistence and an ideal purchase for any collection." School Library Journal, STARRED review

"Eaters of all ages will enjoy learning about the history of this popular food gone global." Kirkus Reviews

"starry-eyed as it may sound, the goal of peace through food seems important - and possible - by the story's end." Publishers Weekly

Sakura Award 2020 Winner

Junior Library Guild Selection

Read Across America 'Book of the Month May 2021

Nutmeg Book Awards - 2021 Elementary Grades 2-3 Nominee

2021 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award

2022 Monarch Award: Illinois' K-3 Readers' Choice Award

Nevada Young Readers Nominee

Center for Multicultural Children's Literature Best Book of 2019 List

University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education 'The Best Books for Young Readers of 2019' list

Smithsonian Magazine '10 Best Children's Books of 2019′ List

Here Wee Read 'The 45 Best Diverse Children's Books of 2019′ List

Inspiration struck when Momofuku Ando spotted the long lines for a simple bowl of ramen following World War II. Magic Ramen tells the true story behind the creation of one of the world's most popular foods.

Every day, Momofuku Ando would retire to his lab--a little shed in his backyard. For years, he'd dreamed about making a new kind of ramen noodle soup that was quick, convenient, and tasty for the hungry people he'd seen in line for a bowl on the black market following World War II. Peace follows from a full stomach, he believed.

Day after day, Ando experimented. Night after night, he failed. But Ando kept experimenting.

With persistence, creativity, and a little inspiration, Ando succeeded. This is the true story behind one of the world's most popular foods.

Hardcover.

About the Author
Andrea Wang loves noodles, food, and noodling about food. A former environmental scientist, she appreciates Ando's scientific spirit, persistence in the face of failure, and passion for making the world a better place. Andrea lives in Colorado with her family and their dog, Mochi. Sometimes they have instant ramen for breakfast. You can find out more about Andrea at andreaywang.com.

Kana Urbanowicz works mainly as an illustrator and likes to draw people eating delicious food. Apart from illustration, she also creates animations, comics, and even clay figurines. She lives in Kanagawa, Japan, with her artist husband. By a lucky coincidence, there is a Momofuku Ando museum nearby, so she went there for some inspiration and noodle fun. After reading Ando's biography, Kana is happy that she could take part in making this book happen! Read more about her works at tekumushi.com.