Salma the Syrian Chef

Picture Book – March 2020

Between English classes, job interviews and missing their home in Syria, Salma’s mama hasn’t smiled much lately. A homemade Syrian meal might cheer her up…but Salma doesn’t know the recipe, or what to call the vegetables in English, or where to find the right spices! Luckily, the staff and other newcomers in her Welcome Home have all kinds of skills to share. But even with their help, can Salma cook the Shami Foul before Mama gets home?

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Awards and Best Of List

  • Salma The Syrian Chef is Nautilus Book Award Winner in both the Children's Books category and the Special Honors Award: Best of Children's.
  • Salma the Syrian Chef is nominated for the Chocolate Lily Award celebrating children books in BC.
  • Salma The Syrian Chef won The Middle East Book Award 2020, presented the the Middle East Outreach Council.
  • Salma The Syrian Chef is nominated to the 🥇 2021 Ontario Libraries Association's Blue Spruce Award 🥇, part of their Forest of Reading initiative. 
  • Salma the Syrian Chef is nominated to the 🥇 INDIE Award 2020 🥇.
  • Salma The Syrian Chef is one of KIRKUS BEST BOOKS OF 2020.
  • Salma the Syrian Chef is one of SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOKS OF 2020.
  • Salma the Syrian Chef is one of the Best Bets Top Ten Books by the Ontario Libraries Association.
  • Salma the Syrian Chef is nominated for the Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize - Part of the BC and Yukon Book Prizes.
  • Salma the Syrian Chef is shortlisted for the City of Vancouver Book Award 2021.
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“Salma is deeply relatable in her determination, frustration, and sensitivity, especially in moments when things do not go as planned"
Quill and Quire - Starred Review

“This beautiful story grasps diversity, exploring resilience, love, friendship, and the meaning of home.”

Kirkus Reviews - Starred Review

Translations

Salma The Syrian Chef in German

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© 2023 Danny Ramadan