My Rice is Best

By Author / Illustrator

Selina Brown, Maxwell A. Oginni

Genre

Funny Stories

Age range(s)

Publisher

Puffin

ISBN

9780241635537

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

08-05-2025

Synopsis

Join Shane and friends as they attempt to settle the age-old question of which rice dish is the best in this funny and joyful new picture book!

Shane is convinced that nothing beats a big, delicious bowl of rice and peas - it's the best rice in the world! But when he brings his favourite meal to school, he discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about her jollof rice. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt showdown to settle the age-old question: which rice reigns supreme?

A laugh-out-loud, heartwarming picture book that brings the joy of food, friendship, and cultural pride to life, My Rice is Best explores the playful rivalry between two friends who both believe their rice dish is the ultimate favourite. Through humour and a universal love of eating, the book offers an entertaining way-in to help children embrace new cuisines and celebrate cultural identity and diversity.

Selina Brown is an Events Producer, Children's author and founder of Black British Book Festival.

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Reviews

Sue

Shane loves to eat rice and peas and believes it is the BEST FOOD EVER! However, when he takes some to school for his lunch, he soon discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about jollof rice. So -whose rice is best?

My Rice is Best is an absolute delight! Full of humour, it is perfect for sharing and starting discussions. Everyone has a favourite food, but this story shows the wonderful versatility of this staple and how it can be enjoyed by different people in different ways, allowing readers to explore cultural diversity.

Used in schools, it would be perfect for starting discussions about food, the origin of various dishes, favourite dishes the children enjoy at home…the possibilities are endless! Children might enjoy creating their own stories based on this one, but changing the food - to potatoes, for example, or beans! Exploring the similarities and differences between different families, different cultures, different traditions could lead to food tasting sessions (obviously paying attention to allergies etc!) or community events, embracing new cuisines.

Although Shane and Yinka squabble over which rice is best, when things go wrong, Yinka and the others are all ready to share with Shane, making sure he has plenty of lunch to eat. Friendship is more important than food! The book also captures the close relationship between Shane and his mum as she shares the secret of their special family recipe.

The illustrations are wonderful. Bold, bright and engaging, they add much to the humour and joy of the story. A must have for every class and home!

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher