From Anar to Zereshk, this boldly colored picture book proves that the way to anyone’s heart—and appreciation of a new culture—is through their stomach! The ABCs of Persian Food introduces a Persian dish for each letter of the alphabet, with the aim of teaching phonetics and conversational Persian to pre-readers.

Examples of the dishes include: F is for Fesenjan, a slow-cooked chicken stew with toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses; L is for Lavashak, a fruit leather snack Iranian kids love; and R is for Reshteh polo, a special rice and noodle dish served on the Spring Equinox. With graphic art sure to catch the eye of young readers as well as their caregivers, this picture book is a delightful new way to teach the alphabet. Nooshejaan!

Extended back matter includes a glossary for English-speaking readers, complete with phonetic pronunciation, Persian text, and a tantalizing description of each featured food.