"In this warm follow-up to Ramen for Everyone , a mother delights her daughter, Fern, daily with delicious and beautifully packed lunches. When Fern invites friends to her home for lunch, her mother reveals a secret: her impressive lunches are made from leftovers! Introducing the Japanese concept of mottainai-- loosely translated as "waste not, want not"--this foodie tale shows off just how special creatively ­combined leftovers can be. Warm illustrations baked with watercolorlike softness create a cozy atmosphere in the kitchen; exaggerated, fantastical images--like Fern's friends floating against brilliantly colored backgrounds while juggling ingredients or riding the scent of fried rice to the lunch table--add ­excitement and charm. With Mom's ­guidance, the friends combine old ­ingredients in ­different ways, creating a whole new dish to share. Fern and her mother appear East Asian; Fern's friends' skin tones and taste preferences suggest a ­distinct cultural background for each. ­VERDICT T his celebration of ­economical cooking and the magic of a communal kitchen should find a home in most library collections .".