Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites

Ages 4 to 8

Won at auction, this picture book biography tells the story of Niki Nakayama, a powerhouse female Japanese-American chef, and her rise to fame.

As a child and adult, Niki faced many naysayers in her pursuit of haute cuisine. Using the structure of a traditional kaiseki meal, the authors playfully detail Niki's hunger for success in thirteen "bites" — from wonton wrappers she used to make pizza as a kid to yuzu-tomatillo sauce in her own upscale Los Angeles Michelin-starred restaurant, n/naka.

To anyone who tells her a woman can't be a master chef, Niki lets her food do the talking. And oh, does it talk. Niki was featured on the first season of Netflix's culinary documentary series Chef's Table. And Chrissy Teigen proclaimed that Niki's restaurant is one of her absolute favorites.

A smart, strong woman with starpower, Niki is only just getting started -- like the young readers who will devour this book!

About the Author

Jamie Michalak loves how food tells a story and brings people together to create more. She is the author of more than forty children's books, including the highly praised Joe and Sparky early reader series, Frank and Bean, Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter, and more. Jamie lives in Rhode Island. jamiemichalak.com

Debbi Michiko Florence is a third generation Japanese American, and the author of the Jasmine Toguchi series and Keep It Together, Keiko Carter (Scholastic). Debbi lives in Connecticut. debbimichikoflorence.com

Yuko Jones is an illustrator who believes in the power of imagination. She has degrees in English, Psychology, and Human Development, as well as a career in early childhood developmental research. Yuko lives in western New York. yukojones.com