Boys Don't Fry

A loving, gentle picture book debut about a young Malaysian boy who wants to help his grandmother prepare traditional meals for their New Year’s feast.

Jin loves the aromas and the bubbly chatter coming from his kitchen. He loves to breathe in the bright citrusy notes of kaffir lime leaves and the zesty tang of lemongrass as his aunties float around as they dice, slice, and cook for the New Year. There's nothing he wants more than to learn about the history of his family's cooking, and lend them a helping hand. But his aunties try to shoo him away, claiming that he'll just get bored or be in the way.

Luckily, his grandma intervenes and asks Jin to help her prepare their special New Year's dinner, creating a delicious tale filled with sweetness and spice that aims to warm the heart (and the stomach). A heartfelt celebration of family, honoring one's culture, and traditions, old and new.

Kimberly Lee is a lawyer, managing editor of parenting platform, makchic.com, the author of Boys Don't Fry, illustrated by Charlene Chua, and the co-author of What If?. Her love of cooking good food is superseded only by her love of eating it. She lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Charlene Chua (she/they) is the illustrator of several picture books, including Pinkie Promises by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Lambda nominee Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild. She is also the author-illustrator of Hug?. When they are not making art, they enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with their cats