Filipino Lumpiang Shanghai — the savory and crispy spring roll made with vegetables and pork — is now the subject of a new book that rose up to the no. 4 bestsellers list of e-commerce site Amazon on the book’s launch day.
Written by Carlos Cabaneros and illustrated by Alip Hudaya, The Dancing Lumpia is a new children’s book and the latest release from Kids of Today Inc. Publishing, in collaboration with media company Filipinos in the 6ix, that aims to inspire pride, joy and culture in the next generation.
“From family gatherings to food scenes across Asia, lumpia has earned its place as one of the most loved spring rolls — praised for its thin wrapper, balanced filling, and perfect bite,” Filipinos in the 6ix said of Lumpiang Shanghai, which ranked 2nd as among the world’s best street foods with a 4.9 audience rating at the 2022 TasteAtlas.
Recommended for kids three to eight years old, The Dancing Lumpia is a Filipino children’s picture book that celebrates family values, cultural traditions and the importance of sharing meals together, said Filipinos in the 6ix. Inspired by Filipino food and everyday family life, this story introduces young readers to Filipino culture in a warm, engaging and age-appropriate way, according to the book’s publisher.
More than just teaching what lumpia is and why it is shared at family gatherings, the book, said Filipinos in the 6ix, will teach children Filipino culture through food and storytelling, as well as the importance of family, gratitude and sharing. The publisher assures audiences that it is a good way to learn simple Filipino words with its clear English translations, as well as build social-emotional skills through relatable family moments.
As the publisher affirmed, “The Dancing Lumpia is a food-themed children’s book that helps children understand that cooking together builds connection, sharing food builds community and family traditions help us remember where we come from.”