Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando

An inspiring story of persistence and an ideal purchase for any collection. School Library Journal, STARRED review

Eaters of all ages will enjoy learning about the history of this popular food gone global. Kirkus Reviews

starry-eyed as it may sound, the goal of peace through food seems important - and possible - by the story’s end. Publishers Weekly

2022 Monarch Award: Illinois’ K-3 Readers’ Choice Award North Dakota Library Association 2021 Flicker Tale Award Winner

2021 Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award

2021 Nutmeg Book Awards Nominee

Nevada Young Readers Nominee

Winner of the 2020 Sakura Award

Read Across America Book of the Month, May 2021

Center for Multicultural Children’s Literature Best Book of 2019 List

University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education ‘The Best Books for Young Readers of 2019’ list

Smithsonian Magazine ‘10 Best Children’s Books of 2019’ List

Here Wee Read ‘The 45 Best Diverse Children’s Books of 2019’ List

Inspiration struck when Momofuku Ando spotted the long lines for a simple bowl of ramen following World War II. Magic Ramen tells the true story behind the creation of one of the world’s most popular foods.

Every day, Momofuku Ando would retire to his lab–a little shed in his backyard. For years, he’d dreamed about making a new kind of ramen noodle soup that was quick, convenient, and tasty for the hungry people he’d seen in line for a bowl on the black market following World War II. Peace follows from a full stomach, he believed.

Day after day, Ando experimented. Night after night, he failed. But Ando kept experimenting.

With persistence, creativity, and a little inspiration, Ando succeeded. This is the true story behind one of the world’s most popular foods.