Babies Cant Eat Kimchee! by Nancy Patz

There’s something magical about picture books that capture the essence of childhood—the curiosity, the sibling dynamics, and the small yet profound moments that shape our early years. Babies Can't Eat Kimchee! by Nancy Patz is one such gem, a charming and heartwarming story that explores the bond between an older sister and her baby sibling through the lens of food, culture, and growing up.

If you're looking for a book that blends humor, cultural richness, and relatable family moments, this is a must-read. Whether you're a parent seeking a story about sibling relationships, a teacher introducing multicultural themes, or simply a lover of beautifully illustrated children’s books, Babies Can't Eat Kimchee! delivers on all fronts.

The story follows an enthusiastic older sister who is eager to share her world—especially her love for Korean food—with her baby sibling. However, she quickly realizes that babies can’t do many of the things she enjoys, including eating spicy kimchee!

Through playful observations, the big sister lists all the things her baby sibling can’t do yet—like ride a bike, play dress-up, or enjoy the bold flavors of Korean cuisine. But as the story unfolds, she also discovers the sweet, tender moments of being an older sibling, realizing that even though babies can’t do everything, they bring their own kind of joy.

Without giving away too much, the book beautifully balances humor and warmth, making it a delightful read-aloud experience for both children and adults.

The unnamed big sister is the heart of the story. Her voice is brimming with energy, curiosity, and just a touch of exasperation—something any older sibling will recognize. At first, she sees her baby sister as a limitation, someone who disrupts her world by not being able to participate in her favorite activities.

However, as the story progresses, her perspective shifts. She begins to appreciate the small, quiet moments—like how her baby sister giggles or holds her finger. This subtle character development is one of the book’s greatest strengths, showing how sibling relationships evolve from initial frustration to deep affection.

The baby, though not given much dialogue, is portrayed with adorable authenticity—drooling, making funny faces, and being generally unpredictable. Together, they create a dynamic that feels real and relatable.

Nancy Patz’s writing is deceptively simple. The text is concise, making it accessible for young readers, but it carries emotional depth. The repetition of "Babies can’t…" creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality that makes it fun to read aloud.

The illustrations (also by Patz) are vibrant and expressive, adding another layer of storytelling. The way she captures facial expressions—especially the big sister’s exaggerated reactions—enhances the humor and warmth of the narrative.

On the surface, Babies Can't Eat Kimchee! is a lighthearted tale about sibling differences. But beneath that, it explores:

• Cultural Identity & Food: The inclusion of kimchee (a staple in Korean cuisine) adds a layer of cultural richness. It subtly introduces young readers to diverse foods while making them part of an everyday family experience.
• Growing Up & Patience: The big sister learns that her sibling will grow and eventually share in her world—just not yet. It’s a gentle lesson in patience and understanding.
• The Joys of Siblinghood: Despite initial frustrations, the book celebrates the unique bond between siblings—one that grows stronger over time.

Reading this book, I couldn’t help but smile. As someone with younger siblings, I recognized the big sister’s mix of protectiveness and playful annoyance. The humor lands perfectly, and the emotional beats feel genuine.

What stood out most was how seamlessly Patz weaves cultural elements into the story. The kimchee isn’t treated as an "exotic" food but as a normal part of the family’s life—something I appreciated as a reader who values inclusive storytelling.

Fans of Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love or Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park will appreciate Babies Can't Eat Kimchee! for its cultural authenticity and family-centered narrative. It also shares the playful tone of The New Baby by Mercer Mayer, though with a more modern, multicultural twist.

✅ Authentic sibling dynamics – The relationship feels real and relatable.
✅ Cultural representation done naturally – The Korean elements are woven in effortlessly.
✅ Engaging illustrations – The expressive artwork adds depth to the story.
✅ Great read-aloud potential – The rhythm and humor make it perfect for shared reading.

❌ Short length – Some readers might wish for a slightly longer story.
❌ Limited baby’s perspective – A glimpse into the baby’s thoughts could have added another fun layer.

• Parents of siblings – A great way to prepare an older child for a new baby.
• Teachers & librarians – Excellent for discussions on family, culture, and growing up.
• Ages 3-7 – The simple yet meaningful text is ideal for early readers.
• Fans of multicultural children’s books – A wonderful addition to diverse bookshelves.

"Babies can’t eat kimchee. It’s too spicy for them!"

"But babies can hold your finger… and that’s pretty nice."

These lines perfectly capture the book’s blend of humor and heart.

While not a historical book, Babies Can't Eat Kimchee! is part of a growing movement in children’s literature to normalize diverse cultural experiences. Korean cuisine, family traditions, and everyday multicultural life are presented in a way that feels organic rather than didactic.

Babies Can't Eat Kimchee! is a delightful, heartwarming book that manages to be funny, touching, and culturally enriching all at once. Nancy Patz has crafted a story that will resonate with siblings everywhere while introducing young readers to new flavors and family dynamics.

If you’re looking for a book that celebrates love, patience, and the little moments that make family life special, this is one to add to your collection.

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Discussion Questions for Readers:

• How did you react when a new sibling joined your family?
• What’s a food you love that others might find too spicy or unusual?
• How do you think the big sister’s feelings change throughout the story?

Have you read Babies Can't Eat Kimchee!? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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