A boy makes one hundred chapatis with his grandfather while they wait for news of his new baby sibling’s arrival

Simon doesn’t want the baby to come. He was happy with just his mom, dad, and Pappa. Now, Mom and Dad are at the hospital, and Simon and Pappa are waiting for news at home.

Knowing how hard it is to wait, Pappa starts Simon on a project of making one hundred chapatis. They measure the ingredients, knead and roll the dough, and then drop them one by one into a giant frying pan. Soon, Simon is so busy that he forgets to worry. “Can I show the baby how to make chapatis?” he asks Pappa. And before they know it, Pappa is frying up the one hundredth chapati … and the phone is ringing!

A debut picture book with texture-rich illustrations and simple evocative text, 100 Chapatis is a gentle lesson in patience that makes for a wonderful read-aloud.

Derek Mascarenhas is a graduate of the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Creative Writing Program, a finalist and runner up for the Penguin Random House of Canada Student Award for Fiction, and a nominee for the Marina Nemat Award. His fiction has been published in places such as Joyland, The Dalhousie Review, Switchback, Maple Tree Literary Supplement, Cosmonauts Avenue, and The Antigonish Review. Derek is one of four children born to parents who emigrated from Goa, India, and settled in Burlington, Ontario. A backpacker who has traveled across six continents, Derek currently resides in Toronto. Coconut Dreams is his first book.

Derek Mascarenhas' profile page

Shantala Robinson has been drawing voraciously since she was a child. She currently works in the field of illustration and graphic design, selling artwork and working on commissioned pieces. She draws and paints in a variety of styles but tends toward using multimedia to collage her pictures. Shantala is passionate about literature and travel, gaining inspiration from her exploration of strange and fantastic environments both fictional and real. She believes the world can be a wondrous and magical place and tries to recreate that sense of adventure in her artwork. Shantala lives in New Westminster, British Columbia, with her family.

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• Winner, Toronto Public Library First and Best List

"There's an understated message that finding ways to help can make soon-to-be older siblings feel more comfortable ... At its heart, though, this is a cheerful portrayal of intergenerational bonding over bread, and that will ring true to plenty of children."

Booklist

"Perfect for any child who has a hard time being patient ... [depicts] the joy of passing down family traditions."

Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

"An enjoyable, calming story. This debut picture book is a recommended purchase."

School Library Journal

"A warm and reassuring read. A testament to the power of comfort food."

Kirkus Reviews

"Pappa suggests it might take 100 chapatis long, before the baby is ready to make its entrance. Great idea!"

Sal's Fiction Addiction

"A celebration of intergenerational love, a celebration of food and culture, even a celebration of the complex emotions that accompany all major life shifts."

Canadian Review of Materials