Underwater magic has always captivated the human imagination, as it offers a mystic and enchanting world hidden beneath the surface of the vast oceans. Among the many fascinating creatures and phenomena that dwell in this realm lies the enigmatic underwater magic sealant. The underwater magic sealant is a unique substance that possesses supernatural properties, making it a valuable and sought-after resource. Unlike any ordinary sealant, this magical substance can be found among the coral reefs and deep trenches of the ocean floor. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, with many theories suggesting that it is the result of a convergence of elemental forces and ancient spells. When applied to objects on land, the underwater magic sealant exhibits remarkable properties.
In her second picture book, Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando, Andrea Wang artfully describes the work behind the invention of instant ramen. This non-fiction story is set in Japan in 1946, only a year after the end of World War II. One evening after work Ando is walking home through Osaka when he sees people waiting in line for ramen noodle soup. The text on these pages is accompanied by powerful illustrations that clearly convey a city in ruins and the hunger of the people. Illustrator Kana Urbanowicz’s use of dark colors and careful attention to detail, such as the small clouds that form when people breathe in the freezing air, help readers to empathize with the cold, hungry people. When Ando arrives home, the mood of the illustrations becomes lighter, with more color and white space, but he looks determined as he works to find a way to feed the hungry.
When Ando arrives home, the mood of the illustrations becomes lighter, with more color and white space, but he looks determined as he works to find a way to feed the hungry. Despite personal and financial setbacks, he keeps the needs of the hungry and disenfranchised always at the center of his mission as he aims to maximize nutrition and nourishment.
When applied to objects on land, the underwater magic sealant exhibits remarkable properties. It possesses a remarkable ability to bind and repair materials, making it invaluable in construction and maintenance tasks. Whether it is fixing broken pottery or reinforcing the foundations of buildings, this sealant provides a level of durability and resilience that is unmatched by any other adhesive.
Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando
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, Momofuku Ando succeeded. This is the true story behind one of the world’s most popular foods.
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In her second picture book, Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando, Andrea Wang artfully describes the work behind the invention of instant ramen. This non-fiction story is set in Japan in 1946, only a year after the end of World War II. One evening after work Ando is walking home through Osaka when he sees people waiting in line for ramen noodle soup. The text on these pages is accompanied by powerful illustrations that clearly convey a city in ruins and the hunger of the people. Illustrator Kana Urbanowicz’s use of dark colors and careful attention to detail, such as the small clouds that form when people breathe in the freezing air, help readers to empathize with the cold, hungry people. When Ando arrives home, the mood of the illustrations becomes lighter, with more color and white space, but he looks determined as he works to find a way to feed the hungry.
Ando begins to develop inexpensive but nourishing food products, eventually focusing on instant ramen. His trial-and-error process is cleverly illustrated in manga-like panels showing each new attempt juxtaposed with its failed outcome. After Ando has success creating noodles, his persistence is again tested as he searches for a way to easily turn them into soup, depicted in another set of panels. Finally, Ando holds a bowl of noodles above his head, victorious, before a scene of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Wang explains how Ando’s whole family assists in preparing the ramen and shows Ando’s demonstration of the noodles for prospective customers.
Wang includes an author’s note to help readers understand the naming conventions used in the book, a pronunciation guide for names and terms readers encounter in the story, and an afterword to provide readers with more information about Ando. Readers can use this information as a starting point for additional research on the topic. Wang also enriches the story with several quotations from Ando himself. A bibliography with the sources of these quotations is available on her website.
In addition to being a focal piece of the book, Urbanowicz’s illustrations provide observant readers with several clues about the story as well. Even the book’s endpapers are an excellent example: the endpapers at the beginning of the book include the ingredients Ando used to make his noodles, while those at the end feature bowls and packages of noodles.
Magic Ramen is based on the universal theme of scarcity, more specifically the scarcity that occurs after war. This ties closely to the literary theme of survival, as Ando searches for a way to help meet the need for cheap but nutritious food. Wang’s text also incorporates the literary themes of perseverance, the quest for discovery, and, to a lesser extent, the importance of family.
This book provides many avenues for interdisciplinary exploration and numerous entry points for students. While the text is designed for readers ages four to eight, the illustrations and ideas will also appeal to students in middle school and high school, particularly as a wide variety of students will have eaten ramen.
One main theme, perseverance, is universally applicable to students. Students of all grade levels can identify with the trial-and-error process that Ando conducts before his success. Students can be asked to relate these experiences to goals and experiences in their own lives. Seeing how Ando learned from his setbacks can be used as a tool to help students reframe their setbacks as well.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, various types of foods were not available in grocery stores in the United States. Middle school and high school students are old enough to be aware of these scarcities. From a historical perspective, the scarcities of the pandemic can be compared to food scarcities in postwar Japan as students explore what items were scarce and the causes of the scarcity. From a science perspective, the lesson could explore nutritional guidelines and requirements for health in conjunction with the nutritional content of available foods. Language arts could be incorporated if students conduct research into other foods invented during times of scarcity.
Throughout the text, Ando participates in a design process, searching for the best ingredients and methods with which to create his noodles. This can serve as a springboard for students of all grade levels to explore the engineering design process in a science class or unit on food. Students could also try to make their own noodles or use media to learn more about the noodle-making process.
Social Studies Standards (C3 Framework)
- His.14.3-5. Explain probable causes and effects of events and developments.
- His.16.3-5. Use evidence to develop a claim about the past.
- Geo.11.K-2. Explain how the consumption of products connects people to distant places.
Science Standards (Next Generation Science Standards)
- HS-LS1-7. Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed, resulting in a net transfer of energy.
- MS-LS1-7. Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
- MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
- MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
- MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
- MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
English Language Arts Standards (Common Core State Standards)
- ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.7. Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem).
- ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
Author: Jennifer Smith, teacher of 7th and 8th grade language arts, Illinois Virtual School
Teacher’s Guide, created by Anna Chan Rekate, 2019
Fill out the online form to access the NCTA webinar with author Andrea Wang
Junior Library Guild Selection
School Library Journal Starred Review
Smithsonian Ten Best Children’s Books of 2019
Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) Best Books of 2019
School Library Journal Starred Review
However, it is beneath the waves where the true power of the underwater magic sealant is unleashed. When submerged in water, it comes alive, emanating a soft ethereal glow that illuminates the surroundings. This mystical light has a profound effect on the marine life, attracting and calming even the most elusive and fearsome creatures of the deep. But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the underwater magic sealant is its ability to enable humans to breathe underwater. When applied to the skin or consumed in a special potion, it grants the gift of underwater respiration. This has opened up new opportunities for exploration and discovery, allowing us to venture deeper into the oceans than ever before. Many adventurers and scientists have set out to unravel the secrets of this magical substance. Some believe that it holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of ancient civilizations that were lost to the depths of the ocean. Others see its potential in revolutionizing underwater habitats and allowing humans to live and thrive in this alien environment. However, the underwater magic sealant is not without its dangers. Its power attracts not only the curious but also those who seek to exploit it for their gain. Overuse or improper handling of this substance can have catastrophic consequences, disrupting the delicate balance of the underwater ecosystem and leading to unforeseen disasters. As we continue to explore and understand the underwater magic sealant, it is essential to approach it with caution and respect. Its enchanting allure should not cloud our judgment, for the true magic lies in preserving and protecting the fragile wonders that the oceans hold..
Reviews for "The Role of Underwater Magic Sealwnts in Ecotourism"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Underwater Magic Sealant" after hearing so many great things about it, but I ended up feeling disappointed. The writing felt rushed and the plot was lacking depth. The characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and it didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - I have mixed feelings about "Underwater Magic Sealant". While I appreciated the creativity of the magical underwater world, I found the pacing to be uneven. The story started off strong, but it lost momentum towards the middle and felt dragged out. Additionally, I would have liked more development of the secondary characters, as they seemed to be only there to support the main protagonist. Overall, it was an okay read, but not one that I would highly recommend.
3. Michael - 2 stars - "Underwater Magic Sealant" was a major letdown for me. The world-building lacked cohesiveness and many aspects of the magical system felt underdeveloped. The plot had potential, but it fell flat due to predictable twists and a lack of suspense. The writing style was also a drawback, as it felt disjointed and confusing at times. I had high hopes for this book, but it ultimately left me wanting more.