Have you ever experienced the magic of taste? Taste is one of our primary senses that allows us to derive pleasure from the flavors and textures of food and beverages. It is a fascinating and complex process that involves our taste buds and various other factors. Taste buds are located on our tongues and are responsible for detecting different tastes such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Each taste bud contains specialized cells that react to specific molecules in the food we consume. When these molecules bind to the taste bud cells, signals are sent to our brain, allowing us to perceive flavors. The magic of taste extends beyond the basic senses.
Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. From Kyana s math teacher who proudly sports her hijab, to Ashley, her partner in magical shenanigans who is half-Dominican, and so many others, A Taste of Magic centers a tapestry of voices.
The magic of taste extends beyond the basic senses. It can evoke emotions, memories, and bring us a sense of comfort and joy. Just a single bite of a favorite childhood treat or a sip of a beloved drink can transport us back to happy moments and create a sense of nostalgia.
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I’m J.Elle or Jess (I even answer to “hey you,” I’m not picky) and I’m excited to share my debut middle grade novel with you! A Taste of Magic is a super special story, and I can’t wait for kids to dive into this unforgettable magical adventure in your classrooms! It’s told in a voice that doesn’t talk down to kids, is snappy and fast-paced, and it leads with humor, which I firmly believe is the surest way to a kid's heart!
As a former fifth and sixth grade educator, my teacher hat often slips on without me even realizing it, ha ha! And so, while this book is a hilarious, heartwarming, adventurous read, I composed it in such a way to enthrall even the most reluctant reader. Growing up without much, my bus pass to the library was the highlight of my week. Literacy was a gateway in my life to upward mobility and opportunity, which is why creating readers is my entire passion. Books can literally change lives. And I can’t wait for A Taste Of Magic to bring so much joy to your students!
Thank you so much for your interest in Kyana’s story, and celebrating Brittany Jackson’s beautiful cover art with me. And in case it’s helpful, here are a few of my favorite tidbits that make A Taste Of Magic such special story!
• It’s hilarious. And after the last couple years it feels like we’re all eager to find something that warms us up inside like buttery chocolate cookies. I wanted A Taste of Magic to be a book that makes you grin without even realizing it. It’s full of heart and laugh out loud funny. Think delightfully cute, like A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd. Peek at the first page and meet Kyana. You’ll see what I mean.
• It’s accessible. I wrote A Taste of Magic to straddle the line of contemporary and fantasy because, as an inner-city kid, I’d never seen myself in a fantasy novel. I wrote this book, full of worldbuilding and magic, to transport my fantasy loving readers, but steeped in the beautiful richness of an inner-city community. Because there’s something deeply powerful--I’m talking life-changing powerful--about fantasy’s ability to inspire kids to imagine the seemingly impossible. It has the well-grounded fantasy quality of Amari and The Night Brothers by B.B. Alston.
• It’s an Inner-City Magic School! The first ever! Where cauldrons are regular ‘ole giant pots, stoves spit out pizzas on demand, where a ferret with a security badge is much more intimidating than it sounds, where magical spirits tethered to furniture is a sure source of calamity, and where ball caps and wigs transform into wizard robes in all styles and colors. Think wildly original like Ghostsquad and School For Good and Evil.
• It’s empowering. I’m excited for kids to see that there’s magic right in their own community. From the local grocery store to the beauty supply shop, there are so many nostalgic gems in A Taste of Magic that will feel immediately familiar to young readers. I mean imagine there was a whole room of magic supplies in your local mini mart! In fact, that’s exactly what Kyana does in the early pages of this story--she begins to realize there’s magic everywhere around her. That Park Row, and by extension--she--is special. As a mother of three young children, I really believe that’s a message kids can’t hear enough. It has the self-affirming, thought-provoking vibe of a Jason Reynolds or Renee Watson novel.
• It’s diverse. “Inner-city” and “Black community” are so often interchangeably used, but communities like Park Row are a vibrant mix of socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. From Kyana’s math teacher who proudly sports her hijab, to Ashley, her partner in magical shenanigans who is half-Dominican, and so many others, A Taste of Magic centers a tapestry of voices.
Those are just a few reasons I’m so excited for young readers to discover A Taste of Magic! I appreciate you so much for sharing Park Row’s magic with your students. I do hope I get to meet you, and them, someday!
Thank you, J.Elle! Congratulations! -John Schu
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Similarly, trying new and exotic flavors can be an adventure that opens up our minds to new experiences and cultures. Taste is also closely connected to our sense of smell. When we eat, the aromas from our food travel to the olfactory receptors in our noses, further enhancing the taste experience. This is why a blocked nose can often make food taste bland or flavorless. The combination of taste and smell creates a powerful sensory experience that can be incredibly enjoyable. Furthermore, taste is not just about personal preference. It can vary between individuals due to genetic differences. Some people may have a heightened sensitivity to certain tastes, while others may have a more muted perception. This diversity adds to the richness and complexity of our culinary experiences, as what is delicious to one person may not be as appealing to another. In conclusion, the magic of taste lies in its ability to provide us with pleasure, evoke emotions, and connect us to our memories. It is a sensory experience that goes beyond basic nourishment and has the power to delight and surprise us. Whether we are enjoying familiar flavors or exploring new ones, taste opens up a world of possibilities and adds excitement to our lives. So next time you savor a delicious meal or try a new dish, take a moment to appreciate the magic of taste..
Reviews for "Unveiling the Magic in Every Bite: Secrets of Taste Alchemy"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't stand "Taste the Magic". The storyline was predictable and lacked any depth or creativity. The characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting, making it hard to connect with the story. The writing style was also subpar, filled with cliches and lacking in any originality. Overall, I found this book to be a complete waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Mark - 2 stars - While "Taste the Magic" had an intriguing premise, the execution fell flat. The pacing of the story was incredibly slow, and it felt like nothing of importance was happening for the majority of the book. Additionally, the dialogue was unnatural and forced, making it difficult to believe in the characters' interactions. I was disappointed by the lack of character development and the lackluster ending. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and not worth the hype.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Taste the Magic" based on the positive reviews, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with numerous subplots that detracted from the main story. The writing style was also choppy and disjointed, making it hard to follow along. The characters lacked depth and I felt no emotional connection to any of them. I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied after reading this book.