When Joseph and Mama lived in a refugee camp in East Africa, everyone cooked and ate together. And, Joseph could always hear someone playing the awal. It's much too quiet and lonely in his new home. Though Whoosh, the girl who lives upstairs, is friendly, Joseph misses having more people around, especially his grandmother, who still lives across the ocean. So, he invites his relatives in the city to come for dinner, then he invites his teacher, then Whoosh and her Mami, but everyone is too busy.
Ever hopeful, Joseph picks the last greens from the garden. At least he and Mama will be ready to cook if someone comes. The next night Whoosh and her Mami appear at the door with a big cake, and Whoosh and Joseph cook up a feast.
A touching story about adjusting to a new home and the pleasure of cooking and sharing food with friends.
