Little Hammy is no ordinary cook. From blue cheese soup to worm-filled sandwiches, his food adventures are bold, bizarre, and unforgettable. When his cooking dreams are met with raised eyebrows (and gagging judges), he must decide whether to give up or keep whisking up his alarming delights.
About the Author
Aaliyana Abdullah, age thirteen, dreamed up Little Hammy when she was just seven years old, sharing his whimsical recipes with her family. After she had churned out more than 100 of Little Hammy’s dreadful delights, her family encouraged her to tell his story to a wider audience. Aaliyana has won awards and received recognition in the Austin Family Magazine’s Young Writers Contest and the UIL Ready Writing Contest. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dabbling in art and leading service projects that help both people and pets.
About the Co-Author
Shaila Abdullah is an award-winning author and designer based in Austin, Texas. She has authored six books, including four children’s books: The Doll Whisperer, My Friend Suhana, Rani in Search of a Rainbow, and A Manual for Marco. Her books have garnered several awards, such as the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award, the Patras Bukhari Award, the Golden Quill Award, the Norumbega Jury Prize for Outstanding Fiction, the Reader Views Award, and the Written Art Award.
About the Illustrator
Mila Uvarova is an artist, sculptor, and children’s book illustrator based in Spain. Originally trained in fine arts and 3-D modeling, she later graduated from Mirra Kotovsky’s School for Children’s Book Illustration. Mila has illustrated more than 50 books, including Oogala-Rukalla, Mr. Kit Who Lives Next Door, Emily’s Dreams, Little Hammy’s Dreadful Delights, and her own story, Mr. Squeakleton—The Forest Postmouse. Mila finds joy in sculpting, painting, and reading fantasy and history. When she isn’t creating cool book characters, Mila enjoys diving, fishing, traveling, and spending time with her son.
Endorsements
“Authors Aaliyana and Shaila Abdullah create a delicious concoction in Little Hammy’s Dreadful Delights. The mother-daughter team of ‘word chefs,’ and illustrator Mila Uvarova, whip up a scrumptious smorgasbord of imagination, fun, and silly, with a dash of naughty that will have kids begging for seconds!”
– Lauren Persons, teacher and author of What Happened to Chester?
“Shaila Abdullah has written a book about a rodent with a passion for cooking, but that is where the similarity to Remy in Ratatouille ends. Little Hammy’s Dreadful Delights is a title that perfectly describes Hammy’s culinary creations. He discovers that his cooking is not for everyone, but he finds a community that accepts his culinary talents. The author tells this story about pursuing your dreams and turning failure into success with a wonderful dose of humor.”
– Jennifer Bonn, author of 101 Tips To Lighten Your Burden
“A funny, heartfelt feast for the imagination that proves being yourself is the best ingredient of all. Little Hammy’s Dreadful Delights is a charming and imaginative tale that celebrates creativity, courage, and the joy of being different. Hammy, a tiny hamster with big dreams of becoming a famous chef, whips up revolting yet inventive dishes like worm guts pizza and fish tail chowder. When his ‘dreadful delights’ disgust the judges at a cooking contest, Hammy’s hopes crumble—until he discovers fans who adore his unusual creations. Brave, creative, and wonderfully relatable, Hammy shows that success isn’t about fitting in but about staying true to yourself. With playful language, vivid illustrations, and a heartwarming message, this story will delight every reader and dreamer who dares to be different.”
– Miriam Travis-Henning, Elementary Educator and Coach for 26 years
“Little Hammy’s Dreadful Delights encourages children to follow their dreams, no matter how unusual. The authors have created a delightful character in Hammy, a whimsical rodent determined to share his love of cooking with his animal friends.”
– Ellen Black, author of Shake That Cream
“Charmingly written and illustrated, Little Hammy’s Dreadful Delights aptly reminds us that tastes differ.”
– Sefi Atta, author of Everything Good Will Come