#Review: How the Chilli Became Hot by Sudha Murthy

How the Chilli Became Hot is a charming little story that takes a simple idea—why chillies are hot—and turns it into a story about kindness, humility and the power of words. Set in the imaginative Kingdom of Food, the story follows Princess Chilli, who is beautiful and admired for her appearance but has a sharp tongue that often hurts people around her.

What I particularly liked is that Chilli’s transformation doesn’t happen instantly. She has to experience being ignored, losing the affection of those around her and finally understanding the effect her words have on others. That gradual progression makes the message feel more natural for young readers. The food-based setting also adds plenty of fun and gives the story a distinctly Indian flavour.

The writing is simple and accessible, with short chapters that make the book easy for children to read independently. The colourful illustrations are a lovely companion to the text, especially the expressive faces and detailed costumes. They add warmth and make the fictional kingdom feel lively.

At its heart, this is a story about thinking before we speak and understanding that being admired is not the same as being kind. A gentle, entertaining read with a message children can easily carry beyond the final page.

Find this book here.