A child is sent to find a younger brother at dinnertime and is introduced to a variety of cultures through encountering the many different ways rice is prepared at the different households visited.
While trying to earn money by shoveling snow so she can buy her mother a Christmas present, Carrie comes up with an idea for just the right gift. Includes soup recipes.
The block party was Carrie's idea, but when it arrives she can only think about two things: the talent show and the delicious noodle dishes from many countries that her neighbors are bringing.