Residents are being invited to submit their favourite dishes to a community recipe book, the proceeds of which will be donated to food banks in Hounslow.

The launch of the community project '101 Dishes for Hounslow' coincides with the release of a new children's picture book 101 Dishes for the Emperor, written by Soni Zuberi Shah. A tale from 16th century India about a little boy who dares to invite the Emperor to dinner, Soni was told the story by her father, who was alike told it by his.

To preserve the story which, like a family recipe, had passed down from generation to generation, Soni was inspired to write it down. Partnering with Dr. Fatima Zahra Hassan, the result is a beautifully made book with illustrations that unfurl a story of about sharing, community and good food.

Soni and Dr. Fatima with Watermans Arts Centre and Creative People & Places Hounslow now invite the local community to submit a much loved recipe to www.101dishes.co.uk for a recipe book to be published and sold, with all proceeds going to food banks in Hounslow.

They need as many recipes as possible – secret family ingredients included! – following which, '101 Dishes for Hounslow' will be available to buy. 

An interactive display of 101 Dishes for the Emperor is also available to see in a new exhibition on at Watermans Arts Centre from June 1 - 26.

It is free to visit and author Soni Zuberi Shah and illustrator Dr Fatima Zahra Hassan will attend the exhibition on Saturday, June 11, for a book signing, tour of the show and a multitude of art activities for children to enjoy.