  | Masala chai, fast and slow Author: LaRocca, Rajani | |
| Price: $23.08 | ||
Summary:
Aarav loves his grandfather very much, but they're as different as water and molasses. Every day at five o'clock, Thatha makes masala chai and no matter how much Aarav urges him to hurry, Thatha insists on taking his time. One day, when Thatha sprains his ankle and must rest on the couch, Aarav eagerly decides he'd like to make the chai himself--after all, what would make his grandfather feel better than a cup of warm, spiced sweetness? Will Aarav be able to slow down and get the recipe right?
| Illustrator: | Rawat, Neha |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (07/01/23)
Booklist (10/01/24)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/09/23)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/01/2023 Aarav functions at top speed, while Thatha is slow and deliberate, but this discrepancy does not prevent child and grandparent from doing everything together, including making tea for the family every afternoon. Afternoon chai is a ritual appreciated by South Asians all over the world. Aarav loves making masala chai with Thatha, even though he is impatient for it to be ready, while Thatha cautions that “masala chai cannot be rushed.” After Thatha hurts his foot and cannot make chai, Aarav takes on the responsibility. He makes many impetuous attempts before recalling Thatha’s advice and is eventually successful. This is a delightful tale of intergenerational love, the importance of patience, and the joy of a simple afternoon family ritual. Bright, jaunty illustrations add humor and cultural details that ground this story in a contemporary Indian context. A recipe for masala chai will have readers heading to the kitchen to try it for themselves. Masala Chai can be paired thematically with Dinalie Dabarera's Quiet Time with My Seeya (2023). - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
