Masala Chai, Fast and Slow
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Newbery Honoree Rajani LaRocca, author of I’ll Go and Come Back, turns her focus to a careful, deliberate grandfather and his impatient grandson in a cozy family story featuring a recipe for spiced chai. Aarav loves his grandfather very much, but they’re as different as water and molasses. Where Aarav runs and races, Thatha likes to saunter and stroll. Every day at five o’clock, Thatha makes masala chai for the family, and no matter how much Aarav urges him to hurry, Thatha insists on taking his time. “Masala chai cannot be rushed,” says Thatha. “It must be made carefully.” 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? But no matter how hard Aarav tries, his rushing causes him to miss some crucial step. Will Aarav be able to slow down and get the recipe right? With charming illustrations by Neha Rawat that are as enticing as the aroma of spiced tea, author Rajani LaRocca invites readers in for a visit with Aarav and his family—and shares her favorite masala chai recipe at the end.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
LaRocca highlights an intergenerational relationship in an ode to a beloved family ritual. While deliberate Thatha "shuffled. He sauntered. He strolled," quick-moving young Aarav "ran. He rushed. He raced." Every day at five o'clock, Thatha makes masala chai, noting that the preparation "cannot be rushed." But while reaching for cardamom pods, Thatha slips off a stool and sprains his ankle. Hoping to help Thatha by offering "a cup of the warm, spiced sweetness," Aarav works to take over his grandfather's chai-making duties. Rushing through many attempts, he doesn't let the leaves steep long enough and forgets to add the spices, before recalling that mindfulness is required for its preparation—and learning that some things and people are "worth slowing down for." Rawat's soft-focus, earth-tone illustrations convey a cozy feel and a deep love of family. An author's note and recipe for masala chai conclude. Ages 3–7.
