A much-needed reminder to slow down and live in the moment.
A young South Asian boy learns the joy of taking his time.
Aarav loves his grandfather, whom he calls Thatha, even though the two approach life at two different tempos: While Thatha “shuffled,” “sauntered,” and “strolled,” Aarav “ran,” “rushed,” and “raced.” Thatha urges Aarav to slow down, but Aarav constantly asks Thatha to speed up—especially at 5 o’clock, when Aarav helps Thatha makes his daily masala chai. Thatha insists that this spicy tea needs to be made at the right pace, no matter how much Aarav wishes it could be ready right away. One day, Thatha falls off a kitchen stool and injures his leg, preventing him from standing. Without Thatha to make the chai, Aarav decides to step in (with the help of an adult or two). At first, he rushes the process, doing it at the speed he’s always wanted to try. Unfortunately, every attempt goes wrong, and it’s only when Aarav tries his grandfather’s ponderous pace that the chai finally tastes just right—and that Aarav appreciates that while it’s fun to be fast, some things are meant to be slow. Although this intergenerational story centers on a South Asian practice—afternoon chai—its sweetly conveyed message of mindfulness will resonate with impatient little ones everywhere. The muted, earth-toned illustrations, depicting an adorably exuberant tot and a loving family, complement the text effectively. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A much-needed reminder to slow down and live in the moment. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781536219401
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: June 8, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2023
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
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BOOK REVIEW
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez,...
Abuela is coming to stay with Mia and her parents. But how will they communicate if Mia speaks little Spanish and Abuela, little English? Could it be that a parrot named Mango is the solution?
The measured, evocative text describes how Mia’s español is not good enough to tell Abuela the things a grandmother should know. And Abuela’s English is too poquito to tell Mia all the stories a granddaughter wants to hear. Mia sets out to teach her Abuela English. A red feather Abuela has brought with her to remind her of a wild parrot that roosted in her mango trees back home gives Mia an idea. She and her mother buy a parrot they name Mango. And as Abuela and Mia teach Mango, and each other, to speak both Spanish and English, their “mouths [fill] with things to say.” The accompanying illustrations are charmingly executed in ink, gouache, and marker, “with a sprinkling of digital magic.” They depict a cheery urban neighborhood and a comfortable, small apartment. Readers from multigenerational immigrant families will recognize the all-too-familiar language barrier. They will also cheer for the warm and loving relationship between Abuela and Mia, which is evident in both text and illustrations even as the characters struggle to understand each other. A Spanish-language edition, Mango, Abuela, y yo, gracefully translated by Teresa Mlawer, publishes simultaneously.
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez, an honoree. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6900-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2015
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BOOK REVIEW
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