Masala Chai, Fast and Slow

July 1, 2023
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)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2023
Grades K-2 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, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 9, 2023
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.

July 1, 2023
Aarav, a young South Asian boy, is zippy and bursting with energy while his thatha (grandfather) is calm, patient, and prone to taking his time. Despite being polar opposites, the two enjoy a close bond cemented by Aarav's love of the stories and masala chai that his grandfather expertly concocts. When Thatha is immobilized by a minor injury, Aarav longs to comfort him with masala tea, but his attempts to brew it are repeatedly hampered by his hastiness. Only when Aarav finally heeds Thatha's expostulations, does he come to appreciate that slowing down just might be the recipe for caring for those we hold dear. The text pairs well with Rawat's straightforward, heartwarming digital illustrations. An author's note connects the story to cherished traditions in LaRocca's family, and a recipe for masala chai is appended.

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)