Masala Chai, Fast and Slow

by Rajani LaRocca, Neha Rawat (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Family, Childrens, Cultural, Asian Literature, Tea

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young people, including Red, White, and Whole, which won a 2022 Newbery Honor, the Walter Dean Myers Award, Golden Kite Award, and New England Book Award. Her other books include: Midsummer’s Mayhem (2019), Seven Golden Rings (2020), Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers (2021), Much Ado About Baseball (2021), Where Three Oceans Meet (2021), My Little Golden Book About Kamala Harris (2021), The Secret Code Inside You (2021), I'll Go and Come Back (2022), and more. She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of fiction and nonfiction, novels and picture books, prose and poetry. She finds inspiration in her family, her childhood, the natural world, math, science, and just about everywhere she looks. To connect with Rajani and learn more about her and her books visit her at www.RajaniLaRocca.com and on Twitter and Instagram @rajanilarocca.

Reviews

[Rajani LaRocca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspired by my dad, the Thatha (Grandpa) in our family, and a fantastic chai maker. The story is about Aarac, a little boy who loves to go fast and his Thatha, who likes to take things slow. But they meet every afternoon to make masala chai together. But one day, with Thatha sprains his ankle, Aarav decides to make masala chai for him—with hilarious results. This is a story about slowing down and spending time with those you love.

[Fanna]

December 30, 2020: not me being excited for every title with chai in it, and anticipating a book two years before its release oop-

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adorable! I want to give this book to all the people who have ever wondered why I bake from scratch which takes longer than a box mix or only eat certain foods seasonally as far as produce and specific holiday foods when I could have them year round. There is something to be said for doing things slowly and not needing things immediately, as well as maintaining family traditions and pacing them on to future generations. This is a great celebration of family, lessons in patience, and why immediate gratification isn't always best.
This book is also a good lesson in learning to slow down and enjoy things which aren't about immediate gratification, and doing things which require time and patience. It's also about learning to slow down and enjoy not only the moment but more importantly the people in your life. Don't forget the author's note and the recipe for Masala Chai. I look forward to trying it out!

[Maleeha Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

We drink chai (without masala) every day in our house, but this PB still feels so warm and nostalgic!

[Hannah]

I do love a food picture book.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair warning, you will read this book and want a cup of warm, sweet, spicy chai for yourself. Which is my way of saying this book does what it sets out to do and more. Rajani LaRocca is a true poet who can transport readers with her words and this book is no exception. With the help of lovely tonal illustrations readers will slow down and think about their favorite smells, tastes, and people. A story about stick-to-it-iveness and about slowly down to enjoy the best things. A lovely tale of mindfulness that has obvious classroom extension opportunities.

[Gayatri Sethi Desi Book Aunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that warmed my heart and made me smile.

This is a sweet story of intergenerational care, mindfulness and chai, of course. The lovely illustrations invoke warmth and comfort. It makes for a loving gift to read and share with family, especially on grandparents day or occasions when we think of or miss them.

The author’s note even includes a delicious chai recipe and personal inspirations for this story.

Highly recommend.

*thanks to Candlewick press for my early gifted copy

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child, Aarav loves to do things fast, but his grandfather does things slow and methodically. When Aarav wants his grandfather to make the masala chai faster, Thatha reminds him that it cannot be rushed.

A sweet intergenerational story of food, love and tradition.

[Skyler Tieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Masala Chai, Fast and Slow" by Rajani LaRocca is a heartwarming and culturally rich picture book that explores the themes of family, tradition, and the joy of shared experiences. The story centers around a young boy named Aarav and his grandmother, who bond over making masala chai, a traditional Indian spiced tea. LaRocca’s narrative beautifully captures the intergenerational relationship between Aarav and his grandmother. Aarav is a whirlwind of energy, always in a hurry, while his grandmother takes her time, savoring each moment. Through the process of making masala chai, Aarav learns the value of patience and the beauty of slowing down to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. The story is a delightful blend of humor and warmth, making it relatable to both children and adults.The illustrations by Neha Rawat are vibrant and engaging, bringing the story to life with a burst of colors and detailed depictions of Indian culture. Each page is filled with lively scenes that capture the essence of a bustling kitchen and the aromatic spices that go into making the perfect cup of chai. Rawat’s artwork perfectly complements LaRocca’s storytelling, creating a visually appealing and immersive experience for readers. "Masala Chai, Fast and Slow" is not just a story about making tea; it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. It’s a wonderful book for teaching children about the importance of tradition, patience, and the joy of spending time with loved ones. This book is a delightful addition to any child’s library, offering a sweet and meaningful story that will resonate with readers of all ages.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2023/10/18... & PLEASE FOLLOW ME. THANK YOU

Making it Just Right!

Aarav is sure he can make the drink, masala chai, much faster than his grandfather, Thatha. He and his grandfather, along with the entire family, enjoy drinking it together. On his first try, he makes it much quicker than Thatha. He does it by throwing everything into the pot, and not following the steps. But when he drinks it, the taste is bad.

Next, he does things in order, but hurries through them. When he samples it, it awful. He keeps on working, but wonders if it will ever taste like Thatha’s.

This is a sweet story about a little boy who wants to do everything fast, and is sure his grandfather does things too slow. Children will have fun learning the different things Aarav does when he tries to make the drink quickly, and what happens when it is tasted. Even though this story takes place in Aarav’s culture, all children will identify with wanting to speed things along.

I liked that this story centers around a family, and that they do things together, including the special tradition of drinking masala chai. A special bonus is the recipe at the end of the story.

This five-star, over-sized picture book will be enjoyed by children aged three through seven.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aarav and his grandfather are opposites. Aarav races and rushes while his thatha saunters and strolls. They have their differences, but Aarav loves his grandfather’s funny stories and best of all his grandfather’s masala chai that he helps to make every afternoon. After a fall, Aarav’s grandfather is even slower than before, and he’s too tired to tell stories and to make masala chai. Aarav is in a rush for his thatha to get better and he has just the cure - he will make masala chai for his grandfather. Aarav races and rushes but time after time the chai doesn’t come out right. Then he remembers his thatha’s words, “Slowly, slowly,” and “Masala chai cannot be rushed,”. Finally, with a lot of patience and a little help, Aarav slowly, slowly, simmers and steeps the chai, and it comes out delicious. This is a tender story about the healing power of love and the practice of patience that allows us to luxuriate in special moments that shouldn’t be rushed.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aarav likes to do everything speedily, Thatha does everything slow. Aarav thinks everything would be better faster, but when Thatha is injured and can't make the daily afternoon masala chai, Aarav decides to do it himself. His first couple of batches are ruined because he rushed something. It isn't until he does it Thatha's slow way that it turns out just right.

I like how everyone in the family takes turns helping Aarav make chai. This little speedster ironically, but realistically learns the slow way that Thatha had reasons behind his methods. A sweet family story with a good message that some things are worth spending time doing the slow way, even if it does take patience. There's a recipe for masala chai in the back of the book. Read this if you want a compare/contrast exercise, grandparent story, family tradition story, Indian food story, or learning patience story.

[Cade Schier · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Masala Chai, Fast and Slow" follows two main characters, Aarav, a fast and sprightly boy and Aarav's grandfather, Thatha, who is quite the opposite of him. Every day, at 5 o clock, Thatha makes Masala Chai, to which Aarav loves but doesn't appreciate the time it takes to make until one day when Thatha has an accident and is confined to the couch with his sprained foot. Through this experience, Aarav learns not only how to best make Masala Chai like his Thatha, but how to learn to wait and to appreciate the time it makes to make something so beautiful.

This cozy book would be a great resource to add into my future classroom as it can show students the importance of being patient, even with the things and ones you love. This also highlights Indian culture, making for a great indepedent read for anyone wanting to have a cozy story that highlights their culture.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aarav loves his Tha Tha but they are so very different. Tha Tha does everything slowly and Aarav does everything quickly. Tha Tha makes his masala chai carefully, adding ingredients just one at a time. But when Aarav tries to do it, he throws everthing in quickly and all together. Tha Tha fell and can't do much on his own. Will Aarav be able to make Tha Tha's favorite tea right?

This is a lovely story that reveals the dynamic between an elderly grandfather and a very energetic grandson. The way Aarav tries so hard to make tea for his beloved Tha Tha is a sweet story in and of itself. A bonus is the recipe to make the tea in back!

[Alizah Kamran]

This book is about Aarav and his grandpa, both of them are very different from one another and we see their bond develop. The grandfather makes masala chai everyday and Aarav gets very impatient because his grandma goes slow, but then the grandpa gets injured and can't make masala chai anymore, it's up to Aarav to make it himself. The intended audience are elementary readers, because of the easy text and flow of the book. Key themes are family bonding, cultural activity, mindfulness, and patience. This book can be helpful in the classroom because of the cultural representation and can start up discussions about traditions that students do daily with their relatives.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time of instant gratification, "Masala Chai, Fast and Slow" teaches patience to young people. Aarav's thatha (grandpa) makes the best masala chai. Aarav want to help, but rushes because he can't wait for the delicious spicy tea. When Thatha sprains his ankle and cannot move around the kitchen, Aarav attempts to make chai for the family. His misadventures reinforce the idea that the slow method is worth the wait. Aarav doesn't give up and keeps trying. Bonus - the masala chai recipe is included in the back!

[Suja · Rating 4 out of 5]

One liner : Cute little picture book

Aarav is young boy who loves being fast in everything he does. His thatha (grand father) also his best friend is slow and deliberate in everything he does. Is Aarav able to understand that not everything needs to be done quick and fast? This forms the main plot of this 40 page book. Illustrations are great and depicts a proper family from the Southern part of India. The language is simple and easy for the kids to read and follow . Nice quick read

[Sobia A Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little book for chai lovers. Grandad and Aarav always make chai together, but one day Grandad can't because of a fall. Now it's up to Aarav to make the chai to cheer him up. But he keeps getting the ingredients wrong. Various family members help him try to perfect it.

The author includes a note at the end about the custom of chai drinking. She includes the recipe and instructions. The illustrations are bold, colorful and full of detail.

Read to Raya and she loved it.

[Cierra Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book teaches patience. Aarav and his grandfather Thatha makes total opposite. Aarav is fast and Thatha is slow. Everyday Thatha makes the family masala chai. One day Thatha sprains his ankle and it’s able to make it. Therefore, Aarav tries to make it however he is moving too fast and is missing some things. Thatha explains to Aarav he has patience and slow down to cook the masala chai to insure it is made correctly.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book about a grandfather and grandchild who are opposite in many ways. But grandchild deeply appreciates his grandfather's tea-making abilities, and when Thatha is sidelined by an injury, the grandchild determinedly performs a loving act of service by preparing the notorious tea. It's a beautiful ode to any relationship, but especially to a grandparent/grandchild bond.

Recipe is included!

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

1/15/2023 ~ I so appreciated that it took several iterations for the child to successfully make chai - realistic learning with the loving support of his multi-generational family. The beige tones in the illustrations provide warmth, just as masala chai does. As LaRocca reminds us, be sure to slow down at the end of the day and enjoy time with family and traditions.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this intergenerational story, a boy learns the best way to make masala chai from his grandfather: with mindful intentionality. The tale also weaves interesting aspects of Indian culture into the mix, such as the practice of meditation and tea time. Thoughtful illustrations depict an extended family whose love embraces all of its members at every pace of life, fast or slow.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet children's book about a child and his Thatha making tea.

If you wanted to use this in a classroom, it would be great for comparing and contrasting or looking at another culture.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book not only because it was about making chai, but because of how the family takes care of its elderly members. Everyone gets along, and the older members of the family are cared for by the younger when they need it.

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm picture book about a grandson/grandfather duo, learning patience, and the art of making masala chai.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet book and beautifully illustrated about a boy and his grandfather involving making chai :)

[Carly Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute multigenerational story about a young boy making masala chai with his grandfather.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. Love the intergenerationalism and definitely want a chai now.

[Lyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book! The pictures were good and the story had a good ending. :)

[Llima · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will try the recipe