Description
A beautiful #OwnVoices tale of an Indian boy and his grandfather enjoying a rainy day together. From award-winning Indian-American writer Kashmira Sheth.
“Children of all backgrounds will easily recognize both the boy’s delight in the dramatic rainstorm and the warm intergenerational relationship.” ―Booklist
It is monsoon season in India. Outside, dark clouds roll in and the rain starts to fall. As animals scatter to find cover, a young boy and his dadaji (grandfather) head out into the rainy weather.
The two sail paper boats. They watch the peacocks dance in the rain, just as the colorful birds did when Dadaji was a boy. They pick mangoes and Dadaji lifts up his grandson so he can swing on the roots of the banyan tree, just as Dadaji did when he was young. Finally, when the two return home, hot tea and a loving family are waiting.
Author Kashmira Sheth’s affectionate, sensitive story provides a look into Indian life and the shared moments and memories that bind generations together. Illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi’s colorful and fanciful watercolor artwork recreates the lush Indian landscape during monsoon season and captures the bond of love that unites a grandfather and his grandson.
Awards:
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (Honorable Mention, Picture Book) ―Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)
CCBC Choices (Picture Books for School-Age Children) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2009
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council
Outstanding Books ―Wisconsin Library Association
Read On Wisconsin! (Preschool) ―Read On Wisconsin! April 2010
Reviews
“Children of all backgrounds will easily recognize both the boy’s delight in the dramatic rainstorm and the warm intergenerational relationship.” ―Booklist
“Soft watercolors underscore the warm relationship between generations…This beautiful and atmospheric picture book makes a great addition for all multicultural collections.” ―School Library Journal
“This is a story grandparents and grandchildren are likely to read together again and again.” ―Bloomsbury Review
“Children everywhere will recognize the pull of the rain and mud and the desire for connection with their families.” ―Library Media Connection
“Speaks to the unique bond between generations in every culture.” ―Atlanta Parent
“Her watercolors are engaging and add to the impact of the prose… Children who haven’t encountered the monsoons will get an idea of the season’s pleasures, and those who have will revel in the memories this book conjures.” ―India Currents Magazine
“Vividly descriptive” ―New York Amsterdam News
“The author evokes [the] magical world of her childhood in India.” ―Smithsonian Magazine Online
“Its beautiful watercolor art show the affection between a boy and his grandfather and capture the flavor of life in India.” ―Virginian-Pilot
“Jaeggi’s soft, expressive watercolors are a perfect complement to Sheth’s evocative text, and offer a wealth of cultural details” ―Paper Tigers, BOOK OF THE MONTH
“A luscious journey into the life of a young boy living in modern India.” ―University of Arizona: World of Words
Awards
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (Honorable Mention, Picture Book) ―Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), 2009
CCBC Choices (Picture Books for School-Age Children) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2009
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2009
Outstanding Books ―Wisconsin Library Association, 2008
Read On Wisconsin! (Preschool) ―Read On Wisconsin! April, 2010
More Details
AR Level: 3.7
F&P: GRL N, Gr 3, Genre RF
Lexile: AD530L
Themes: Intergenerational Relationship, Monsoon Season
BISAC 1: JUV013030 JUVENILE FICTION / Family/Multigenerational
BISAC 2: JUV029020 JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & The Natural World/Weather
BISAC 3: JUV051000 JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play
