(3) K-3 Illustrated by Neha Rawat. 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.

Reviewer: Summer Edward