Meena Can't Wait
(eBook)

Today Meena and her nanu (grandmother) are having a tea party with a special Bengali tea called doodh cha, and even though Meena is impatient, she learns that it's worth the wait to make the special tea together. Tea always tastes better when you make it together. Meena is excited because today she's going to Nanu's house to drink tea and eat treats. When Meena gets there, she's ready to get her nanu tells her it's not time yet. Today they're going to have a very special Bengali tea called doodh cha, and they are going to make it together. First, they harvest some ingredients from the garden. Then they head inside to prepare. Meena's tummy is rumbling as she smells her grandmother's freshly baked samosas and spice cake, but she helps crush the cardamom and cloves and learns when to add the milk, sugar and tea. While they're waiting for the doodh cha to be done, Nanu shares memories of her past in Bangladesh as they look at old photos, paint pictures and set the table. And when the doodh cha is finally ready, it's just as delicious as Nanu had promised. Nanu was right: "It always tastes better when we make it together." Included in this book inspired by author Farida Zaman's own visits with her grandmother is Farida's family doodh cha recipe. Key Selling Points - A young girl goes to her grandmother's house for a tea party and soon discovers her grandmother expects her to help make the tea-a special Bengali tea called doodh cha. - Shows the passing down of a family tradition in a lighthearted way, including how much food is linked to culture, and the bonding that happens when people share their traditions. It is also intertwined with a story about how being patient can pay off. - This story mirrors the author's lived experience as it was inspired by her visits with her own grandmother, and includes her family doodh cha recipe in the backmatter. - Farida Zaman was born in Bangladesh but now lives in Canada. She is both author and illustrator, bringing this personal story to life with her charming and bright illustrations. Farida Zaman is a multi-disciplinary artist and writer who is well known for her whimsical, uplifting designs. She has illustrated fourteen picture books, including When Mom's Away, Ta-Da! and The Yoga Game, and is the author/illustrator of I Want To Be… A Gutsy Girls' ABC. Born in Bangladesh, and having called many different countries home, Farida describes herself as a global citizen with a flair for illustrating stories related to different cultures. She trained in fine art and illustration at the Chelsea School of Art and the Wimbledon School of Art in London, England, where she graduated top of her class with honors. Farida lives in Toronto.