Meena Can’t Wait
by Farida Zaman
Orca Book Publishers
ISBN 978-1-4598-3639-6
$21.95, 28 pp, ages 5 – 8
orcabook.com
Tea parties are always special, but Meena goes to Nanu’s house for a very special tea party. They work together to make doodh cha tea, a staple in Bangladesh. Meena learns that to make this tea, you need to grind spices, slowly bring ingredients to a boil, and then simmer for some time. Most of all, Meena learns to exercise patience as she waits for the tea to cook slowly and steep. The author has illustrated the book with vibrant colours and whimsical details. Everything in Nanu’s house paints a picture of warmth and comfort, from the collection of teapots to the beautifully set table filled with samosas, sandwiches, fruits, and special cupcakes. It ends with the promise that Nanu will come to Meena’s house for tea next, but, of course, they will make it together.
Classroom Connections: This book celebrates cultural diversity through one example of foods valued in other parts of the world and brought to our country to become part of Canada’s culture. What is universal is the loving interaction of a grandmother and her granddaughter as traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Discussions on what we learn from our grandparents and what we can do for grandparents can be illustrated and written about. The concept of passing knowledge from one generation to the next is a fascinating topic to explore as children consider things they know that they have learned from their grandparents. Students without a living grandparent might choose to think about someone from their grandparent’s generation who is important in their life.
Review by Betty Schultze.
This review is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Fall 2024 issue.
