Rukhsanna GuidrozMina vs. the Monsoon

Mina Vs. the Monsoon has layers of complexity even as it attracts little ones with its charming illustrations and a universal message of restlessness from being cooped up indoors. Each page has a world within that can delight parents and young alike again and again with each new read. And the author's note makes the message that much stronger and meaningful. Bravo to Yali Books for publishing this gem.

@kidlitexchange #partnerMina LOVES soccer and is distraught when monsoon season arrives because monsoons mean she can’t play outside! Mina and Ammi (mother) live in a village in north east India where monsoons are an important part of the ecosystem. The author - Rukhsanna Guidroz - uses several Urdu/Hindi words, which are italicized and defined in a glossary.Ammi prepares to celebrate the monsoon by making chai, samosa, and flower garlands. The doodh wallah (milkman) says the monsoon is necessary for things - like Mina’s mango tree - to grow. No one seems to understand how Mina feels. She consults her toy sandalwood elephant and attempts to make the rain stop by: Playing the tablas (type of drum), dancing, and even casting a spell. During this process, Mina learns something important about her mother that makes her feel less isolated, and eventually the rain subsides and they head outside - together.Debasmita Dasgupta’s bold illustrations feature Mina and Ammi with large eyes and colorful saris. Detailed illustrations - hanging laundry, brightly colored fabrics, textured walls, and a simple kitchen - work with the text to give glimpses of life in the region. Two peacocks, displayed on the first page, are the colors of Mina and Ammi’s saris (orange and yellow - teal). The peacocks appear again at the end of the book - in conjunction with the increasingly stronger mother-daughter bond.Both the author and illustrator have fascinating cosmopolitan backgrounds that allow them to engage the reader in an authentic experience. An author’s note explains the role of soccer in helping girls in the region stay in school and avoid child marriage. Those who enjoy this book may also be interested in Uma Krishnaswami’s book -- Monsoon. Check out the Yali Books for other picture books about South Asia. Recommended for ages 4-8.Thanks #kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book! All opinions are my own. #ownvoices#weneeddiversebooks#kidlit#childrensliterature#childrenslit#picturebooks#bookstagram#booksaremagic#lovebooks#librarian#childrenslibrarian#library#librariesofinstagram#readeveryday#readingismagic #read!

This was a delightful book! My daughters and I all loved it for different reasons- they loved the colorful illustrations, and the story itself-about a little girl in India who just wants to play soccer all day. I loved it because of the little snippets of Indian culture, the translation guide in the back, and MOST of all- the explanation at the end about why so many little girls are playing organized soccer in India today- “to combat the common practice of child marriage, give girls a sense of accomplishment, encourage girls to stay in school and challenge the belief that a girl’s only place in the world is in the home,”. What a fantastic message!

This is a delightful book about a little girl, Mina, who wants to play soccer, but can't because of the rainy weather outside. (It is monsoon season). She can't understand why her mother won't let her. She tries to distract herself, but just can't.Then she discovers that her mother used to play soccer, and she gives her her old jersey, and the rain stops, and they go out and play together.<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4664" src="https://g2comm.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-19-at-8.53.07-AM.png" alt="" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4663" src="https://g2comm.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-10-19-at-8.55.28-AM.png" alt="" />I love that the mother used to play, and still plays with her daughter. I also love that Mina has such a passion for playing.The book is supposed to get girls interested in playing, because that builds their confidence, and helps keep them in school, so they can get a good education.The pictures are bright and colorful, and we get to learn words and things in Urdu and Hindi, both by use in context, as well as a glossary at the end of the book.Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

This book tells of a young Pakistani girl who is obsessed with playing soccer. Sad because the weather prevents her from going out, she tries to make the rain go away—does not sing the famous rhyme but does do a dance—with the help of her trusty, if not real, elephant. At the end she and her mom realize what every soccer-playing kid knows: it’s more fun playing in the mud.The guide to Urdu and Hindi words would have been more welcome at the front, but at least it’s there.Not sure what the moral is here. Seemed like a good opportunity to teach patience or acceptance of things you can’t change, but that certainly didn’t happen here.Boisterously illustrated, with what might be too much color considering how basic the artwork is.

This charming fully illustrated colorful book is a joy to read time and time again. It is also a fascinating insight in a vibrant culture.

Great storyline and wonderful illustrations.