Kashmira ShethMonsoon Afternoon

I LOVE IT

My daughter and I originally checked this book out at the local library and we ended up liking it so much that I bought it. We absolutely love this book. It's very sweet. I'd say it's definitely our favorite book to read!

Sweet story with beautiful illustrations, my daughter's favorite since past 2 years (she is four now)

wonderful illustrations

A story about what it's like to live in a tropical place where the monsoons come and are a welcome break to the heat and humidity. This story is about a young boy, his parents and his grandparents and playing with his grandfather in places that were the same when his grandfather was a little boy. The little boy wonders if it will all be the same - the monsoons and the trees and everything - when he is grown up with children of his own.There's a timeless quality to this book that is very appealing. The illustrations are great and it's wonderful to get a glimpse into the lives of people living in other parts of the world to the reader. I particularly liked the use of Indian words for mother, father, grandmother and grandfather - it connects us to the language of the place. And the author includes two pages at the end of the book about her memories of growing up in India that read like a bonus story - she has such a wonderfully evocative writing style.So beautiful. Highly recommended.

Both author and illustrator portray the exciting beauty of the impending monsoon on the first two-page spread. The welcome rain begins to fall, a young boy wants to go outside and play, no one wants to play with him, but Dadaji (grandfather) is just waiting to be asked! They make paper boats and sail them in the old washtub, take a walk, swing on the banyan tree and observe a peacock unfolding his plumage. `Grandfather, did you do this when you were a boy?' `Grandfather, will monsoon come when I am a dadaji?' A beautifully told story with gorgeous full spread watercolors brings to life the warm familial bond of this Indian family, and the special relationship shared by a boy and his grandfather. Included is a two-page Note From the Author which explains more about the culture and growing up in India. Good for storytime or reading alone.

"Monsoon Afternoon" celebrates many things - the bonds of affection between a young boy and his "Dadaji" (grandfather), the celebration of the monsoon season that brings with it rains and respite from the summer heat, and reflections on the past (as when the boy's grandfather reminisces about his boyhood). The story flows easily, and the illustrations capture the finer nuances of a middle-class household in India, where various members of the family are engaged in different activities, and three generations live under one roof (very typical of families in India and other parts of Asia). It's a wonderful way to introduce young children to a different culture, and celebrate the love between a grandson and his grandfather as they enjoy each other's company, playing on a lazy, rainy, afternoon.

I got Monsoon Afternoon for my 4yo who wanted to learn about India. This wonderful fictional story about a child playing with his grandfather is set against the backdrop of the culture and climate of India, making it a perfect introduction to India for a young child. It is well-supported by gorgeous illustrations that demonstrate the beauty of both the country and its people. My daughter has asked to read it over and over.

A fantastic book with lovely illustrations. It tells a wonderful story about a boy from India and what happens in a monsoon. My class of year 2 children loved the book. Would recommend this book.

Although this is a cultural story, any child would be able to relate to this young boy exploring his world.

So beautiful. Whimsical. Gentle and connecting for us who might feel far from 'home.'