Mina vs. the Monsoon has been chosen by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best books of 2018! We are deeply honored and humbled to have been selected. It is testament to the talent of the creative team - author Rukhsanna Guidroz, and illustrator Debasmita Dasgupta.
Unwrapping
"MINA VS. THE MONSOON"
Authored by Rukhsanna Guidroz
Illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta
* Age Range: 4-8
* Grade Level: K-3
* Hardcover: 38 pages
* Publisher: Yali Publishing LLC
* Pub. Date: December 1, 2018
* Language: English
Advance Praise
“On close inspection, it is so much more than it seems: a delightful picture book about a girl child discovering a wondrous secret about her mother.” – Kirkus Reviews (STARRED)
“This charming bilingual book has universal appeal and cultural specificity…a richly colored palette and crisp digital illustrations combine with a story that is refreshingly free of stereotypical tropes, making this a delightful addition to the #OwnVoices offerings for younger readers.” – Booklist
“Mina is a ray of sunshine in a bright shalwar kameez, anklets tinkling and henna decorating her hands…” – Foreword Reviews
Unravelling the book
I really enjoyed this book a lot. Mina, a girl living in a South Asian village, is very sad as she loves to play soccer outdoors but the monsoon is about to invade. She asks her mother if she can go outside anyway. Her ammi declines her request and tells her to stay inside as she might catch a cold. "Let's celebrate the monsoon with chai and samosas."
The monsoon closes in bringing with it rain, lightning and thunder. Mina is convinced that her ammi doesn't understand her love for soccer and her euphoric feeling as she scores a goal. What can Mina possibly do to chase away her disappointment?
She sees the dodo wallah (milkman) approaching and he encourages her by saying this not a time for despair but one for dancing and being happy. Mina heeds his words, dresses up fancy, and dances to try and ward off or perhaps even stop the heavy rain outside. Can she succeed?
While Mina is finding some thread in her mother's bedroom cabinet she stumbles upon a wonderful secret. One that reveals something amazing from her ammi's past... one that makes Mina over-the-moon happy. The unveiling of this information encourages both her and her ammi to head outdoors and play the best kind of soccer ever.... together.... soccer in the mud! Oh happy day!
While Mina is finding some thread in her mother's bedroom cabinet she stumbles upon a wonderful secret. One that reveals something amazing from her ammi's past... one that makes Mina over-the-moon happy. The unveiling of this information encourages both her and her ammi to head outdoors and play the best kind of soccer ever.... together.... soccer in the mud! Oh happy day!
A glossary of selected Hindi and Urdu words from the story are featured at the back of the book. The illustrations are colourful, vivid and very expressive. This is a delightful book highlighting a special bond in a mother-daughter relationship made deeper by the game of soccer that they enjoy together on an otherwise dreary and dismal day. I highly recommend this book.
Storywraps Rating - 5 +++ HUGS!!!!!
Meet the author
Rukhsanna Guidroz was born in England. With a Persian-Indian father and a Chinese mother, she was always drawn to traveling to far away places. After studying in London and Paris, she moved to Hong Kong where she worked as a journalist. Hawaii became her home in 1996. She now teaches at an elementary school and specializes in early literacy and writing. Visit her website at rukhsannaguidroz.com.
About the illustrator
Debasmita Dasgupta is a freelance illustrator, specializing in drawing for children of all ages. After her first picture book The Friday Fair (KATHA India) was published in 2010, she has illustrated 11 more books. She enjoys drawing children with big eyes and shining smiles in a world of bright colors. Her work has been exhibited in Rome (Italy), Singapore and Chiang Mai (Thailand). She is also the founder of My Father Illustrations an online movement to amplify voices of fathers who fearlessly defend the rights of their daughters.
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