Books·Canadian

Chaiwala!

A picture book by Priti Birla Maheshwari, illustrated by Ashley Barron.

Priti Birla Maheshwari, illustrated by Ashley Barron

When their train makes a 10-minute stop at the station in Jaipur, a young girl and her mother hurry to get in line for a cup of chai. While the girl waits for her mug of milky spiced tea, readers are treated to the sights, sounds, and smells of the Chaiwala's cart. The aroma of ginger, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon sticks swirls in the air. Tea leaves rustle, milk bubbles, and the hot drink is poured back and forth until — clink! — the cups are filled and placed on the stand. With a biscuit and a rusk added to their order, it's time to find a spot to sit and enjoy!

Inspired by the author's childhood visits to India, Chaiwala! celebrates the pleasures of taking time for food, family, and tradition — even for a brief moment. Illustrated in lively cut-paper collages and filled with scrumptious sensory details, this book is just like a cup of chai — warm, comforting, and good to the last drop. (From Owlkids)

Priti Birla Maheshwari is an Ontario-based author and educator who was born in New Delhi, India. Chaiwala! is her first picture book.

Ashley Barron is a Toronto-based artist and illustrator. She illustrated a number of books with Canadian publishers Owlkids and Kids Can Press.

From the book

A book page from Chaiwala! by Priti Birla Maheshwari, illustrated by Ashley Barron. (Owlkids)

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you.

Sign up now

now