A Kirkus Reviews' Best Picture Book, 2018

Mina vs. the Monsoon

Words by Rukhsanna Guidroz

Illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta

Age Range: 4-6 years
Type: Hardcover and Paperback, 38 pages
Imprint: Yali Books
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1949528985 (Hardcover), 978-1949528992 (Paperback)

Mina loves to play soccer all year round. Nothing comes close to it. But when the monsoon arrives, Mina is stuck indoors and she can’t help feeling restless and bored. Her ammi doesn’t understand. The doodhwalla doesn’t understand. That’s when Mina decides she’ll find ways of chasing away the clouds herself. In doing so, she makes an unexpected discovery. Soccer will never be the same again for Mina!

In a charming story that any kid who loves a sport will relate to, soccer-mad Mina tries just about any trick to stop the monsoon clouds from raining on her game. In doing so, she shows us glimpses of her life in a village in eastern India, highlighting the important role played by monsoon rains in this part of the world. The heart of the story, however, is the bond forged between a mother and her daughter on a gray, gloomy day.

"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." (Starred)

"Both words and pictures create context for the book's cultural and geographic setting, while effortlessly incorporating universal themes that speak to children everywhere. A winner for storytime or one-on-one sharing." (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."

"Mina is a ray of sunshine in a bright shalwar kameez, anklets tinkling and henna decorating her hands..."

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