This is a lovely, simple book for young readers. It's not a plot-driven story, but instead an exploration of a place and experience. The language is very expressive and evocative and the illustrations are colorful and engaging.

This book would probably be best suited for small group or one-on-one reading because there is so much room to expand upon the text. It would be very easy to encourage students to observe details about the train station and travelers, make up stories about why the passengers are traveling, etc. It's a great introduction to a tiny piece of non-US culture as well.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

“Chaiwala!”, written by Priti Birla Maheshwari and illustrated by Ashley Barron, is the really cute and short story of a little girl and her mother stopping for tea at a “chaiwala” stand during their 10 minute train stop in Jaipur, The reading experiences engages all the senses, as the reader is taken through all the steps of making chai, and the motions and the smells associated with it. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and match the happy atmosphere of the book well. I think the story would engage children of lower elementary school age. If read at home, it could always be followed by some tea making, since reading it would probably make everyone’s mouths water. Thank you to NetGalley and OwlKids Books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

A sensory experience in this picture book that explores the everyday experience in the life of a child traveling with her mother on a train. As they wait for their train to leave, the girl finds the Chaiawala stand and breathes in the smells of comfort. ginger, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. The illustrations are cut paper, simple and full of texture.

The girl watches the man make her drink and the reader is a part of the story. Sipping, smelling and anticipating the sweet and spicy drink.

A perfect addition to any library collection that brings diversity all while celebrating those everyday moments between parent and child that are universal.

This was adorable! I love the diversity and positivity that came from "Chaiwala!' The main protagonist is very cheerful and loves chai, it's just the cutest thing. This book actually reminds me of my childhood, and how amazing the cups of tea my father made were. The art is also very unique, and I loved the paper-cut style. The descriptions of what goes into the Chai where very intricate and immersive as well. "Chaiwala!" celebrates desi culture in one of the most comforting ways ever. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go make some Chai.

While the pictures were beautiful, I can’t imagine this book holding any child’s interest. It was boring and felt like it was much longer than it was.

Chaiwala! is a beautiful picture book that describes the joy a family feels stopping to get treats at a Chaiwala cart in Jaipur while traveling by train. The illustrations, sense of place, and chai are sensory and vibrant.

Thank you Owl Kids and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

I expected a bit more to the story. It was just alright. It needed a bit more fun! I liked that it showed how chai is made and it’s ingredients.

A lovely picture book that celebrates the childhood joy of stopping a favorite treat. Children will enjoy making connections to their own family traditions while learning about Chaiwala. Engaging collage style illustrations add pops of color and texture to the pages. Looking forward to adding this title to the picture book collection.

A delightful story about food and culture! Filled with beautiful artwork and a sensory story telling way that just makes me want to drink a cup of chai! A wonderful read that will have anyone wanting to visit the Chaiwala cart for some chai!

*Thanks Netgalley and Owlkids Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This was definitely a walk down memory lane. Drinking some spiced tea while waiting for the train is a great feeling. The story is simple, straightforward, and sweet. The illustrations are vibrant and well done. It captures the essence of a "Chaiwala". I do feel that the book makes sense for children that have travelled in a train in India. Might need to be a bit more descriptive for those that don't understand the cultural context. I am not sure if I am overthinking this though.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this ultra cute book! I love chai, rusk, and the colorful pictures. Southeast Asian children will definitely identify with this book. It's great for teaching diversity and appreciation of all cultures. Any elementary grade level would appreciate a read aloud accompanied with a warm cup of chai. I already recommended this to other teachers at our school, and will be purchasing a copy for the class library.

So many memories here! The colors and details reminded me of being at a train station and really just made me want chai and bataka vada (fried garlic and potato fritters) on the train ride to Pune. The author captures the experience beautifully and in such sparse text! The colorful illustrations and details truly transport you to an Indian train station. My father wanted to be a chaiwala and I have many memories of going to chaiwalas across Mumbai. Thanks to #NetGalley for the eARC. #Chaiwala

Cute story, but not sure the story would appeal to the children in my town unless they have traveled by train in India. I can not even imagine getting off a train for chai- and being allowed back on! Interesting cultural incident to look into. Seriously, how is that done?? I did like the illustrations; very nice!