Cover Image: Meena Can't Wait

Meena Can't Wait

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Member Reviews

I good story about a girl's day with her grandmother and the importance of waiting for the best things. We enjoyed reading it together.

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The illustrations were the first thing I noticed about this book an I wanted to read it based on that alone.

This sweet story about Meena and her grandmother was a delight to read. My grandsons loved the book and we’ve even made and tried different teas since reading this book.

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Thank you to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review. This was a very sweet story about a grandmother and granddaughter that has one of my favorite blends: a story that captures a universal feeling/theme with a personal touch that feels like a special sharing of culture. "Meena Can't Wait" shows an impatient little one who can't wait for her delicious treat (who can't relate?!) But what she's specifically waiting for is her Nanu's doodh cha, so readers can learn about how much work and love goes into making this Bengali tea. Luckily there's a recipe at the end, because after you've read about the experience, you'll want to be part of it too!

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Meena is so excited because she is going to her Grandmother’s and learning how to make a special tea. I love learning new things about different cultures and this book ticked that box. Meena didn’t how time consuming this process was and is impatient. She does learn it’s good to have patience and well worth the wait. Loved the interaction between Meena and her Grandmother. Great and fun illustrations. Highly recommend.

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I received an electronic ARC from Orca Book Publishers through NetGalley.
Meena can't wait to be with her Nana for a tea party. When she gets there, she knows she will have to wait while they make the tea and let it steep. It's hard for her to do that but Nana and she find ways to have fun together until it's time to drink the tea. Lovely story of family connections and sharing with future generations. The artwork captures the joy when they are together.

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Book 140 of 200 ~ 2023

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I love reading about other cultures, especially when it involves a relationship between different generations, and there is like a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

Beautiful relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. There is also the lovely chai recipe attached!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This children’s book author was new to us and we are so happy to have received the ebook ARC for this story. The story talks about Meena who is headed to visit her Nanu’s house where they will share a special Bengali tea called doodh cha. They get to make the tea together. Even though Meena wants her treats right away she helps her grandmother prepare the tea and learns to be patient while listening to memories of her Nanus’ past and learning new things. This is a wonderful book about patience, enjoying the moment and learning together. I love the warmth you feel from the story and the wonderful illustrations that were also created by the author Farida Zaman create a wonderful and colorful addition to the great story. Your family will love learning about their tradition and learning how to be patient too. The book also includes the wonderful recipe for doodh cha that your family can try together. Enjoy this wonderful tale

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had so much fun reading this book, the story is so adorable and the illustrations were so well done and charming, there’s so many little details in every page that I couldn’t stop but be mesmerized by it all. I will definitely be recommending it! Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this early copy

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Mena Can’t Wait to make chai with her grandmother. But with some encouragement and a few fun activities Meena has tea and a few surprises as well.

This book is a charming story particularly suited to children ages 4 to 6. The plot provides a simple problem and solution, with interesting cultural information about Bangladesh and cultural traditions sprinkled in. The illustrations are full of colour and joy, helping to tell the story and show us more about the relationship between Meena and her grandmother. The tea recipe included in the back matter, as well as the note from the author celebrate family traditions and invite the reader to participate. A positive picture book with a lovely message affirming the importance of family and traditions.

This book would be a great addition to a school or classroom where students discuss family traditions as well as procedural writing.

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Pros: I rarely read children's fiction, but the cover of this book was so colorful and popped out at me on my computer screen that I immediately wanted to read the book. I am so glad I did! This was a delightful story about a girl and her grandmother and a family/cultural tradition they share. My favorite part of this book was the bright illustrations. I also loved that a recipe is shared at the end so readers can enjoy the tea and celebrate the Bengali culture.

Cons: None!

Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.

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Meena Can't Wait is an adorable story about a little kid, Meena, making tea with her grandmother, Nanu. While the main themes are family, quality time, cooking, and patience/delayed gratification, the story also touches a little bit on how Nanu grew up in Bangladesh and also includes a recipe for doodh cha. It was wonderful to share with my three-year-old, who loved it, although children much older will also enjoy this book.

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I love sharing books about world cultures with my daughter! I want her to be able to see the beauty in everyone’s traditions and this book helps a lot with that!

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**Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Meena shows up to Nanu's house ready for tea, but it is not time yet. She is told that today they're going to make a Bengali tea called doodh cha. Luckily for Meena, Nanu grows most of the ingredients right in her own backyard, except for the tea leaves, which come all the way from from Bangladesh. Meena is so enticed by the smells of the spices and the foods to accompany the tea, that it's hard for her to wait any longer. Finally, the tea is done and it is delicious.

I admit, this book made me want to make this tea by the end of it. Good thing the author put a doodh cha recipe in the back! Such a cute story about family and the magic of making something together.

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Such a sweet book. We are always tlaking about patience in our home and this book helps woth understanding that. The art is beautiful and it would be a great edition to any home library! The recipe at the end is the best bonus!!

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Meena Can't Wait is a story that will remind adults of their childhood. Children and adults alike will learn about the tradition of eating treats and drinking special tea (Doodh Cha) with Meena's Nanu. The book tells of the Bengali traditional Doodh Cha, and even gives recipes on how to prepare yourself. I would recommend to any educator who wants to include more books as windows and mirrors in their classroom!

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Thanks to Orca Book Publishers for this ebook!

What a delightfully-illustrated, sweet story. Patience is such a challenge for children (and adults) and this story paints a beautiful picture (pun intended) of a loving family learning to wait together. The author has even included a recipe for the special tea in the back. Loved!

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This was a beautifully illustrated book about a little girl that is exited for her tea party with her Nanu. Nanu shares memories from her past along with old photos. Mean then feels like the tea is better with her Nanu.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for my honest feedback!

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This book is about Meena’s special day with her grandmother and learning to be patient. I loved how they worked together and also learning about a different culture while enjoying the illustrations.

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