Chai Monster
Dreams of masala danced in his head . . .
Get ready for your June 1st edition of B-Side Stories with an extra special RECIPE included. This tale is all about a lovable, furry monster who just can’t seem to curb his cravings for masala chai tea. So, why not enjoy making a pot together. Then sit back, relax, and smell the cinnamon while reading or listening along. There is nothing like a good book and a pot of tea, or warm milk for little ones!
Chai Monster
by caitlin nicole evans
Dedicated to my teacher, and the wisdom of India . . .
Dear Reader,
Here is a recipe for sweet, spicy tea.
In the spirit of sharing, it's a gift just from me.
In India chai is enjoyed all day long.
By the tall and the small, by the old and the young.
Before you begin go and make your own cup,
and while reading along you can drink it all up.
Just like Chai Monster I hope that you'll find
that this chai masala is one of a kind!
Sweet and Spicy Chai Masala Tea
2 cups water
1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
4 teaspoons sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
2 tablespoons of black tea (omit for little ones, or try turmeric for a caffeine-free twist)
1 cinnamon stick
1 inch of ground ginger
Pinch of nutmeg and fennel seeds
6 cardomom pods, smashed
Add water and milk to a saucepan. Stir in all spices with a whisk and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and add black tea leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain into a cup and add sugar/sweetener to taste. Enjoy!
My friend is a MONSTER, but reader don’t fear!
There’s only one problem whenever he’s near.
He’s fantastically friendly, and can be quite caring.
It’s just that this monster,
well . . .
. . . he doesn’t like sharing!
When it comes to his weakness it’s warm and it’s yummy.
This monster loves CHAI and will fill up his tummy.
In the morning he says, “Is it time for my treat?”
So, we go to the chaiwala just down the street.
He orders 1 cup, and then 2, 3, and 4!
He drinks and he drinks it until there’s no more.
Then we go to my school, but he cannot stay quiet.
All the sugar he drank makes him cause quite the RIOT!
At lunch time he says, “Is there more chai for me?”
So, I take him back home for my grandmother’s tea.
Grandma’s chai is the best and she makes us a pot.
Perfectly spicy with milk nice and hot.
Before I can pour it, or taste even a splash,
Chai Monster drinks it all up in a flash.
All of that tea makes his belly quite sore,
but in no time at all he is asking for more.
My grandmother says, “You’re too greedy, too hasty.”
Monster says he is sorry, “It’s just much too tasty!”
We head back to school and tell grandma, “Goodbye!”
Monster’s SLUMP-ish and GRUMP-ish
from far too much chai.
He naps under my desk, but at least he’s behaving?!?
Oh, I do wish my friend could just cure his chai craving.
He shares pencils, and notebooks. Any ball, any toy.
He really can be quite a bundle of JOY!
BUT . . .
On the way home from school Monster says, “Let’s be speedy.”
He wants mother’s chai, once again growing greedy.
We get to my house and his nose smells the spices.
Poor mother does not know what Chai Monster's vice is.
She turns just for a second from her tea in the pot.
In no time at all he has drunk every drop.
Mother says, “Now, Chai Monster, that’s really not fair.
To be truly kind do remember to share.”
We have family dinner and after we eat,
mother makes us more chai to all share as a treat.
Monster wants to be kind and do just as he’s told.
But, his belly is growling . . .
He loses control!
He leaps on the table.
“GUZZLE! GUZZLE!”
“SWIG! SWIG!”
My mother is cross. “He drinks just like a PIG!”
“Now, listen to me,” she says, shaking her spoon.
“You’ve ruined dessert. Now, go straight to your room!”
I go to bed too and wish Monster, “Good night.”
I'm worried he's sad until he flicks on the light.
I wake up and tell him we must get to bed.
But, the thought of masala still stirs in his head.
Even at nighttime chai dreams keep him up.
So, he wakes up to make up his own steaming cup.
He goes down to the kitchen and makes a big MESS.
The next day in the morning he will not confess.
That he took all the sugar, and just as I feared.
All the spices are gone, and the milk’s disappeared.
My mother is angry as she heads out the door.
She must buy more spices and milk at the store.
When she returns, she starts making more tea.
I decide that it’s time my friend listens to ME!
“Please listen, Chai monster, because you’re my friend.
All of this greed and this guzzling must end.”
“Now, I know you love chai but we all like tea too.
Mother’s making this pot but it’s not just for you.”
“You must not be greedy and try to believe.
That the more that you give then the more you receive.”
Mother set down the pot which monster was eyeing.
He twitched, just a bit, but I saw he was trying.
With great concentration and patience and care,
Chai monster sat still, and we all had our share.
He drank only his own and then waited a while.
When we had all finished, he burst in a smile.
“You know, you were right,” Monster whispered to me.
“It feels quite delightful to share all the tea.”
“Why just like the chai I feel warm and so sweet!
How nice EVERYONE could enjoy such a treat.”
“Your family is smiling . . .
My belly's not sore . . .
My HEART is so full . . .
I don't even want more!”
“Are you sure little monster?” Mother said with a grin,
happy the lesson had truly sunk in.
She passed him the last cup of chai that remained.
By being less selfish so much had been gained.
AND . . .
Since he loved sharing his favourite tea,
he picked up his cup and poured half just for me!
So, now reader, you see why this monster's my friend . . .
but, it's time for more chai!
So, I must say . . .
“THE END!”
Recommended Reading: In India, I am very lucky to have a beautiful library of children’s stories that are shared among our community. It is through this collection that I discovered Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth, by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes. This bright, beautiful book is a cute retelling of Ganesha’s story, a twist on a tale as old as time. Little readers will learn many things about India . . . What is a ladoo? What is the Mahabharata? And what is the story behind Ganesha’s broken tusk? With his love of candy and his passion for writing poetry, Ganesha and I have a few things in common. I implore young reader’s to explore these pages, sip some chai, and learn a little bit more about this ancient Hindu god.
Don’t forget to check out the audio edition of Chai Monster at B-Side Live! Just like this little monster, please continue to SHARE B-Side Stories with friends, family, and any little ones you know! Thanks for all your support and stay tuned for next month’s summer edition.
