Member Reviews

We loved exploring a new city and culture with Kayan.
There's so much to learn for Kayans travels, we had fun reading this book.
The illustrations are cute.

Was this review helpful?

Kayan is on tour of many major cities in the world. Today we go with him to Mumbai, once called Bombay, to tour the city and its wonderful foods!
The simple illustrations by Margherita Passarini are brilliantly colored, and fun.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school, or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary digital advance review copy on Adobe Digital Editions from
Arashi Publishing, LLC via NetGalley. Thank you!

Was this review helpful?

Lovely illustrative book. A good one for your little one. The Places in Mumbai are beautifully described and the illustrations make it even more elegant and intriguing. Love it.

Was this review helpful?

Kayan Goes to Mumbai is a wonderful addition to the Kayan Goes series, whisking young readers away on an exciting tour of Mumbai. With vibrant illustrations and an engaging story, the book introduces kids to the rich culture and modern marvels of this bustling city. I enjoyed it because Kayan’s adventures are not only educational but also filled with fun and wonder, making it a perfect read for young explorers eager to learn about different parts of the world.

Was this review helpful?

Pack your bags and get ready for a whirlwind tour of Mumbai with Kayan! 🌟 Kayan Goes to Mumbai is like taking a mini-vacation without leaving your couch. The book’s bright colors and Kayan’s exciting discoveries make it a fantastic pick for little ones who love to explore. Plus, it’s packed with cool facts about one of the world’s most vibrant cities. If you’re looking for a book that’s both fun and educational, this one’s a winner! ✈️📚

Was this review helpful?

A children's picture book about a young boy who visits Mumbai.

The illustrations are bright, colourful and exciting. It’s a lovely way to learn about the landscape and cultures of Mumbai. I loved the family theme and the fact that he is visiting the place where his mum grew up. I like the way that it normalises travel for kids, and I look forward to reading other books in the series. Very cute.

Thank you to NetGalley/the publisher/author for this eARC.

Was this review helpful?

Generally a cute book that is intended for pretty young readers. However, I will say that I think the intended age group for this book will find that this book falls a little short for them. The rhymes felt very forced, and the author had to use confusing words/sentences in order to keep the rhyming theme of the book. This will confuse young readers a lot and this flaw takes away from the story. Adding onto that, there were a lot of words added to sentences that made the book wordy and even confused me (ex. page 1 adding in "baby" for no apparent reason). As for the illustrations, I thought that they were beautifully done and perfect for young readers. They were simple and crisp, but not boring. Lastly, I liked how well-rounded, detailed, and fresh the author made the overall story. It's perfect for kids to learn about a new or familiar culture, and that's awesome.
In a nutshell: a unique story with beautiful illustrations, but a bit rough around the edges in terms of writing.

Was this review helpful?

Cute, colorful, and fun!
In Kayan Goes to Mumbai, a young child prepares to travel across the world and visit family in the city of Mumbai, the most populous city in India. After a long plane ride, he lands in this amazing city and, once there, experiences all its exciting sights and sounds.
Kayan Goes to Mumbai is the latest children’s travel picture book in author Rohit S. Loomba’s Kayan Goes series for young ones. The illustrations are eye-catching and inspiring, and their beautiful colors make the scenes come alive. The main character is Kayan, and he’s so authentic and enthusiastic about his new destination and what he finds there, even when he’s about to step in something he really wants to avoid! (The family goes to a nature park where visitors and animals are free to roam throughout the grounds.) The story takes him to iconic locations as well as to everyday places where he can visit with family. (He goes to visit his Nana and Nani's flat.)
The story covers many aspects of what such a journey would entail and the activities that are out of the usual daily routine of a young child that might startle and stress them, including deciding what to take on the journey and packing for the trip, flying across the world, and seeing their destination for the first time from high above before landing, and then the various modes of transportation they will be using once there which might be very different from how the family gets around at home.
This book is a great way to excite and prepare children who are about to make a trip to this large (and what could be overwhelming) city. It would also be suitable as a fun story to share in pre-school when discovering different countries.

Was this review helpful?

What a beautiful book!! I was so taken back by how wonderful this book was. My four kids and I cherished our time reading it. Wonderfully done.

Was this review helpful?

This was a really beautiful book for a child! I loved the bright color and pictures as well as the interesting information throughout the pages! I have always wanted to go to India and this is a lovely book to keep me wanting more!

Thank you to NetGalley for this book, all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This children's book was an adorable read and is a great introduction to Mumbai. With the vibrant images, children will have a lot of fun exploring this book.
Various sides of Mumbai are shown and introduced and children will definitely learn something new.

Only the language on the first few pages and an error on the second page stood out a bit negatively to me.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you, Arashi Publishing, for the advance reading copy.

Such colourful and rich content! When it comes to introducing Mumbai to a kid, I would say the book represents accurately what defines the city! For someone who has been staying there for a few years, this book exactly sums up the experience I have had.

The cover is a bit dull in comparison to the illustrations and the overall visuals of the picture book.

You will absolutely love the contents!

Was this review helpful?

Book Review: Kayan Goes to Mumbai

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently had the pleasure of diving into Kayan Goes to Mumbai by Rohit Loomba and Margherita Passarini, and wow, what a delightful adventure it was! As a fan of travel books, especially those aimed at children, I found this installment in the Kayan series to be both engaging and educational.

In this vibrant picture book, Kayan takes us on a journey through his family's hometown of Mumbai, aka Bombay. The authors do an excellent job showcasing this megacity, known for its bustling streets and rich culture. From towering skyscrapers that touch the sky to the glistening Arabian Sea, Kayan guides readers through a world that feels alive with history and modernity alike. He introduces us to his favorite spots to eat, relax, and play, making it clear why this city holds such a special place in his heart.

What I appreciate most about this book is how well it captures the essence of Mumbai's diverse culture and daily life. It’s not just a travelogue; it’s an invitation to experience the unique blend of tradition and contemporary living that defines the city. The illustrations are absolutely adorable—colorful and captivating, they complement the narrative in ways that make it accessible for young readers, whether they're being read to or starting to explore books on their own.

Overall, Kayan Goes to Mumbai is a charming read that serves as a wonderful introduction to one of India's most dynamic cities. It’s perfect for little explorers eager to learn about different cultures, and I can't recommend it enough! If you're looking for a delightful journey through Mumbai that your kids will love, this book is definitely worth picking up!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Was this review helpful?

Kayan goes to Mumbai by Rohit Looma is the unforgettable journey to the most amazing city in India. The book is educational and fun for children and parents to get a lot of information about everyday life in Mumbai. The book speaks the city and people who live there. Maybe the next family holiday will be there for visit and enjoy the beauty and diversity of Mumbai!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for an early access for this book

Kayan Goes to Mumbai is a delightful children's book that follows the adventures of a young boy named Kayan as he explores the bustling city of Mumbai.

The story is engaging and educational, providing readers with a vibrant portrayal of the city's diverse culture, iconic landmarks, and daily life.

The illustrations are colorful and captivating, bringing the narrative to life and making it accessible for young readers.

Overall, it's a charming read that offers a wonderful introduction to one of India's most dynamic cities.

Was this review helpful?

Kayan Goes to Mumbai is a delightful little read that uses the beautiful history of India to inspire its young readers to explore the world around them. The illustrations spark a curiosity in the reader that encourages them to pursue their dreams of travel. Rohit Loombas children’s book explores the greatness of learning about your family history and the beauty of culture.

Was this review helpful?