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A Bucket of Blessings
A beautiful myth from India comes to life in this enchanting, New York Times bestselling picture book.
Near a majestic mountain in a vast jungle with many mango trees, it has not rained for weeks and weeks. The village well and pond are dry. Monkey and his friends look everywhere for water, but they have no luck. And then Monkey remembers a story his mama used to tell him, a story about how peacocks can make it rain by dancing. So he sets out to see if the story is true…
This little-known legend, told with dramatic rhythm and illustrated with the colors and textures of India, is sure to delight and inspire.
Near a majestic mountain in a vast jungle with many mango trees, it has not rained for weeks and weeks. The village well and pond are dry. Monkey and his friends look everywhere for water, but they have no luck. And then Monkey remembers a story his mama used to tell him, a story about how peacocks can make it rain by dancing. So he sets out to see if the story is true…
This little-known legend, told with dramatic rhythm and illustrated with the colors and textures of India, is sure to delight and inspire.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2013
About the author
Kabir Sehgal
28 books54 followersKabir Sehgal is a vice president in emerging market equities at J. P. Morgan in New York. He serves as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve, served as a speechwriter on a presidential campaign, and is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
He is the New York Times bestselling author of books including Coined, Walk in My Shoes (with Andrew Young), A Bucket of Blessings, and Jazzocracy.
A Grammy-winning producer who has performed with Grammy-winning musicians as a jazz bassist, he co-founded an arts organization which merged with the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance.
Sehgal is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the London School of Economics. He is a diehard Atlanta Braves fan.
To learn more about the author, visit CoinedBook.com.
He is the New York Times bestselling author of books including Coined, Walk in My Shoes (with Andrew Young), A Bucket of Blessings, and Jazzocracy.
A Grammy-winning producer who has performed with Grammy-winning musicians as a jazz bassist, he co-founded an arts organization which merged with the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance.
Sehgal is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the London School of Economics. He is a diehard Atlanta Braves fan.
To learn more about the author, visit CoinedBook.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 16, 2021
A sweet story about what it means to spread kindness to others.
May 5, 2017
The first thing I noticed about this book is the artwork. It has a distinctly East Asian style, starting with the shape of the monkey's head (like a coconut) to the muted color palette. Coincidently, the illustrator is Chinese and utilizes traditional printmaking into his work. I am visually intrigued by the dimension created on each page - especially the rain page. The powerful visuals affect the tone of the book, and in this case, it changes the cultural associations.
The story is told in present tense, with animal characters. The story is simple and encourages young readers to do good deeds, however small, because even small blessings can bring big change. The pacing is decent, though I felt like there was too little description in the writing, to convey the message. The artwork does a lot of the heavy-lifting. Water scarcity and volunteering are subjects that are difficult to introduce to young children, but these complex concepts are simplified enough for children to understand. This is a beautifully illustrated book addressing very important values. I can definitely applaud the writer for their vision.
The story is told in present tense, with animal characters. The story is simple and encourages young readers to do good deeds, however small, because even small blessings can bring big change. The pacing is decent, though I felt like there was too little description in the writing, to convey the message. The artwork does a lot of the heavy-lifting. Water scarcity and volunteering are subjects that are difficult to introduce to young children, but these complex concepts are simplified enough for children to understand. This is a beautifully illustrated book addressing very important values. I can definitely applaud the writer for their vision.
May 3, 2019
In this book there has not been rain for a very long time. So Monkey has heard that peacock can do a magical dance to make it rain and end the drought. Peacock says first he needs something to drink. Monkey finds a spring and a bucket that he can use to bring water to peacock. On his way back with his bucket of water he stops by lots of friends to tell them what he is doing. What he doesn't know is that his bucket is leaking and the water is draining out as he walks. He only has a few drops left for the peacock, but he also sees that the leaking water brought life to a lot of the forest.
This is a good book with a good message. Sometimes things that seem bad can actually be a blessing. And that is the lesson I would use to go with the book if were to read it to the class. As an activity with it I might have the kids discuss with each other a time when they have been selfless and done something good to help others without even realizing it at first. Then we can all go around and share each others stories.
This is a good book with a good message. Sometimes things that seem bad can actually be a blessing. And that is the lesson I would use to go with the book if were to read it to the class. As an activity with it I might have the kids discuss with each other a time when they have been selfless and done something good to help others without even realizing it at first. Then we can all go around and share each others stories.
April 29, 2014
A well-meaning effort but contrived and heavy-handed. The double spread page of the peacock dancing is lovely but not enough to compensate for the rest.
November 24, 2025
A Bucket of Blessings is a retelling of an indian traditional story about a monkey who notices that his village is struggling from a terrible drought, it has not rained in a very long time. Then he remembers a legend that his mother told him, that a peacock can bring rain when he dances. He goes up the mountain in search of the magic peacock, who tells the monkey he needs water to make the rain come. As the monkey climbs up the mountain again, hauling the heavy water bucket, his joyful friends meet him along the way and enjoy the water that is slowly draining from the leaky bucket. When the monkey reaches the top, he is distraught when the bucket appears to be empty. But the peacock shows him what good water that fell from the bucket brought to his valley. Peacock performs the magic dance with just a few drops of water left. This symbolizes that even the smallest gift, like a few drops of water, can have a huge impact when they mean something like what they did to the monkey. Kindness and generosity is a big theme in this book. Monkey goes a long way and struggles to help bring water to his friends, all by himself. The generosity of just offering a bucket of water to the peacock shows a powerful impact, as the monkey helps save his village from the drought. Community is a theme as well, monkey strives to bring water to his friends because he is concerned about all of them. His caring for the community leads to many blessings. The genre of this book is traditional folktale. This book is special because it shows what a difference even one small monkey can make. Monkey doesn't focus on what he can't do (make it rain), he focuses on what he can give (a bucket of water to the peacock so that he can make it rain). This can help a reader learn that you don't have to be powerful or big and strong to make a difference, you just have to be willing to try. Monkey learns about how to bring rain from the legend his mother told him. This is an important lesson to listen to the wisdom that people offer to you, because you never know when something like a silly story can make a difference.
The story A Bucket of Blessings is a modern retelling of a traditional folktale that uses simple storytelling to show how personal generosity can lead to big changes. This book shows that a small character like a monkey can make a compassionate decision that brings change not just because the character is powerful. Monkey is a simple ordinary character, whose effort and generosity brought life back to his village. The bucket of water symbolizes hope, as it leaks it spreads hope to his friends, who bask in the small pools of water. The book also displays beautiful imagery and descriptive language, which is notable on the first few pages. This language helps the reader immerse themselves in the book, the images further this as well. The animals are a type of personification, where they make human decisions, feel human emotions, and take action. This helps make the story relatable to children and allows them to connect emotionally to the story. This book is anti-bias because it exposes children to a culture that they might not be familiar with.. This is an Indian folktale book, and it shows through the animals, and the elements of Indian storytelling traditions. It also helps children learn about how strong individual power can be, and how when many individuals work and cooperate together, they can do magical things.
The story A Bucket of Blessings is a modern retelling of a traditional folktale that uses simple storytelling to show how personal generosity can lead to big changes. This book shows that a small character like a monkey can make a compassionate decision that brings change not just because the character is powerful. Monkey is a simple ordinary character, whose effort and generosity brought life back to his village. The bucket of water symbolizes hope, as it leaks it spreads hope to his friends, who bask in the small pools of water. The book also displays beautiful imagery and descriptive language, which is notable on the first few pages. This language helps the reader immerse themselves in the book, the images further this as well. The animals are a type of personification, where they make human decisions, feel human emotions, and take action. This helps make the story relatable to children and allows them to connect emotionally to the story. This book is anti-bias because it exposes children to a culture that they might not be familiar with.. This is an Indian folktale book, and it shows through the animals, and the elements of Indian storytelling traditions. It also helps children learn about how strong individual power can be, and how when many individuals work and cooperate together, they can do magical things.
October 8, 2018
The land desperately needs rain, so Monkey goes to visit Peacock to see if he can make it rain by dancing. But Peacock says he needs some water to start with. Can Monkey get enough water to Peacock?
The bucket Monkey uses to get water to Peacock is leaky and he leaves a path of refreshed land behind him. This is supposed to be a metaphor. See if kids can figure it out. I really like the illustration style Tsong used for this. A nice, simple intro to Indian folklore for kids with a message about spreading hope and blessings that is good for all. If you're on the hunt for Asian folklore or rain folklore, also a good pick.
The bucket Monkey uses to get water to Peacock is leaky and he leaves a path of refreshed land behind him. This is supposed to be a metaphor. See if kids can figure it out. I really like the illustration style Tsong used for this. A nice, simple intro to Indian folklore for kids with a message about spreading hope and blessings that is good for all. If you're on the hunt for Asian folklore or rain folklore, also a good pick.
September 13, 2017
This is book is a fairy tale about monkey and the village during a drought. Monkey took water to peacock and with the few drops he had he was able to make it rain. It teaches you that you can do a lot with just a little, and what one person does can affect many others. Throughout the story it has very vibrant colors, but also has dark colors at appropriate times. As a teacher you could incorporate this book in your classroom to teach children the significance of not giving up in life.
October 9, 2018
In the middle of a drought in India, a little monkey seeks to help by aiding the peacock to do his rain dance. Notes in the back about how the characters and plot are pulled from Indian mythology. A few different directions to take this: problem/solution, lesson- sometimes we are drained in order to be a blessing to those along the way, talk about Indian folktales.
January 16, 2024
It always makes me happy to see Indian authors and Indian tales published and in Australian libraries. The story of a monkey trying to carry a bucket of water to peacock in mountain so he can dance and get rain to come is beautifully illustrated in this book enthralling my little one.
February 16, 2017
my favorite picture in the book is of the storm
February 9, 2018
Short, simple myth (based around the peacock as a symbol for Indra, the Hindu god of rain and thunder) with absolutely beautiful illustrations. Would make for a great read-a-loud.
June 19, 2019
Has a good message
April 16, 2021
A great retelling of a myth with beautiful illustrations.
February 21, 2022
We love the colors and animals and textures! The story kept little one’s attention from beginning to end at a very young age.
November 5, 2016
Title: A Bucket of Blessings
Author: Kabir Sehgal, Surishtha Sehgal
Illustrator: Jing Jing Tsong
Genre: Myth
Themes: Hope, Perseverance, Overcoming a problem, Blessings, Help from others
Opening line:
Near a majestic mountain, in a vast jungle with many mango trees, lives a Monkey.
Brief book summary: It has not rained for a few weeks in Monkey’s jungle, so he goes to the mountain to visit a peacock who he hears can make it rain. Peacock tells Monkey that she needs him to bring her water before she can make it rain. As Monkey takes Peacock water, he drops a lot of it along the way. Everything behind him that the water has dropped on to flourishes again. He spills the remaining water on Peacock and she dances and makes it rain. Peacock tells Monkey that his bucket of water was a blessing to them all.
Professional Recommendation/ Review #1: Kirkus Reviews-
Deep in the jungle, the animals are experiencing a drought. Monkey remembers the story his mother had told him about how "peacocks can make it rain by dancing," so he climbs the mountain to find the bird. Peacock claims he needs water to make it rain; conveniently, Monkey now finds some inside a cave. Unbeknownst to him, the bucket he fetches to carry the water has a hole, and it leaks all the way back to Peacock. Not only do those drops change the landscape from brown to Technicolor, but when Peacock dances in response to the remaining drips, "buckets of rain" begin to fall. The illustrations are a combination of block printing and digital manipulation. While the monkey is awkwardly rendered, the textures of the landscape are pleasing, and some double-page spreads—in particular, the storm and the peacock's dance—are striking. These do not compensate, however, for a contrived plot and lackluster writing; there is little to recommend this story despite the well-meaning provision to funnel a portion of profits to a clean-water charity. Books born to carry a message are burdened by that baggage; this is no exception.
Professional Recommendation/ Review #2: Horn Book Guide- In this retelling of an Indian myth, a village is desperate for rain. Monkey must bring a bucket of water up a mountain so that Peacock can perform a rain dance. But will there be any water left when he reaches the top? The lush, rainbow-hued block-print and digitally rendered illustrations--with several especially striking full-spread scenes--are the real draw here.
Response to two professional reviews: I thought the first review was a little too harsh as the reviewer tore apart every aspect of this book. The reviewer seems very mad that this book may have been written to collect money for charity, but despite any of that it is still a very cute book to read. I like it because it tells a little bit about this Indian myth and is simple enough that kids could understand and wouldn’t get bored reading this book. As the second reviewer doesn’t seem to like the book either, I also share the same view of both of our favorite part of the book which is the colorful illustrations.
Evaluation of literary elements: The illustrations contain many symbols within them. For example, on the first page there are some bushes with circles within circles. Inside of the circles are stars. This book contains many themes such as perseverance and optimism that one person can make a difference.
Consideration of instructional application: I would use this book to teach students more about the Indian culture and why the people from there believe in the myths they have. I would then teach the students about another country’s myths. I would then have them compare and contrast elements from the myths of both countries. I could lead into teaching the students other cultural aspects of India and the other country we chose.
Author: Kabir Sehgal, Surishtha Sehgal
Illustrator: Jing Jing Tsong
Genre: Myth
Themes: Hope, Perseverance, Overcoming a problem, Blessings, Help from others
Opening line:
Near a majestic mountain, in a vast jungle with many mango trees, lives a Monkey.
Brief book summary: It has not rained for a few weeks in Monkey’s jungle, so he goes to the mountain to visit a peacock who he hears can make it rain. Peacock tells Monkey that she needs him to bring her water before she can make it rain. As Monkey takes Peacock water, he drops a lot of it along the way. Everything behind him that the water has dropped on to flourishes again. He spills the remaining water on Peacock and she dances and makes it rain. Peacock tells Monkey that his bucket of water was a blessing to them all.
Professional Recommendation/ Review #1: Kirkus Reviews-
Deep in the jungle, the animals are experiencing a drought. Monkey remembers the story his mother had told him about how "peacocks can make it rain by dancing," so he climbs the mountain to find the bird. Peacock claims he needs water to make it rain; conveniently, Monkey now finds some inside a cave. Unbeknownst to him, the bucket he fetches to carry the water has a hole, and it leaks all the way back to Peacock. Not only do those drops change the landscape from brown to Technicolor, but when Peacock dances in response to the remaining drips, "buckets of rain" begin to fall. The illustrations are a combination of block printing and digital manipulation. While the monkey is awkwardly rendered, the textures of the landscape are pleasing, and some double-page spreads—in particular, the storm and the peacock's dance—are striking. These do not compensate, however, for a contrived plot and lackluster writing; there is little to recommend this story despite the well-meaning provision to funnel a portion of profits to a clean-water charity. Books born to carry a message are burdened by that baggage; this is no exception.
Professional Recommendation/ Review #2: Horn Book Guide- In this retelling of an Indian myth, a village is desperate for rain. Monkey must bring a bucket of water up a mountain so that Peacock can perform a rain dance. But will there be any water left when he reaches the top? The lush, rainbow-hued block-print and digitally rendered illustrations--with several especially striking full-spread scenes--are the real draw here.
Response to two professional reviews: I thought the first review was a little too harsh as the reviewer tore apart every aspect of this book. The reviewer seems very mad that this book may have been written to collect money for charity, but despite any of that it is still a very cute book to read. I like it because it tells a little bit about this Indian myth and is simple enough that kids could understand and wouldn’t get bored reading this book. As the second reviewer doesn’t seem to like the book either, I also share the same view of both of our favorite part of the book which is the colorful illustrations.
Evaluation of literary elements: The illustrations contain many symbols within them. For example, on the first page there are some bushes with circles within circles. Inside of the circles are stars. This book contains many themes such as perseverance and optimism that one person can make a difference.
Consideration of instructional application: I would use this book to teach students more about the Indian culture and why the people from there believe in the myths they have. I would then teach the students about another country’s myths. I would then have them compare and contrast elements from the myths of both countries. I could lead into teaching the students other cultural aspects of India and the other country we chose.
September 28, 2016
This would be a great story for storytime and I can see several extender crafts and such.
May 21, 2014
A simple story at heart A Bucket Of Blessings is one of the most endearing and inspiring children’s books to come across my desk. It is an Indian myth beautifully illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong. Her serene, graceful art fills every page until as the story moves along pages burst with color.
We meet Monkey who lives in a large jungle with many mango trees. All is not well for Monkey due to a lack of rain - both the village well and the pond are dry. He and his neighbors look everywhere for water but there is none. Then suddenly Monkey remembers a story his mother used to tell him about peacocks making rain by dancing. So, he decides to climb a nearby mountain and visit Peacock.
Would that making rain would be that easy! Peacock says he needs water to make it rain and asks Monkey to find him some. With hope in his heart Monkey goes off to try to find water. What he does find will help young ones realize that just one person can make a difference, and that there is joy to be found in helping others.
A Bucket Of Blessings is a happy, captivating story - one that will be read or heard time and time again.
- Gail Cooke
November 1, 2014
All the plants and animals are desperately in need of water and Monkey decides to find some. He happens upon water in a cave and hauls it back up the mountain. Recalling his mother's story about how peacocks can make it rain by dancing, he figures this is his best bet. But by the time he reaches his destination, almost all of the water has leaked from the bucket. What he doesn't realize is that the water that dripped from the bucket has already worked its wonders and provided some sustenance for the plants and animals that need it so much. I liked the illustrations, created with traditional block prints and some digital enhancement, but the story seemed rather didactic and heavy-handed to me. Still, there are lessons to be learned here, particularly surrounding the idea of blessings and misfortunes.
April 28, 2014
Monkey and his friends are experiencing a drought, where there is no water to be found. Luckily, Monkey remembers that Peacock is known to bring rain when he dances, so Monkey climbs the mountain to speak with him. Peacock has sad news though, he needs water to bring the rain.
This gorgeously illustrated Indian myth brings to mind that a little goes a long way. And, that friends working together can make a situation better. The artist chose bright colors reminiscent of traditional Indian coloring and was able to create a flowing landscape that evoked various emotions throughout the retelling. This would make an excellent multicultural story time read in a classroom or in the library.
This gorgeously illustrated Indian myth brings to mind that a little goes a long way. And, that friends working together can make a situation better. The artist chose bright colors reminiscent of traditional Indian coloring and was able to create a flowing landscape that evoked various emotions throughout the retelling. This would make an excellent multicultural story time read in a classroom or in the library.
July 21, 2014
A Bucket of Blessings by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong *Afterward by Dr. Maya Angelou – Well. This book was my random purchase of the Spring. It came up on a book order form and I loved the sound of the story. I really enjoyed reading it… being kind to others will pass kindness on to you and others in the world. Such a special book- trying to help others with additional unknown side effects.
December 14, 2014
Monkey is worried because there has been no rain. Having heard that a peacock can do a dance to bring rain, he sets out on a quest. Along the way he does good things he didn't intend to do and is a blessing to others. Lovely story. Would work very well with "How Full is Your Bucket?" (kids version) for a story time.
May 16, 2014
Wow. This is a visually stunning book that promotes kindness towards your community and seeing your blessings within seemingly unfortunate situations. I really, really enjoyed this and would love to bring it into my school's library, especially because we have some students from India.
January 22, 2015
I loved the textured illustrations in this book. The patterns and designs are delightful and the 2 page spread of the peacock is breathtaking.
A young monkey endeavors to bring rain to his thirsty village. This Indian myth shows the power of kindness and hope.
A young monkey endeavors to bring rain to his thirsty village. This Indian myth shows the power of kindness and hope.
April 23, 2015
The jungle is so dry, that the monkey is desperate to find water. Hearing that the peacock can rain dance, he goes to visit her. He finds a leaky bucket and fills it with water. He makes it to the peacock with just enough water left in his bucket, and it begins to rain.
September 10, 2016
This book shares an Indian myth as told my a monkey living in a dry jungle. Illustrations cleverly add to the text by adding small details. Overall, this story is sure to capture it's audience from start to finish.
June 26, 2014
A Charming book of hope & wishes. This book speaks to never give up, keep faith & believe anything is possible.. I bought this for my nephew and he LOVED it!
July 12, 2014
A wonderful story from India, it will make a nice addition to the myth text set. Amazing illustrations!
July 16, 2014
A story, a lesson, a picture book. Beautiful. For all ages.
December 1, 2014
Beautiful artwork,but too fast,and kind of a strange story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews