Customer Reviews

Hanuman, based on Valmiki's Ramayana

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My 3rd-grade daughter already enjoys the Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology and has memorized many of their stories. In "Hanuman," she found a wonderful introduction to the Hindu sacred text Ramayana. All she knows is she fell in love with a neat story, wrote about it in her journal at school ("If magic were real, I would make all Hanuman's adventures come true."), and re-reads it daily. A great read-aloud for younger kids too.

This unique children's book brings the Eastern tale of Hanuman into the West for childrean and adults to enjoy. Timeless lessons such as "There is no such thing as large or small when it comes to acts of love." Rama tells Hanuman when he belittles the "small" efforts of a spider to save the slaves and Sita.

Its a beautiful story bound to be enjoyed by all who read it and look at the rich illustrations which tell their own story.

My kids (5 and 9) and I love this book. The artwork is vivid with wonderful details. They respond to the humor, the magic, the characters--both frightening and heroic, the great adventures and the selfless actions in this great story. I've seen one other illustrated version of this story in a collection and found the pictures to be weak and unimaginative. These paintings are gorgeous. This was the first book I reached for to read to my children after the WTC attacks. The children were reassured by this tale of good triumphing over evil.

The classic tale of Hanuman and his devotion to Rama is brought to life through lush pictures with no attempt to edit the full story, as many children's books do. The extent of the details of Hanuman's struggle is marvelous. This may be the most moving book I've read all year. Simply breathtaking.

Well, when I purchased this book, I expected more in-depth features about Hanuman, not a rundown of the Ramayana (Rama and Sita's plight). I was looking for tales about the monkey god Hanuman, not depictions of Rama, Sita and Ravana.

This is important: I also thought there was more to Hanuman than the Ramayana (Rama and Sita's exploits). I was wrong, at least according to this minibook. I was left languishing for more knowledge about Hanuman. This minibook did not do me justice.

Yes, the publisher indicates this is a minibook. However, the book being downright mini and certainly under 100 pages, perhaps it suits a young child or tween, as they are known these days. The minibook is tiny with a hard cover--perfect for gift giving to a youngster.

So, since this book does not go into length about Hanuman, specifically, and since the book is decisively titled Hanuman without discussing the monkey god in all his glory, I give the minibook two stars.

For anyone who is new to Hinduism this is a great introduction to Sri Hanuman; perfect for children and adults. My book arrived today and I stood at the table in the post office, read the entire book cover to cover and could not help but get misty eyed.

The illustrations are simply gorgeous. The lessons taught are even more beautiful; among them "There is no such thing as large or small when it comes to acts of love." also "Rama nodded and said: "All of these were gifts that you were given long ago. You have followed your heart and found these gifts inside of you.""

This book is a must-have for every person who is even the least bit spiritual and one that I will read again and again for a long time to come.

A brief but brilliant reminder of the courage and triumphs of this most beloved and highly revered deity. Beautifully written with inspiring and mesmerizing illustrations.

Its a good book but a bit lenghty. I bought it for my 5yr old daughter, she does like to read it but you can tell that after a while she loses focus or does not understand what is happening.
Given the choice again I would still buy this book but may for her when she is 7yr.

I had ordered this for a gift for a young nephew, but think I may just read it to him and keep it for myself until he's old enough to appreciate the beautiful paintings that illustrate this ancient tale. It's a wonderful introduction to Hanuman, the most devoted of servants. Text and illustrations mesh perfectly, and there is so much life and movement, not to mention gorgeous color! High praise to everyone involved.

This is a children's rendition of the later portion of the Ramayana, pertaining specifically to Hanuman's role in freeing Sita from Ravana, her abductor. It has great moral lessons while still being an adventure. There is some violence that a very small child might find scary (we see soneone with a spear through him) and it's definitely a military motif, but given that Rama's identity is as a warrior that is appropriate. A great adventure with attractive illustrations!