And Land Was Born [Hardcover]

Uma Krishnaswamy Sandhya Rao (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up

This is a story about Bhilalas, an aboriginal tribe in South Asia. In the beginning, the Bhilalas believe, there was only water. The frustrated and wet folks beg their lazy god to create land so that they can get dry and stay that way. Poor god is put to all sorts of trouble before this wish can be granted. An amazing message in the values of our environment.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-A delightful, humorous creation story from the Bhilala tribe in Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India. In the beginning, there was only water. The animals, birds, and humans were tired of always being wet, so they asked the four jugni matas, the mothers of the universe, to find land. Unsuccessful in their search, the four mothers called upon and pestered god. Far from omnipotent, god finally sent them to the astrologer, who in turn told them to ask Kali Kachchu, the tortoise. Many years later, he returned with an egg on his back, from which land was born. Accompanying this lively tale with its understated wit are primitive, stylized illustrations in bold primary and secondary colors on a rich tan background. They are often boxed with geometric borders and arranged in a variety of pleasing layouts. Unfortunately, the outline map of India is somewhat distorted and may be confusing to young readers. Nonetheless, it is a real treat to have this charming tale from an area not always represented in folklore collections.
Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 28 pages
• Publisher: Banyan Tree (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8186895132
• ISBN-13: 978-8186895139
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,984,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)