Magic Vessels (Under the Banyan Series) [Paperback]

Vayu Naidu (Author), Mugdha Shah (Illustrator), Usha Uthup (Narrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Series: Under the Banyan

Audio read-along books for children based on folktales from different regions of India. The narration by renowned singer Usha Uthup in English is highly entertaining and expressive. The book illustrate authentic folklore characters and regional artwork in vibrant colors. Children can sing along with the music. Several songs are presented in a world music format, concluding with a key take home message.

This is a folktale from the State of Tamil Nadu, India. Muthu, a poor playwright, is helped by some enchanting tree spirits. They give him the wish of always having food. Muthu hosts a feast for the village. By doing so, he angers the richest man in town. Find out what happens to Muthu.

One full colour soft bound 22-page book, one 22-minute audio tape, lyrics to the songs and a special learning insert. Narrated by Usha Uthup.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Vayu Naidu is an internationally renowned storyteller and writer. She is the founder and artistic director of Brumhalata Intercultural Storytelling Company based in Birmingham, UK.

Sky Music is an India-based corporation led by educators and musicians trained in special education and world music. Formed in 1996, Sky Music is a premier entity in South Asia committed to produce audio read-along books for children based on South Asian fables, folktales and mythology. The combined knowledge, training and experience of the principals of the company makes their collaborative contribution truly remarkable.

Tulika Books is an India-based organization and a premier entity in South Asia producing story books, multi-lingual learning books and other early childhood literature based on authentic South Asian folk tales, mythology and regional artwork. Tulika books has been extremely successful in publishing the works of internationally acclaimed storytellers, such as Dr. Vayu Naidu, and the students of the renowned National Institute of Design, India.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback
• Publisher: Sky Music India Pvt Ltd; Pap/Cas edition (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8186838295
• ISBN-13: 978-8186838297
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,799,223 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very sweet story with a good message, January 21, 2011

By 

Michele - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magic vessels: A folktale from Tamilnadu (Under the banyan) (Paperback)

I am learning to read/write and speak Hindi and reading folktales such as Magic Vessels is one approach that is used in class to help us with our reading and comprehension skills along with increasing our vocabulary. Magic Vessels is one book in a series of various folktales from around India.

It is very interesting to read each of the stories and learn something about the culture of the area in India that the stories originate from.

The writing is very inventive and the use of descriptive words along with the wonderful illustrations really bring a wonderful picture in your mind of the characters. They almost seem to come alive. Vocabulary is used from story to story and the consistent use of new words helps to solidify them in your memory.

Magic Vessels is a wonderful story about angels and how they help a simple family. The family is poor but they are hard workers, honest people and they are always willing to help people by offering them food and money to. It also has a great message. The town's richest man decides to try and trick the angels into giving him something as well. They appear to help him but instead he is made to look like a fool. The point of the story being that one should not be greedy and those who don't have good intentions are never rewarded.

My husband is from India and he remembered this story from his childhood. He also enjoyed reading the book with me and he really enjoyed the illustrations and how they brought the story to life.

In my Hindi class we have read several of the books in the series and I have saved all of the books. Once we have children these will be wonderful books to read and share with them to teach them culture and lessons about life.

I would definitely suggest this book (and all in the series) to anyone. Adults will find that they bring back fond memories of their childhood and children will will enjoy the story, the illustrations and will learn from the lessons.

Magic Vessels is especially charming because of the angels. It is always nice to think that angels are watching over us and perhaps even helping us at times.