The Ringdoves: From the Fables of Bidpai [Library Binding]

Gloria Kamen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1988 | Age Level: 5 and up

In this Indian fable about loyalty and friendship, several animals band together to elude the hunter.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4 Kamen has attempted to render a portion of the complex and subtle body of Indian stories, the Bidpai and Hitopadesha, into picture book format. She has chosen a section of the story that focuses on friendship and cooperation. A flock of doves, caught in a hunter's net, escape death by flapping their wings in unison and flying off, net and all. A friendly mouse cuts them free. The mouse in turn makes friends with a crow who has observed his helpfulness. This unusual friendship attracts a tortoise and a gazelle. The four work together to outwit the hunter and then live ``together in peace and happinesss for the rest of their days.'' Storytellers will find more vivid versions of this tale in Ramsey Wood's Kalila and Dimna (Granada England, 1982), retold from both Indian and Persian sources, and in Francis Hutchins' Animal Fables of India (Amarta, 1985), a translation of the ninth-Century Hitopadesha. Kamen admirably utilizes elements of Persian art in her illustrations. However, they lack the vibrancy and jewel-like qualities of the original Persian miniatures. Carolyn Polese, Gateway Community School, Arcata, Calif.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding: 31 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Juv) (March 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689313128
• ISBN-13: 978-0689313127
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,159,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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