From Publishers Weekly
Based on the Hindu epic The Ramayana and exploring the events celebrated during the festival of Divaali (in late October/early November), this handsomely designed volume addresses the dearth of attractive children's books about Hindu beliefs and celebrations. Unfortunately, Verma and Mistry may not make enough concessions to Western readers. The relatively lengthy narrative recalls an oral tradition ("In the beginning, long ago, long before you were born") and the pacing presumes some familiarity; readers new to the culture may have a hard time keeping up with the rapid procession of protagonists, especially because they enter the story with little characterization. References (e.g., to "Shiva the Destroyer") go unexplained. Mistry's (Tales from the Silk Road) airy, detailed gouaches, inventively laid out to punctuate the text, may likewise raise questions (Why is Rama blue?). An endnote describes the contemporary Indian celebration of the holiday. Ages 8-up.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-Verma has based his retelling of the Sanskrit epic from ancient India, The Ramayana, on the translation of the 15th-century Hindu poet Tulsidass. The story, which scholars feel may date from as early as 3000 B.C.E., tells of the birth of Prince Rama, his marriage to the Princess Sita, and the adventures and trials that follow. Displaced as rightful heir to the throne because of a promise made by his father, Rama is banished to the forest for 14 years, accompanied by Sita and his brother Lakshmana. During their exile, Sita is captured by the evil Lord Ravana. With the aid of Lord Hanuman, a monkey/human with marvelous powers, and his monkey army, she is rescued and Rama slays Ravana. The celebration that follows, in which numerous oil lamps are lit, is said to be the origin of the Hindu holiday Divaali. Verma's tightly written text does an excellent job of bringing the story to children without sacrificing meaning. Unfortunately, the accompanying illustrations look as if they stepped directly out of a Disney feature and detract from the epic grandeur of the tale. With little else available, the book is an appropriate addition to folklore shelves but would work best as a read-aloud.
Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
