Product Description

From magical spirits in the northeastern mountains to sneaky robbers and brave heroines in the Indus Valley, these stories, each taken from a different state, are full of action and adventure. Cultural notes introduce every tale, giving readers a taste of India's rich and diverse heritage.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #251804 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 96 pages

Review
Part folklore, part cultural tour, this collection of eight folktales begins with a short, enthusiastic
introduction to India s diverse history, people, and landscape. The stories have been drawn from distinct
areas of India from Punjab in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south. Prior to each story, a two-page
description of the region provides a smattering of information on customs, clothing, traditions, and
celebrations, some of which play a role in the tale that follows. No sources are given, but each story has
the tight structure, a well-honed pace, and a distinctive, authentic folklore flavor. Bright, colorful, simple
illustrations pick up story elements, frame the narrative, and parade throughout the pages. Filled with East
Indian customs and flavors, magic and secrets, and brave and silly characters, this savory collection is well
suited for independent reading, reading aloud, and multicultural studies.

--Booklist, November 15, 2007

This anthology presents eight fluid retellings of folktales from different Indian states...An introduction offers a brief overview of the country's history, from Indus Valley civilization to the Mughal dynasties, concluding with a paragraph about modern India. Each folktale is preceded by a note with facts about the state from which it originated, including explanations of festivals or terms that appear in the text. Illustrations and page borders support the texts perfectly as the folk-style paintings reflect colors of rural life.

The collection provides a good introduction to Indian folklore and could be enjoyed as a read-aloud by younger children, while students in the intermediate grades can enjoy them independently." --School Library Journal

Customer Reviews

Indian Tales Will Impress All Readers- Young and Old
Book Review

Title: Indian Tales
Author: Shenaaz Nanji
Illustrator: Christopher Corr
Publisher: Barefoot Books
ISBN: 978-1-84686-083-6
Review By: Diana Rohini LaVigne, Indian Life & Style Magazine

Vibrant. Alluring. Brilliant. Indian Tales by Shenaaz Nanji and illustrated by Christopher Corr is a phenomenal collection of daily life stories from different regions of India. Each section takes on the personality of the region and brings forward the colors and imagery from that region's lifestyle and legends.

Together the collection of stories weave a beautifully written work of art that will delight children and adults alike. From the tale of the young drummer boy named Gopal to the royal narrative about the princess Damayanti, Indian Tales delivers a book filled with information, poetry and culturally-rich images that promise to enchant adolescent readers.

It is a book that begs to be read and reread over and over again. Nanji does a superior job winning the interest of readers and keeping them coming back from more. Readers will explore deeper into the regions with each read and images will continue to reinforce the information learned. Indian Tales is an important piece of cultural literature and should be on the top of wish lists for schools and libraries around the global.

A Children's Classic
I can't decide who loved this book more, me or my children! Together we have read many of the stories over and over again.

This is a book that is both insightful and fun. The stories are simple and straightforward but also carry deeper meanings and significance.

Plus the illustrations are a bonus! They paint a rich and descriptive picture of the Indian subcontinent.

"Damayanti and Nala," the love story was my favorite.

Well done Nanji.