Title: Illustrated Tales From Vedas and Puranas for Children
Retold by: Dr. Shubha Vilas
Illustrations by: Ishan Trivedi
Published by: Wonder House Books
Length: 160 pages
Type: Hardcover
Age recommendation: 10 years and above (publisher’s recommendation is 8 years+)
A collection of rare Vedic stories
Another magnificent book on Hindu mythology from Wonder House Publishers, these tales are sure to keep you in raptures.
This collection of 11 stories are not the commonly known tales of the Puranas. Each story will enlighten & entertain the reader and leave you with “pearls of wisdom”. The book starts with the story of “The Anti Death Mantra” where Shukracharya’s sly ambition changes his family dynamics.
Another intriguing tale was that of Ashthavakra, a deformed child who is blessed with immense knowledge. He pays a heavy price for his command over the scriptures, yet he manages to achieve the impossible.
I particularly enjoyed reading about the birth and the adventures of Garuda, the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The story explains many things: how Garuda was born and how he became the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. You must read this fascinating story to find out why snakes have formed tongues and why eagles prey on them!
The story of Satya Harishchandra is heart breaking and the story heralding the onset of Kali Yuga is eye-opening: what constitutes Kali Yuga and do have means of salvation amidst the sins?
The author, Dr.Shubha Vilas has retold the complex Vedic stories in an interesting and lucid manner. Each story ends with a bite-sized moral for the reader to imbibe and emulate. Some of the stories might be complex to follow for the younger readers. As is the case with many mythology stories, there is a frequent mention of death and destruction (so parental discretion is suggested).
The vibrant and eye-catching illustrations by Ishan Trivedi bring the stories alive.
I would recommend this wonderful book to our slightly older readers, who have a keen interest in Hindu mythology and an ability to comprehend and grasp the philosophical concepts.
If you enjoyed this review and wish to order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!ADDED BY ASHA: Shaifali also won this book as a prize. She has shared some inside pages and her review here in the kbc fb group. Excerpts: “My son was hooked to this book the moment we received it.
Although he has read a lot of mythological books, but this one is unique. Along with some familiar tales, it also has lesser-known stories that are new and interesting for children. We especially loved “Wise from the Womb,” the story of Abhimanyu, who learned an important battle skill while still in his mother’s womb—such a fascinating story for kids! “Nothing but the Truth” also stood out with its beautiful lesson on honesty and courage.
The illustrations are beautiful and make the stories even more fun to read.
It is a lovely way to introduce children to our rich culture, traditions, and the wisdom hidden in our ancient stories. A great book to have for little mythology lovers.”
Disclaimer: Sowmya and Shaifali won this book in a WonderHouseWednesdaysOnKBC contest and received this book as a prize from the publisher via kbc.
