Showing posts with label mythology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mythology. Show all posts
08 February, 2013
Of gendered tales
An article of mine, titled The Barbification of India has recently been published on Womensweb. What is it about?
For the past couple of years, my daughter has been struggling a lot with this business of what’s cool and what’s not, as far as my daughter’s peers are concerned: it had been proclaimed cool to be in the know about the latest movies, television programmes, Bollywood actors, pop singers, pop teen idols and Gangnam style - not necessarily in that order - along with sporting those Hannah Montana tees and neon tights. One child actually had a beach scene complete with figures lolling around in bikinis in as cake decoration in a beach themed party for her birthday. One can imagine the messages being given to these children. Yes, they are children at 11-12 years, never mind the self-possession and worldly airs. By these standards, my book-loving child, who has more sober tastes in music, clothes and everything else, who does not consider dancing to 'Sheila ki Jawani' as particularly desirable and who does reasonably well at academics is labelled uncool, a nerd!
These are the same peers whose idols were Barbie and the Disney Princesses not so long ago. Barbie might have been originally a teen icon for feminists at a time (the late 50s) when most women were not expected to step out of the home for a career, but over time it has evolved into a feminist’s worst nightmares. For one, the demographics have changed from teens to pre-teens; sometimes even younger. With her impossibly top-heavy figure (if extrapolated to adult female size, the measurements of 36-18-38 are near impossible in real life), long slim legs and vacuous sexuality, Barbie sends a skewed body image message to girls who buy into the unhealthy eating patterns that this propagates. A friend’s 7 year old refuses to eat fruits because her peers say they will make her fat.
To top it all, most Barbies come with accessories, clothes and domestic items in pepto-bismol shades of pink and purple that has spawned an entire parallel range of girls’ merchandise in similar colours complete with glitter and bling. Since the past few years, Barbie is available in India in an Indian avatar, complete with traditional Indian costumes, families, and the 'great Indian Culture'.
Most of these problems are shared by the Disney Princesses. A brain-child of Disney’s marketing executive Andy Mooney at the beginning of this century, it was a masterstroke of franchise that spawned a multimillion-dollar industry in dolls, clothes, accessories and other merchandise, a model that manufacturers for children have repeated over and over again with many other popular fictional characters. Considering the cool quotient of the movies, television shows and such, this was a shrewd business move.
Pink for girls and blue for boys! This polarisation by gender ensures double the sales for companies with vested interests. Younger children playing with toys originally targeted towards an older group has also created a demand for clothes unsuitable for that age. As utbtkids, a fellow blogger puts it, “if you are looking for non-pink, non-Disney characters, slightly loose, appropriate clothing, something that will withstand the running and climbing, and something that is not a mini version of adult clothing you might as well grow your own cotton and weave your own clothes.” Boys, too, suffer due to these brand and franchise excesses. A neighbour refuses to let her one year old son associate with anything even remotely considered feminine, in his clothes or choice of toys. Everything has to be only in shades of ‘manly’ colours, and aggressively in the realm of the ‘boyish’!
Most people see nothing wrong with girls playing ‘house’ with dolls, dressing up, having idols that promote domestication along with a sexualised self-image, and boys, at the other end of the spectrum, being encouraged to be sporty, playing ‘out there’, indulging in large motor activities geared towards being powerful. It is perceived as perfectly natural. They couldn’t be more wrong.
Children’s play always reinforces cultural messages, as they learn patterns of behaviour through it. Peggy Orenstein, social psychologist and author of Cinderella Ate My Daughter, puts it wonderfully well: “At issue, then, is not nature or nurture but how nurture becomes nature: the environment in which children play and grow can encourage a range of aptitudes or foreclose them. So blithely indulging — let alone exploiting — stereotypically gendered play patterns may have a more negative long-term impact on kids’ potential than parents imagine.”
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Also check out my review of the first part of Amruta Patil's retelling of the Mahabharat: Adi Parva, a feminist view, also on Womensweb. A wonderful book.
14 October, 2012
Book Review: It's All The Same!
You read a book. Then you go and watch the movie made on the book. You find small and big places where the movie has deviated from the original.
It may be as large a deviation as having inserted a whole new subplot or scene. Think the scene in HP and The Half-Blood Prince where the Death Eaters come en masse and create havoc at the Burrow, the Weaselys' home or the change in the reason why the Death Eaters realise who the real Harry is in the opening sequence of Deathly Hallows 1. (Yes, that is a large deviation in my eyes- I can be a purist that way!)
It can be a small deviation like having a trim-slim protagonist in the movie version of Louis Sachar's Holes versus the plump, podgy one in the book - a wonderfully made movie - one movie which certainly improved on the book - a difficult feat indeed!
The point is, that it a reader's/ viewer's understanding and memory of the story depends on the version they have imbibed, and thus starts the metamorphosis of the original story - happens with the writer, too, doesn't it, with each subsequent draft?
It is these versions that we are celebrating - Tulika Books had recently held a Celebrating Our Myths blogathon, in which I was declared one of the winners. My prize - this book.
Folktales and mythology. There are as many versions as the cultures that tell a particular story. Every storyteller worth their salt adds embellishments to it- some of which get incorporated in further generations. A sort of branching out in oral tradition. So the same story at the root may spawn many culturally different variations.
Here is a book that focuses on this very aspect of storytelling, with the help of the kaavad. I have seen one of these amazing contraptions at Artnavy's home. It is a fold-able picture book of sorts, that can be used to tell the story. The storytellers, called the Kaavadiya Bhaats, unravel the story from the seemingly intricately folded kaavad. This is a storytelling tradition that is still alive in the villages of Rajasthan.
It's All The Same!
Written by Nina Sabnani
Illustrated by Satyanarayan Suthaar
Published by Tulika books
Ages 5+
Pappuram and Kojaram are both Kaavadiya Bhaats who go from place to place telling stories with the help of their colourful kaavads. Both tell the story of why Ganesha is worshipped before any other gods or goddesses. Both the stories take completely different paths. Both stories begin with Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha's parents. Where one version speaks their two sons, the other has a disgruntled Rama being prevented from reaching his own wedding.
What happens next? How do such completely different trajectories reach the same conclusion? Read it in our book, It's All The Same- for, at the end, it all is.
The illustrations by Satyanarayan Suthaar, a kaavadiya himself, are in rich detail, full colour, in the tradition of the kaavads, as is obvious from the two pictures here. Check out this video of the making of this book - watch the two kaavadiyas in action.
It may be as large a deviation as having inserted a whole new subplot or scene. Think the scene in HP and The Half-Blood Prince where the Death Eaters come en masse and create havoc at the Burrow, the Weaselys' home or the change in the reason why the Death Eaters realise who the real Harry is in the opening sequence of Deathly Hallows 1. (Yes, that is a large deviation in my eyes- I can be a purist that way!)
It can be a small deviation like having a trim-slim protagonist in the movie version of Louis Sachar's Holes versus the plump, podgy one in the book - a wonderfully made movie - one movie which certainly improved on the book - a difficult feat indeed!
The point is, that it a reader's/ viewer's understanding and memory of the story depends on the version they have imbibed, and thus starts the metamorphosis of the original story - happens with the writer, too, doesn't it, with each subsequent draft?
It is these versions that we are celebrating - Tulika Books had recently held a Celebrating Our Myths blogathon, in which I was declared one of the winners. My prize - this book.
Folktales and mythology. There are as many versions as the cultures that tell a particular story. Every storyteller worth their salt adds embellishments to it- some of which get incorporated in further generations. A sort of branching out in oral tradition. So the same story at the root may spawn many culturally different variations.
 |
| pic courtesy matsyacrafts |
 |
| pic courtesy tulikabooks |
Written by Nina Sabnani
Illustrated by Satyanarayan Suthaar
Published by Tulika books
Ages 5+
Pappuram and Kojaram are both Kaavadiya Bhaats who go from place to place telling stories with the help of their colourful kaavads. Both tell the story of why Ganesha is worshipped before any other gods or goddesses. Both the stories take completely different paths. Both stories begin with Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha's parents. Where one version speaks their two sons, the other has a disgruntled Rama being prevented from reaching his own wedding.
What happens next? How do such completely different trajectories reach the same conclusion? Read it in our book, It's All The Same- for, at the end, it all is.
The illustrations by Satyanarayan Suthaar, a kaavadiya himself, are in rich detail, full colour, in the tradition of the kaavads, as is obvious from the two pictures here. Check out this video of the making of this book - watch the two kaavadiyas in action.
10 September, 2012
Abhijnaanashakuntalam: Truth & Lies
Mythological stories and folktales that have been around since ancient times are constantly evolving. They are a part of our oral storytelling tradition, and every storyteller tells it differently, infusing it with the cultural milieu, social and religious practices and his/her own world-view. This means that the same stories necessarily change over times and geographies, even if infinitesimally every time. This, for eg., accounts for vast differences between the Ramayana of Valmiki, the Ramcharitmanas of Tulsidas and the Indonesian version which has been derived from the Kamba Ramayanam of South India taken there by people who migrated there in the 8th century AD from Srilanka.
A notable example of different tellings of a mythological story is that of Shakuntala. Any self-respecting book reader will swear by the story immortalised by Kalidasa in his Abhijnaanashakuntalam. Shakuntala’s existence is forgotten by Dushyant on account of a curse by Durvasa rishi as she had been daydreaming about her husband when she should have been hastening to attend to Durvasa who is a guest. When she pleads with the seer to take back his curse, he tells her that if she can produce a token given by her husband in front of him, he would remember her. Then follows the whole story of the loss of the ring (careless woman!) and the serendipitous producing of it by the fisherfolk in the court after Dushyant has denied recognising Shakuntala as his wife in public.
I, too, believed in this version of the Shakuntalam till quite recently. The genius of Kalidasa and the beauty of his rendering ensured that the world believed it to be the real version. Far from it. It was merely the more popular version, that even little children learn (unfortunately!), thanks mainly to ACKs.
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| pic courtesy flipkart |
In his book, he speaks about the various women characters in the epic, known and relatively unknown. The chapter on Shakuntala made me sit up and take notice of the fact that Kalidasa had redefined the term ‘poetic licence’ drastically. Searching more for the original version, I found it again in Ashok Banker’s The Forest of Stories and a few online versions of the truth like this one.
In the original, there is no Durvasa-Ring episode. When Dushyanta disowns Shakuntala publicly, she berates him, and teaches him a few essential things about the Truth and Dharma. In the process, she comes across as intelligent, dignified and resourceful even under the grief of her husband’s denial of their marriage. Dushyant comes across as weak-willed coward, who was more worried about his image if he admitted to an impulsive marriage in a faraway hermitage. Of course, as it is mythology, he ‘accepts’ her after a convenient akashvani proclaims Shakuntala to be telling the truth!
Kalidasa’s Abhijnaanashakuntalam is a beautifully written love story. However, he had adapted the original tale of Shakuntala, infusing it with the beliefs and social mores of the times: the 4th century AD. The status of women was at a low as a direct result of the Manusmriti written a few centuries earlier. And of course, the hero of a romantic tale could do no wrong. How is Dushyanta to be blamed for his behaviour if he was a victim to a curse? In this, Kalidasa's genius has done women a disservice, as following generations have till today believed in his version rather than the original. Unfortunately, this is something that will shadow many such originals, as Sanskrit no longer remains a living language, and there will be fewer people who can study our original works.
This is my entry for Tulika's "Celebrating Our Myths" blogfest.
29 May, 2012
Book Review: The Joy of Fairy Tales
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| pic courtesy amazon.co.uk |
Compiled and edited by Gill Davies
Published by Worth Press Ltd.
Ages 8+
Imagine a book that has one mesmerised as soon as one picks it up. Makes one forget that one is not a child anymore. One that makes you want to just sit with it and read and read and read. The moment I picked this book up at the bookstore, I knew I could not let it go.
Wanting to read a bit before buying, I scanned a few pages and came upon this poem-
Moonlight Magic
In the fairy woods when the moonlight glows
The animals twirl, each up on their toes;
Fox fiddles a merry and magical tune
As the animals dance in the light of the moon.
All around they skip, like the pixies do,
Dreaming of wishes bound to come true
Bear bounces and laughs, the hares leap high,
Till stars grow dim and the dawn is nigh...
Then home they go, paws dimpling grass
Like dewdrops gleam like bubbles of glass.
-Anon.
I was enchanted. This was lovely! It felt like the other side of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are". So much similar, yet so much dissimilar. The light to its dark. The day to its night. Even if this was something that happened by moonlight. We had to have this book. It was a collectible.
Appealing to children and adults alike, the book is a smorgasbord of fairy tales from all over the world, with snippets of trivia in the margins - European, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, African, Australian, Russian, Aborigine...you name it.
There are tales as old as the Arabian nights, tales re-told from mythology and folklore. There are tales as new as those from J.K.Rowling's Tales of Beedle the Bard.
There are tantalising excerpts from magical books like The Wizard of Oz, Gulliver's Travels, Lewis Caroll's Alice books, E. Nesbit's The Phoenix and the Carpet, Kipling's Just So Stories, The Princess and the Goblin, even Shakespeare.
We also have the usual suspects like Hans Christian Anderson, the Grimm brothers, Charles Perrault, and Andrew Lang. As also magical poetry by the likes of Edward Lear, Robert Louis Stevenson, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Shakespeare, and that tantalising poet - Anonymous, and many more.
Think that is a long list? Just the contents of this 766 page book runs into 16 pages. We also have an extensive bibliography for those interested in more reading, short biographies of all the authors and illustrators (the illustrations alone are worth picking up the book for- each tale comes with the original illustrations it was first published with) featured.
For those interested in the evolution of the fairytale, there is a detailed timeline of fairytales and folktales through history, from all continents - right from the ancient Sumerian epic tale of Gilgamesh c. 2000 BCE to Harry Potter. As also links from that modern magic wand- the internet.
As the editor says in an afterword: "So here is a book to treasure...through its pages the reader can discover how ancient folk tales and legends developed, changed and spread - and how in their re-telling they became the familiar stories we know today." Not just another anthology.
This, as Choxbox would put it, are fairy tales at their best, before Disney meddled with them. Maybe that's just our opinion, of course, with most people knowing their fairy tales only through the Disney looking-glass. Then that's their loss, IMO.
A and I have been dipping into it at all through the vacation. Perfect for bed-time reading.
Do check out this lovely trailer of the movie Fairy Tale :A true story based on an actual incident from Cottingley that took place in 1917. Two girls happened to take photographs that were said to be of fairies. There was quite a bit of interest generated, that brought even big names like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini to investigate. It remained an unsolved puzzle for many years, until the girls, now in their sixties, admitted that it had been a prank that had gone out of hand and many claim it is evidence of the existence of fairies. I don't know what to think, but the movie seems lively. Completely non-Disney! Do click to watch. Would love to get my hands on it.
Crossposted at Saffrontree.
03 November, 2011
Up above the world so high...
'Twinkle twinkle little Star' was probably the first nursery rhyme that A learnt. A star is a thing of beauty, of mystery, of boundless imagination. Anything is possible.
So it was for those long ago people, who were mesmerised by the wondrous objects that appeared in the skies every day, and seemed to move across the night sky. Soon, they must have noticed certain patterns about them.
Zoo in the Sky
A book of animal constellations
Written by Jacqueline Mitton
Illustrations Christina Balit
Published by Frances Lincoln Publishers
Age 6+
It is a veritable zoo. We have a lion, bears, a fox and a hare, a swan and a peacock, a dog and a wolf, a scorpion and a dragon, fish and a whale, and much more. Creatures that appear to be in the sky, structured around groups of stars called constellations. One could just draw the stars in the correct place and draw the animal around them. Much like the easy to use 'I can draw' books for beginner artists. Or like complex rangolis drawn on a grid of dots.
Each double spread has a full size glittering picture with a few lines of text about the stars in the constellation featured, with a bit of the myth around it thrown in. Enough to introduce a 6+ years old to the stars and their mythology. Also enough to tantalise and whet the appetite of a 10 year old for more. Certainly a good introduction to an interest in star-gazing. To this end there are maps of the nothern and southern night sky on both end-papers, with a note on how to use them.
Jacqueline Mitton, who describes herself as an astronomer and writer, has been long on the Royal Astronomical Society and a consultant for DK books on space and astronomy, and has had an astroid (Mitton- Astroid 4027, 1990) jointly named after her and her husband-colleague, Simon Mitton.
Her associate, illustrator Christina Balit grew up in the Middle East, and her illustrations have the unmistakeable stamp of those growing-up years. Rich in detail and colours, with flowing lines, they contribute hugely to make the book a work of art.
The team has come up with other books for children in the same series ( Zodiac: Celestial circle of the Sun, The Planet Gods: myths and facts about the Solar System, and Once upon a Starry Night: a book of constellations ) that are also worth exploring.
A girl from India was inspired enough to dream...and reach for those stars!
Kalpana Chawla
India's First Woman Astronaut
Written by Dilip M Salwi
Published by Rupa & Co. under the Charitavali series.
Ages 8+
On 1st February, 2003, as the world watched in disbelief, the spacecraft Columbia turned into a fireball and disintegrated in the sky, 16 minutes away from a safe touchdown after a fortnight in space. All 7 astronauts aboard were killed. Among them was 41 year old Kalpana Chawla, born in India on 17th March 1962, and who had joined NASA as a full astronaut in 1998. This had been her second foray into space.
This biography is a tribute to the memory of Kalpana Chawla, a small-town girl from Karnal, Haryana, who followed her dream and became the first Indian woman astronaut, and the first Indian to be a full member of a NASA team that went into space on a mission.
Born in a place that does not really celebrate the birth of girls, Kalpana struggled against many prejudices, even in her own family, to get an education, and then a higher education- on her own terms. At every step, she had to face the mindset that holds girls back from flying high enough to reach their dreams, and succeeded beyond all expectations.
She went on to obtain a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, then applied to and secured admission for further studies at the Department of Aerospace Science and Engineering at the University of Texas, Arlington, on a scholarship. It was then that her father was convinced, and supported intead of obstructing her.
From then on, Kalpana did not look back. She single-mindedly went after her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and reaching for the stars.
This lucidly written biography by science writer Dilip M Salwi is peppered by photographs provided by Kalpana's family, teachers, colleagues, husband Jean Pierre Harrison and NASA- even those taken of her in the spacecraft.
A was distraught on reading the chapter on the destruction of the Columbia. I had told her the story of Kalpana's life before handing the book to her, but the description still struck her hard. It was a few days more before she picked up the book again, keen on knowing how she became an astronaut. The technical details are simply narrated, and by the time A put the book away, her eyes were shining with idea of the infinite possibilities.
As Kalpana had written in her last email to the students from her alma mater in India from the space shuttle, "The path from dreams to reality does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get onto it and the perseverence to follow it."
As a step ahead in man's exploration of space, unmanned spacecrafts have gone further and collected photographs, samples and other data that go a long way in giving a clearer picture of the solar system. Based on all that, if we were to have a handbook for a future space traveller, what would it be like?
A Traveler's Guide to the Solar System
Written by Patricia Barnes-Svarney
Illustrated by Gilbert Ford
Published by Sterling Publishing
Ages 8+
The tour stars at the innermost planet- Mercury- and continues to the outer ends before returning to Earth. So what facts do we learn about our stops?
A Mercurian 'day' lasts 176 Earth days- a long enough time to plan all the sightseeing you want to do here. But what do you see? As there is no atmosphere here, the sky is always black, even though it is day and the Sun occupies a quarter of the sky! And if you feel like a game of golf, your hit could put the ball into orbit! But all that if you are dressed to stand the extreme temperatures- around 537 degrees Celcius in the day versus minus170 degrees in the night! All because of a lack of an atmosphere and proximity to the Sun.
Travel on to Venus, which looks so beautiful in our sky- and you'll never think of it in those terms again. Temperatures of above 450 degrees, thick, sulfuric acid clouds above an atmosphere that is mostly carbon dioxide- so thick that it exerts pressures of more than 90 times that on our Earth-- walking through that is likened to walking through maple syrup. Add to that multiple volcanoes that dot the surface, with lava flows everywhere--Oooff! I'm feeling stifled just by imagining it! Your sense of direction would go for a toss, too, as the heavens seem to rise in the west and set in the east- Venus spins in a direction opposite to that of the Earth.
It goes on this way with fun facts about each planet on the way, their moons, the asteroids- leaving us in no doubt that our Earth is our only home. One place that we have to take care of if we are to survive.
This fun book reminded me of an exhibit in our local science museum, where one can find out one's weight on different planets- with astonishing results. Illustrated beautifully with full colour pictures in glittering paints, and with full colour actual photographs sourced from NASA, it is a complete guide to our Solar System.
As A said-"This is a cool book, Aai!"
So it was for those long ago people, who were mesmerised by the wondrous objects that appeared in the skies every day, and seemed to move across the night sky. Soon, they must have noticed certain patterns about them.
 |
| Pic courtesy franceslincoln.co.uk |
A book of animal constellations
Written by Jacqueline Mitton
Illustrations Christina Balit
Published by Frances Lincoln Publishers
Age 6+
It is a veritable zoo. We have a lion, bears, a fox and a hare, a swan and a peacock, a dog and a wolf, a scorpion and a dragon, fish and a whale, and much more. Creatures that appear to be in the sky, structured around groups of stars called constellations. One could just draw the stars in the correct place and draw the animal around them. Much like the easy to use 'I can draw' books for beginner artists. Or like complex rangolis drawn on a grid of dots.
Each double spread has a full size glittering picture with a few lines of text about the stars in the constellation featured, with a bit of the myth around it thrown in. Enough to introduce a 6+ years old to the stars and their mythology. Also enough to tantalise and whet the appetite of a 10 year old for more. Certainly a good introduction to an interest in star-gazing. To this end there are maps of the nothern and southern night sky on both end-papers, with a note on how to use them.
Jacqueline Mitton, who describes herself as an astronomer and writer, has been long on the Royal Astronomical Society and a consultant for DK books on space and astronomy, and has had an astroid (Mitton- Astroid 4027, 1990) jointly named after her and her husband-colleague, Simon Mitton.
Her associate, illustrator Christina Balit grew up in the Middle East, and her illustrations have the unmistakeable stamp of those growing-up years. Rich in detail and colours, with flowing lines, they contribute hugely to make the book a work of art.
The team has come up with other books for children in the same series ( Zodiac: Celestial circle of the Sun, The Planet Gods: myths and facts about the Solar System, and Once upon a Starry Night: a book of constellations ) that are also worth exploring.
A girl from India was inspired enough to dream...and reach for those stars!
 |
| Pic courtesy flipkart |
India's First Woman Astronaut
Written by Dilip M Salwi
Published by Rupa & Co. under the Charitavali series.
Ages 8+
On 1st February, 2003, as the world watched in disbelief, the spacecraft Columbia turned into a fireball and disintegrated in the sky, 16 minutes away from a safe touchdown after a fortnight in space. All 7 astronauts aboard were killed. Among them was 41 year old Kalpana Chawla, born in India on 17th March 1962, and who had joined NASA as a full astronaut in 1998. This had been her second foray into space.
This biography is a tribute to the memory of Kalpana Chawla, a small-town girl from Karnal, Haryana, who followed her dream and became the first Indian woman astronaut, and the first Indian to be a full member of a NASA team that went into space on a mission.
Born in a place that does not really celebrate the birth of girls, Kalpana struggled against many prejudices, even in her own family, to get an education, and then a higher education- on her own terms. At every step, she had to face the mindset that holds girls back from flying high enough to reach their dreams, and succeeded beyond all expectations.
She went on to obtain a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, then applied to and secured admission for further studies at the Department of Aerospace Science and Engineering at the University of Texas, Arlington, on a scholarship. It was then that her father was convinced, and supported intead of obstructing her.
From then on, Kalpana did not look back. She single-mindedly went after her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and reaching for the stars.
This lucidly written biography by science writer Dilip M Salwi is peppered by photographs provided by Kalpana's family, teachers, colleagues, husband Jean Pierre Harrison and NASA- even those taken of her in the spacecraft.
A was distraught on reading the chapter on the destruction of the Columbia. I had told her the story of Kalpana's life before handing the book to her, but the description still struck her hard. It was a few days more before she picked up the book again, keen on knowing how she became an astronaut. The technical details are simply narrated, and by the time A put the book away, her eyes were shining with idea of the infinite possibilities.
As Kalpana had written in her last email to the students from her alma mater in India from the space shuttle, "The path from dreams to reality does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get onto it and the perseverence to follow it."
As a step ahead in man's exploration of space, unmanned spacecrafts have gone further and collected photographs, samples and other data that go a long way in giving a clearer picture of the solar system. Based on all that, if we were to have a handbook for a future space traveller, what would it be like?
 |
| Pic courtesy flipkart |
Written by Patricia Barnes-Svarney
Illustrated by Gilbert Ford
Published by Sterling Publishing
Ages 8+
The tour stars at the innermost planet- Mercury- and continues to the outer ends before returning to Earth. So what facts do we learn about our stops?
A Mercurian 'day' lasts 176 Earth days- a long enough time to plan all the sightseeing you want to do here. But what do you see? As there is no atmosphere here, the sky is always black, even though it is day and the Sun occupies a quarter of the sky! And if you feel like a game of golf, your hit could put the ball into orbit! But all that if you are dressed to stand the extreme temperatures- around 537 degrees Celcius in the day versus minus170 degrees in the night! All because of a lack of an atmosphere and proximity to the Sun.
Travel on to Venus, which looks so beautiful in our sky- and you'll never think of it in those terms again. Temperatures of above 450 degrees, thick, sulfuric acid clouds above an atmosphere that is mostly carbon dioxide- so thick that it exerts pressures of more than 90 times that on our Earth-- walking through that is likened to walking through maple syrup. Add to that multiple volcanoes that dot the surface, with lava flows everywhere--Oooff! I'm feeling stifled just by imagining it! Your sense of direction would go for a toss, too, as the heavens seem to rise in the west and set in the east- Venus spins in a direction opposite to that of the Earth.
It goes on this way with fun facts about each planet on the way, their moons, the asteroids- leaving us in no doubt that our Earth is our only home. One place that we have to take care of if we are to survive.
This fun book reminded me of an exhibit in our local science museum, where one can find out one's weight on different planets- with astonishing results. Illustrated beautifully with full colour pictures in glittering paints, and with full colour actual photographs sourced from NASA, it is a complete guide to our Solar System.
As A said-"This is a cool book, Aai!"
09 September, 2011
The course of an epic
Found an interesting discussion on the Mahabharatha here. The participants are obviously students, not experts. They have given a link from where they have sourced their material, but that link does not open. The participants' being students can be gauged from some irreverent material that has been posted. We can also obviously see that they are Amar Chitra Katha and Bollywood fans.
The interesting parts are
1. A light on how the epic has been adapted to a completely different culture and religion, which nevertheless made it their own. Here- Java /Indonesia.
2. A detailed timeline of the Mahabharatha complete with dates, times, and ages of the key characters at key events. This seems to have been deduced from the lunar calendar dates and times mentioned in the original epic, and a historical perspective.
Was the epic history? I don't know. Maybe the key events really did happen, as this discussion shows (this one is by people who have really studied the epic), and have been embellished with a lot of poetical licence. After all, we do say 'a history called Jaya' when speaking of the Mahabharatha.
Let me quote a bit from the timeline here, but do click on this link for the rest of it. And let me know what you think of the life expectancy.
"3. Yudhisthira's Birth : Yudhisthira was born on Pajothpatti Ashwin Bright 5th day, in Jyeshta Star, in Sagittarius Lagna, at midday Abhijit Muhurta. That was just years. 127-5-25 prior to Kaliyug (roughly 3229-8-15 B.C)"
"45. The Great Mahabharat War started on Shubhakrit Margashirsha Bright 13/14th Day, Tuesday in Bharani Star. Yudhishthir was yrs. 91-2-9 days old. Just the previous day 11/12th Day, when armies were rehearsing Vyuhas, Arjuna fell into a gloom, occasioning Lord Krishna's famous BhagavadGeeta discourse with Arjuna."
"62. Pandavas started for their Final End after 0-6-11 days, that is, on Pramadi Ashwayuja Bright 12th Day. Yudhishthir was aged yrs. 128-0-6. Parik$hit, 36 years old, was coronated on the same day at Hastinapur.
63. Swargaarohanam is not clearly stated in the Epic. It may be 26 years afterwards. Sage Veda Vyas dictated the Great Epic to Ganapati only after Swargarohanam of the Pandavas, that is, after 26 years of Kaliyug.
64. Parikshit ruled for 60 years, coronated his 25 year old son Janamejaya, and died.
65. So, Bhagavatha was written by Sage Veda Vyas soon after Mahabharat was over, and before the 60th year of the Kaliyuga.
66. In Dwapara Yuga, human beings lived upto 400 years. There are four stages in life - Balya, Youvana, Koumara and Vriddhapyam. In Dwaparyug, Balya stage was upto 40 years, Youvana stage upto 120 years, and later Koumara and Vriddhapyam stages. But now in the Kaliyuga, Balya stage is upto 15 years, Youvana upto 45 years, Koumara upto 60 years and Vriddhapyam beyond 60 years."
The interesting parts are
1. A light on how the epic has been adapted to a completely different culture and religion, which nevertheless made it their own. Here- Java /Indonesia.
2. A detailed timeline of the Mahabharatha complete with dates, times, and ages of the key characters at key events. This seems to have been deduced from the lunar calendar dates and times mentioned in the original epic, and a historical perspective.
Was the epic history? I don't know. Maybe the key events really did happen, as this discussion shows (this one is by people who have really studied the epic), and have been embellished with a lot of poetical licence. After all, we do say 'a history called Jaya' when speaking of the Mahabharatha.
Let me quote a bit from the timeline here, but do click on this link for the rest of it. And let me know what you think of the life expectancy.
"3. Yudhisthira's Birth : Yudhisthira was born on Pajothpatti Ashwin Bright 5th day, in Jyeshta Star, in Sagittarius Lagna, at midday Abhijit Muhurta. That was just years. 127-5-25 prior to Kaliyug (roughly 3229-8-15 B.C)"
"45. The Great Mahabharat War started on Shubhakrit Margashirsha Bright 13/14th Day, Tuesday in Bharani Star. Yudhishthir was yrs. 91-2-9 days old. Just the previous day 11/12th Day, when armies were rehearsing Vyuhas, Arjuna fell into a gloom, occasioning Lord Krishna's famous BhagavadGeeta discourse with Arjuna."
"62. Pandavas started for their Final End after 0-6-11 days, that is, on Pramadi Ashwayuja Bright 12th Day. Yudhishthir was aged yrs. 128-0-6. Parik$hit, 36 years old, was coronated on the same day at Hastinapur.
63. Swargaarohanam is not clearly stated in the Epic. It may be 26 years afterwards. Sage Veda Vyas dictated the Great Epic to Ganapati only after Swargarohanam of the Pandavas, that is, after 26 years of Kaliyug.
64. Parikshit ruled for 60 years, coronated his 25 year old son Janamejaya, and died.
65. So, Bhagavatha was written by Sage Veda Vyas soon after Mahabharat was over, and before the 60th year of the Kaliyuga.
66. In Dwapara Yuga, human beings lived upto 400 years. There are four stages in life - Balya, Youvana, Koumara and Vriddhapyam. In Dwaparyug, Balya stage was upto 40 years, Youvana stage upto 120 years, and later Koumara and Vriddhapyam stages. But now in the Kaliyuga, Balya stage is upto 15 years, Youvana upto 45 years, Koumara upto 60 years and Vriddhapyam beyond 60 years."
01 September, 2011
Review: Lord Ganesha's feast of laughter
Today was Ganesh Chaturthi, the 4th day of the waxing half of Bhadrapada. The birthday of my favourite god, Ganapati. This is a big festival for us Maharashtrians, and is celebrated in most houses. The festival was made public by Lokmanya Tilak, when the British put a curfew on public gatherings. In the guise of getting together for the Ganesha festival, freedom fighters would hold their meetings. Today, it has become something of a public nuisance, as there is no longer that need. Ganesha, however, still reigns over our hearts.
Lord Ganesh's feast of laughter
Written by Meera Uberoi
Illustrated by Agantuk
Published by Puffin books, an imprint of Penguin Books India
Read aloud 4+, read alone 8+
Ganesha, or Ganapati, is probably the most beloved of the Gods. He is the remover of obstacles, the god of learning, and the one whose name is taken before beginning anything. The primordial sound 'Oum' is attributed to him, and one of his many names is 'Omkara'.
Ganesha is also seen as a benevolent god, and is often a favourite with children. They are also fascinated by the unlikely seeming form- one with an elephant's head, a large belly, and with a mouse as a vehicle to boot. Many of his stories have a childlike quality of fun.
Meera Uberoi's book has many of these stories. Some known, some not so well known.
Do you know...
That Ganesha was the one who created the first tabla when his irate father Shiva broke his mridungam into two?
That Vyasa overcame a bad case of writers' block after invoking the help of Ganesha?
That Ganesha is wedded to Siddhi (accomplishment) and Buddhi (intellect)?
That Ganesha won a race for going around the world against his brother Skanda, once by going around his parents, a child's world, and once by going around the world in his mind, by reading up all of the available knowledge about the world?
That Ganesha swallowed and contained the demon of anger, Krodhasura (krodha=anger), who was destroying the world, and that is the reason why he has a belly that hangs down (Lambodara)? "Even today, anger must be swallowed to control it, just as Ganesha did."
These and many other tales make up this collection of stories. There are also some folktales about Ganesha other than the usual tales from the Puranas, which makes the collection complete- mythology and folklore.
Meera Uberoi's narration is very endearing, in terms that children use as a matter of course.
"Shiva's wife, Parvati, daughter of Himalaya with its sparkling streams, was pretty easy-going but disliked being disturbed when she was bathing. And Shiva never seemed to remember that. He strode in whenever he wished, cool as you please, and this really annoyed Parvati."
"'I knew it was one of your sneaky tricks!' Skanda exclaimed hotly. 'So tell me, how did you manage it?'
'We-e-ell,' drawled Ganesha, scratching one large ear, 'you didn't say which world. Parents are a child's world, so I walked around our parents--thrice.' Seeing that his brother was ready to explode, he piously added,'The scriptures say so. Ask Father.'"
A loved the book, and was giggling throughout. She has recommended it to all who would like to read fun-filled tales about the elephant god, whose birthday is today, Ganesh Chaturthi.
Crossposted at Saffrontree.
 |
| Pic courtesy Penguinbooksindia |
Written by Meera Uberoi
Illustrated by Agantuk
Published by Puffin books, an imprint of Penguin Books India
Read aloud 4+, read alone 8+
Ganesha, or Ganapati, is probably the most beloved of the Gods. He is the remover of obstacles, the god of learning, and the one whose name is taken before beginning anything. The primordial sound 'Oum' is attributed to him, and one of his many names is 'Omkara'.
Ganesha is also seen as a benevolent god, and is often a favourite with children. They are also fascinated by the unlikely seeming form- one with an elephant's head, a large belly, and with a mouse as a vehicle to boot. Many of his stories have a childlike quality of fun.
Meera Uberoi's book has many of these stories. Some known, some not so well known.
Do you know...
That Ganesha was the one who created the first tabla when his irate father Shiva broke his mridungam into two?
That Vyasa overcame a bad case of writers' block after invoking the help of Ganesha?
That Ganesha is wedded to Siddhi (accomplishment) and Buddhi (intellect)?
That Ganesha won a race for going around the world against his brother Skanda, once by going around his parents, a child's world, and once by going around the world in his mind, by reading up all of the available knowledge about the world?
That Ganesha swallowed and contained the demon of anger, Krodhasura (krodha=anger), who was destroying the world, and that is the reason why he has a belly that hangs down (Lambodara)? "Even today, anger must be swallowed to control it, just as Ganesha did."
These and many other tales make up this collection of stories. There are also some folktales about Ganesha other than the usual tales from the Puranas, which makes the collection complete- mythology and folklore.
Meera Uberoi's narration is very endearing, in terms that children use as a matter of course.
"Shiva's wife, Parvati, daughter of Himalaya with its sparkling streams, was pretty easy-going but disliked being disturbed when she was bathing. And Shiva never seemed to remember that. He strode in whenever he wished, cool as you please, and this really annoyed Parvati."
"'I knew it was one of your sneaky tricks!' Skanda exclaimed hotly. 'So tell me, how did you manage it?'
'We-e-ell,' drawled Ganesha, scratching one large ear, 'you didn't say which world. Parents are a child's world, so I walked around our parents--thrice.' Seeing that his brother was ready to explode, he piously added,'The scriptures say so. Ask Father.'"
A loved the book, and was giggling throughout. She has recommended it to all who would like to read fun-filled tales about the elephant god, whose birthday is today, Ganesh Chaturthi.
Crossposted at Saffrontree.
22 August, 2011
Books that reminded me of my grandmother and her bed-time stories
These are a set of three books (at least for now- I hope she writes more of these!) by Anu Kumar, who has earlier been interviewed here by Satish for Saffrontree. They were picked up by A (all by herself) a few weeks back, and have been read many times since. By both of us.
Jatayu - Saviour from the Skies.
Nandi - The Divine Gatekeeper.
Jambavan - The Immortal Bear King.
Written by Anu Kumar.
Published by Hachette India Children's Books.
Ages 4+
Jatayu, Nandi and Jambavan are who one might call 'minor characters' in the Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. They are nevertheless important in their own way. Here we have our own homegrown versions of magic and divinity, fantastic creatures and gods /demigods behaving in a most human way. In each book, we go through almost entire epics from the vantage point of the particular protagonist.
I was reminded of a set of books called 'Katha Kalpataru' written in Marathi, that I have from which I had been read to in my early childhood by my grandmother, ( the books invoked some serious nostalgia!)and which I have myself devoured when I was older and able to read Marathi on my own. It is a set of 16 books, a compilation of many interlinked stories from the Indian mythology, told in the way of folktales, one story leading seamlessly to another. There are many fast-forwards and flashbacks to this kind of storytelling, but it is guaranteed to keep the attention of the audience/reader.
Anu Kumar has used this same method in her books, distilling all stories about the protagonist from various sources- which I am sure are the two epics and the Puranas.
She has also mentioned that there are various versions of the same story, as also different geneologies for the characters, and that she has taken the most interesting versions for her book. This, I think, is true of most of mythology/folklore- and it changes depending upon the culture in which the story has been propogated.
This may be an interesting addition to the book collections of those who want mythology in bite-sized portions, or for parents struggling to come up with a bed-time story for a little one- a story interesting enough, but not too long (each chapter can become a separate story)- and yet keep the child wanting more the next day. As also a slim enough book for a child/parent who may be intimidated by a bigger book. (I know many of those- I have added these books to my list to be recommended to those friends/ neighbours who would like to have a book for a child not seriously into reading, but wanted something interesting, as well as inexpensive.) Or just another interesting book on Indian mythology for someone like us here.
Crossposted at Saffrontree.
 |
| Pic courtesy flipkart |
These are a set of three books (at least for now- I hope she writes more of these!) by Anu Kumar, who has earlier been interviewed here by Satish for Saffrontree. They were picked up by A (all by herself) a few weeks back, and have been read many times since. By both of us.
Jatayu - Saviour from the Skies.
Nandi - The Divine Gatekeeper.
Jambavan - The Immortal Bear King.
Written by Anu Kumar.
Published by Hachette India Children's Books.
Ages 4+
Jatayu, Nandi and Jambavan are who one might call 'minor characters' in the Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. They are nevertheless important in their own way. Here we have our own homegrown versions of magic and divinity, fantastic creatures and gods /demigods behaving in a most human way. In each book, we go through almost entire epics from the vantage point of the particular protagonist.
I was reminded of a set of books called 'Katha Kalpataru' written in Marathi, that I have from which I had been read to in my early childhood by my grandmother, ( the books invoked some serious nostalgia!)and which I have myself devoured when I was older and able to read Marathi on my own. It is a set of 16 books, a compilation of many interlinked stories from the Indian mythology, told in the way of folktales, one story leading seamlessly to another. There are many fast-forwards and flashbacks to this kind of storytelling, but it is guaranteed to keep the attention of the audience/reader.
Anu Kumar has used this same method in her books, distilling all stories about the protagonist from various sources- which I am sure are the two epics and the Puranas.
She has also mentioned that there are various versions of the same story, as also different geneologies for the characters, and that she has taken the most interesting versions for her book. This, I think, is true of most of mythology/folklore- and it changes depending upon the culture in which the story has been propogated.
This may be an interesting addition to the book collections of those who want mythology in bite-sized portions, or for parents struggling to come up with a bed-time story for a little one- a story interesting enough, but not too long (each chapter can become a separate story)- and yet keep the child wanting more the next day. As also a slim enough book for a child/parent who may be intimidated by a bigger book. (I know many of those- I have added these books to my list to be recommended to those friends/ neighbours who would like to have a book for a child not seriously into reading, but wanted something interesting, as well as inexpensive.) Or just another interesting book on Indian mythology for someone like us here.
Crossposted at Saffrontree.
27 April, 2011
RAMAYANA : Divine Loophole (and another swap)
First: The last two posts and the next 2-3 have been drafted and scheduled by me before I have come away on a vacation visiting relatives. I might be able to type out the odd "fresh"one once in a while when I get some online time like now, and am keying in this bit to a scheduled post.
Second: Zoe at playing by the book is hosting another International postcard swap for families. We had participated last year, and had had a lot of fun choosing postcards, writing letters for the families we had to send them to, choosing a small gift that we could post with each letter and posting them. Then we just had to wait for the letters that we were to receive to arrive in the post. It was like Forrest Gump's mother says about a box of chocolates-"You never know what you would get!" Other than the enjoyment we derived from the whole exercise, A learnt a lot about how the postal system works, as we hardly send or receive any personal letters by post in these days of instant messaging. We also took the opportunity to learn some things about the places we sent letters to or received them from. A lesson in geography and history! As a bonus, we also made some friends that we connected with across the world. In all, a rewarding experience.
So when Zoe posted about the 2011 postcard swap, we were quick to sign up. Anyone can do so, by sending her a mail at zoe (dot) toft (at) kuvik (dot) net and she will send you the details. You may also access her post for the details. As she says, participants have to be willing to send at least a postcard with a book recommendation to at least five families internationally. Have fun!
And now for today's review. The book was lent to me by my good friend Choxbox who in turn was gifted it by Utbt. Thanks, ladies!
RAMAYANA
Divine Loophole
Written and illustrated by Sanjay Patel
Ages 6+
Published by Chronicle books
Indian children grow up with a regular dose of their mythology. Everything in our homes, the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the customs we follow, the languages we speak with all the connotations, the festivals we celebrate- all resonate with our mythological stories and folklore. The very first stories at bedtime have the characters Ram, Sita, Hanuman, Krishna, etc., and their escapades. This ensures that these children are no strangers to the great epics of our country- The Ramayana and the Mahabharatha.
Now consider a child who has never come across these stories from our mythology, but would like to read them nevertheless. Just pick up Sanjay Patel's Ramayana- Divine Loophole, and read it.
The book, written by Sanjay Patel, a veteran Pixar studio animator, condenses the epic into bite-sized morsels, pithily titled, and easily digestible by all. For example- pages where he describes Ravana are titled 'Desperate Demon' and 'Cosmic Bully.' Those about Shoorpanakha are 'Fatal Attraction' and 'Nosey Demon.' The page where Rama's army is standing looking across over the sea to Lanka, wondering how to bridge it is titled 'Oceans Apart.' Apt.
The language used is what a youngster will call 'Cool!' The book begins with Ravana, describing him thus-"Since this is an epic story, let's start with the most scandalous of characters: the bad guy. This is no ordinary bad guy; we're talking about a ten-headed demon with bad teeth!"
When Sugriva promises to help Rama find Sita, "Sugriva and Jambavan assured Rama that he would also have the help of their families." This is followed by a page with a full page illustration of a variety of monkeys on trees and many bears too.-"THEIR ENTIRE FAMILIES."
There are many things in the Ramayana inconceivable to modern, especially western sensibilities. The writer, keeping these in mind, does add a bit of his own, eliciting a smile. On the page about the agnipareeksha of Sita, after the war, we have Rama apologising to Sita, and the page ends with "Times have changed, as have customs, but love has always been complicated."
For this is unabashedly for the western reader interested into a first dip into this great epic. After the story, we have a glossory with biographies of all the characters involved- whether Rama, Sita, Dashrath, the queens, the princes, the demons or the monkeys and other animals- Jambavan, Jatayu, Hanuman, Angad, the works. We also have a detailed line-map of the path taken by Rama in his exile, as also a chapter on the actual art of the fabulous illustrations.
I do have a few bones to pick, though. For one, the buildings illustrated are more like those one may encounter in the Middle East and Turkey, and are not at all like those that might have existed in India in the period of the Ramayana. We do have the Taj Mahal and other masterpieces of Mughal architecture, but that was much later. Secondly, Ravana had 10 heads, not 9! Thirdly, the font needs a magnifying glass. Surely no space could have been saved by using such a miniscule one!
As the author says in the foreword, "I'm certain that, for most people, 'Ramayana' (RHA-mah-YAH-nah) is just an unpronounceable word. But for me, the Ramayana is part of my cultural identity...the world of the Ramayana was ingrained in me as a kid through the details of living with Hindu parents."
A read the book at one sitting, and was enchanted by it. I have told her a lot of the individual stories that make up the Ramayana, as bedtime tales, but as she put it after reading the book :"Finally, Aai, I know what the Ramayana is all about!" So now I can introduce the child to more detailed versions, which she is sure to enjoy in context!
I am entering this review for the Reading the world challenge 2011 over at Papertigers for A under the US of A, as it is written and illustrated by Sanjay Patel, who works there for the Pixar animation studio, and his illustrations bear the unmistakeable stamp of someone working in animation.
Also entering it for the Read a myth challenge hosted by by Bina of Bibliojunkie.
Also entering it for 2011 South Asian challenge at S. Krishna's books.
So when Zoe posted about the 2011 postcard swap, we were quick to sign up. Anyone can do so, by sending her a mail at zoe (dot) toft (at) kuvik (dot) net and she will send you the details. You may also access her post for the details. As she says, participants have to be willing to send at least a postcard with a book recommendation to at least five families internationally. Have fun!
And now for today's review. The book was lent to me by my good friend Choxbox who in turn was gifted it by Utbt. Thanks, ladies!
 |
| Pic courtesy flipkart |
RAMAYANA
Divine Loophole
Written and illustrated by Sanjay Patel
Ages 6+
Published by Chronicle books
Indian children grow up with a regular dose of their mythology. Everything in our homes, the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the customs we follow, the languages we speak with all the connotations, the festivals we celebrate- all resonate with our mythological stories and folklore. The very first stories at bedtime have the characters Ram, Sita, Hanuman, Krishna, etc., and their escapades. This ensures that these children are no strangers to the great epics of our country- The Ramayana and the Mahabharatha.
Now consider a child who has never come across these stories from our mythology, but would like to read them nevertheless. Just pick up Sanjay Patel's Ramayana- Divine Loophole, and read it.
The book, written by Sanjay Patel, a veteran Pixar studio animator, condenses the epic into bite-sized morsels, pithily titled, and easily digestible by all. For example- pages where he describes Ravana are titled 'Desperate Demon' and 'Cosmic Bully.' Those about Shoorpanakha are 'Fatal Attraction' and 'Nosey Demon.' The page where Rama's army is standing looking across over the sea to Lanka, wondering how to bridge it is titled 'Oceans Apart.' Apt.
The language used is what a youngster will call 'Cool!' The book begins with Ravana, describing him thus-"Since this is an epic story, let's start with the most scandalous of characters: the bad guy. This is no ordinary bad guy; we're talking about a ten-headed demon with bad teeth!"
When Sugriva promises to help Rama find Sita, "Sugriva and Jambavan assured Rama that he would also have the help of their families." This is followed by a page with a full page illustration of a variety of monkeys on trees and many bears too.-"THEIR ENTIRE FAMILIES."
There are many things in the Ramayana inconceivable to modern, especially western sensibilities. The writer, keeping these in mind, does add a bit of his own, eliciting a smile. On the page about the agnipareeksha of Sita, after the war, we have Rama apologising to Sita, and the page ends with "Times have changed, as have customs, but love has always been complicated."
For this is unabashedly for the western reader interested into a first dip into this great epic. After the story, we have a glossory with biographies of all the characters involved- whether Rama, Sita, Dashrath, the queens, the princes, the demons or the monkeys and other animals- Jambavan, Jatayu, Hanuman, Angad, the works. We also have a detailed line-map of the path taken by Rama in his exile, as also a chapter on the actual art of the fabulous illustrations.
I do have a few bones to pick, though. For one, the buildings illustrated are more like those one may encounter in the Middle East and Turkey, and are not at all like those that might have existed in India in the period of the Ramayana. We do have the Taj Mahal and other masterpieces of Mughal architecture, but that was much later. Secondly, Ravana had 10 heads, not 9! Thirdly, the font needs a magnifying glass. Surely no space could have been saved by using such a miniscule one!
As the author says in the foreword, "I'm certain that, for most people, 'Ramayana' (RHA-mah-YAH-nah) is just an unpronounceable word. But for me, the Ramayana is part of my cultural identity...the world of the Ramayana was ingrained in me as a kid through the details of living with Hindu parents."
A read the book at one sitting, and was enchanted by it. I have told her a lot of the individual stories that make up the Ramayana, as bedtime tales, but as she put it after reading the book :"Finally, Aai, I know what the Ramayana is all about!" So now I can introduce the child to more detailed versions, which she is sure to enjoy in context!
I am entering this review for the Reading the world challenge 2011 over at Papertigers for A under the US of A, as it is written and illustrated by Sanjay Patel, who works there for the Pixar animation studio, and his illustrations bear the unmistakeable stamp of someone working in animation.
Also entering it for the Read a myth challenge hosted by by Bina of Bibliojunkie.
Also entering it for 2011 South Asian challenge at S. Krishna's books.
12 April, 2011
The thousand nights and one night
 |
| Pic courtesy janpienkowski.com |
Retold by David Walser
Illustrated by Jan Pienkowski
Published by Puffin books
Ages 8+
What happens when a book of timeless tales is created when an inveterate traveller who is also a master storyteller collaborates with a gifted illustrator brought up on a steady diet of those very stories? A masterpiece like our book here.
The book has the expected link of stories. Beginning with the tale of the Sultan who wows to make a new woman a queen every day, only to kill her in the morning, as revenge for being betrayed by his first wife. Enter Shahrazade, the clever woman who can weave a web of stories, leaving it tantalisingly unfinished in the morning. She does this for a thousand and one nights. Until finally, having fallen in love with her, he abandons his wicked resolve.
So it is, in a way, a love story. But every tale she tells is full of a thrilling adventure, taking us to many parts of the world along the way, telling us of fantastical creatures and unbelievable happenings.
The book keeps us enchanted throughout, like the Sultan was, and A could not leave the book till it was finished. She had been put off by the inevitable violence of these tales when we had tried some other books previously. Walser, however, has faithfully brought the tales to life without scaring. As also brought to us the fact that these stories have originated at different places in the world, and not in Arabia alone.
The illustrations!!! I could have picked this book up just for those, even if the story wasn't so enchanting. Vibrant colours- shades of red, orange and yellow in the background, with the actual figures in black silhouette, adding to the sense of drama. The double-spreads at the beginning of each tale are particularly overpowering.
A recommended book for anyone wanting to discover the magic of the Arabian nights.
Crossposted at Saffrontree.
07 March, 2011
Harry on hold
What's that, you say?
*Spoiler Alert*
Well, we just finished our reading aloud of 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix', with a lot of distress through the last few chapters. She was quite upset at the ending of book 4 more because of the death there, and the gory details of Lord Voldemort's return. I was a bit hesitant about reading book 5 to her. She however, wanted to continue. I warned her that things are not so easy now on, and that there were parts she might find upsetting. She insisted that she could handle it. So we did.
A did get a bit upset around the part Mr Weasely gets attacked. We had to stop for a bit and many discussions later we continued. Things were fine till the part where Sirius falls behind the veil. She did not want to continue for almost a week, after which she came to me and asked me to finish the book. I waited for the questions, but the only thing she said was that she was sad that Harry had become an orphan again. We had quite a bit of discussion on that point, and I think A has made her peace with it.
We finished the book, but at her request, and because I know she is not ready to handle book 6, we are holding off Ms Rowling's awesome books, for some time, at least. As a very dear friend of hers, with whom she regularly discusses the books she reads put it, we are not continuing with Harry Potter right now because "A is cross with J.K.Rowling for what happenned to Sirius."
Does that mean that we will be wrapping up our read-aloud sessions? Not by a long shot! We both enjoy them too much for that, and are a lovely means of spending time together, bonding, doing what we both love to do.
I have always read to A since she was old enough to sit on my lap and look at the pages of a book. So some time back, we had decided to read classics for children in the original together, and proceeded to read through Anna Sewell's Black Beauty, (she's re-reading it on her own currently) Edith Nesbit's Five Children and It, and Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess. At the completion of which she expressed a desire to start with Harry Potter. So the classics were kept aside for later, and the rest, as one would say, (to paraphrase a well known expression) was magic.
So now that the boy wizard has been put on the back burner, I was wondering what to start with. A solved the question for me herself.
Last year I had picked up a leatherbound with a cloth finish volume of 'The Complete Chronicles of Narnia.' The cloth finish is a rich wine-red one, and feels velvety to the touch. The edges of the pages are gold, which, as A says, is 'cool!' I have an issue with the font, though, as it is a tad too small than what I usually favour for kids' books. The book comes in a box which has the same rich red lining. I got it at a sale for an extremely good discount, wouldn't have been able to afford the original price. Of course I snapped it up. I had done my reading of the Narnia tales from the library. I thought it would be a good thing to pick up her own copy for A, and this one is a collectible, much better than the boxed set of seven volumes. She is, of course thrilled with it.
We have already finished the first book- 'The Magician's Nephew,' and yes, A loved it. Can't wait to begin with 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', my personal favourite. I love the character of Aslan.
So folks, wish us happy reading. Will keep you updated.
 |
| Pic courtesy amazon.co.uk |
Well, we just finished our reading aloud of 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix', with a lot of distress through the last few chapters. She was quite upset at the ending of book 4 more because of the death there, and the gory details of Lord Voldemort's return. I was a bit hesitant about reading book 5 to her. She however, wanted to continue. I warned her that things are not so easy now on, and that there were parts she might find upsetting. She insisted that she could handle it. So we did.
A did get a bit upset around the part Mr Weasely gets attacked. We had to stop for a bit and many discussions later we continued. Things were fine till the part where Sirius falls behind the veil. She did not want to continue for almost a week, after which she came to me and asked me to finish the book. I waited for the questions, but the only thing she said was that she was sad that Harry had become an orphan again. We had quite a bit of discussion on that point, and I think A has made her peace with it.
We finished the book, but at her request, and because I know she is not ready to handle book 6, we are holding off Ms Rowling's awesome books, for some time, at least. As a very dear friend of hers, with whom she regularly discusses the books she reads put it, we are not continuing with Harry Potter right now because "A is cross with J.K.Rowling for what happenned to Sirius."
Does that mean that we will be wrapping up our read-aloud sessions? Not by a long shot! We both enjoy them too much for that, and are a lovely means of spending time together, bonding, doing what we both love to do.
I have always read to A since she was old enough to sit on my lap and look at the pages of a book. So some time back, we had decided to read classics for children in the original together, and proceeded to read through Anna Sewell's Black Beauty, (she's re-reading it on her own currently) Edith Nesbit's Five Children and It, and Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess. At the completion of which she expressed a desire to start with Harry Potter. So the classics were kept aside for later, and the rest, as one would say, (to paraphrase a well known expression) was magic.
So now that the boy wizard has been put on the back burner, I was wondering what to start with. A solved the question for me herself.
 |
| Pic courtesy bookdepository.co.uk |
We have already finished the first book- 'The Magician's Nephew,' and yes, A loved it. Can't wait to begin with 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', my personal favourite. I love the character of Aslan.
So folks, wish us happy reading. Will keep you updated.
28 October, 2010
GODDESSES: A World of Magic and Myth
CROCUS is on at Saffron Tree, and other than the invite I posted there, I have posted three book reviews. Here is the first of the reviews, posted under the theme MYTHOLOGY. Do go to the original post at ST here to read all the wonderful comments and discussion by the readers.
When the first human beings evolved, they were distinguished from their predecessors by many things- an apposed thumb, a higher voicebox, an upright posture and gait, and a bigger brain being among the main differences. The unique combination of factors resulted in freeing the hands to do more tasks with increasing skill, development of speech and language, and an advent of reasonable thought.
Naturally, human beings began to give thought to the phenomena around them. Trying to find out why these things happened. One could say this was the precursor of scientific temperament.
Science has two main elements. Explanation-the reasoning behind something that happens, and verification- going on to prove this reasoning to establish a theory.
To quote this very clearly explained article, "Not only does science propose answers, it proceeds to test these answers, and if the answers prove incorrect, they must be rejected or modified. Mythology differs from this. A myth offers an explanation that is to be believed. Acceptance, not verification, is what is called for."
So myths developed from a need to explain things. The explanations translate the unfamiliar and therefore fearful phenomena into the familiar, making them easier to understand and assimilate. The forces to which the phenomena were attributed developed a persona over a long period. Since human beings knew themselves, and their own likes, dislikes, feelings, intentions and actions best, the mythical creations took form of persons behaving much in the way human beings do. Also, since human beings then lived in close proximity to nature, these elements also got incorporated into myths where we often have changes of form between animals, trees, and gods /goddesses.
Since early humans considered procreation- the creation of a new human being from the body of another-as the biggest miracle- the female of the species was considered to be very powerful. So all early cultures had myths about goddesses...power in the feminine form. The specifics vary from culture to culture, but the concept is the same. Recent work at National Geographic points to a common ancestor for all human cultures, and this is probably why myths from diverse cultures are similar in essence, also pointing to an even earlier beginnings of mythology.
So much for the history lesson. And now for our book.
GODDESSES : A World of Myth and Magic
Retold by Burleigh Muten
Illustrated by Rebecca Guay
Published by Barefoot books.
Ages :8+
Do you know that the Japanese believe that there is a goddess called Benten at the bottom of the sea, in the form of a sea dragon, and that she quietens the deep-sea serpents who create earthquakes beneath the Japanese islands?
Or that Echo was a mountain nymph who was such a chatterbox that Hera, the queen of the Greek gods, angry with Echo for distracting her, punished her by taking away her voice? Thereafter Echo was only able to repeat the last syllable of anything she heard.
Or that Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, was blind, and made decisions based only on intution, as she could not see what was actually happening?
Or that Gaia was one of the oldest creation goddesses, and was worshipped as Mother Earth by the Greek?
Or that Nu Wa was a Chinese goddess, who created humans in her own form, and made equal number of males and females, so that they could then create more of themselves?
Or that the Maori goddess Papatuanuku symbolised the Earth, who, with the Sky god Rango, gave birth to the sun, moon, animals, plants, and all creation? And that even now the two are still looking at each other?
Or that Hel was a Scandinavian goddess of the underworld, who rode on a black horse every night, calling out the names of those who would die of old age or disease before dawn?
Or that Estsanatlehi, the Navajo goddess of time, magic, life, death and immortality walks towards the east when she begins to age, until she meets her youthful self walking towards her?
Or that Ix Chel is the Mayan goddess of the moon, who bestows fertility upon women, and who brought the art of weaving cloth to humans after learning it from a spider?
Or that Roman women who were childless prayed to the goddess Juno, who ruled over anything that had to do with matrimony and childbirth?
Or that Nike was a Greek goddess whose name means victory, and that she wore a wreath of laurel leaves on her head- still a symbol of success?
As we go through the book, which has about 100-odd stories about individual goddesses in nugget form, we realise that across such diverse cultures as Norse, Greek, Mayan, Chinese, Hindu, Native American, African, Eskimo, Aborigine, etc., there are similarities in the goddesses they tell us about. In most stories, the goddesses were also considered the all-powerful supreme beings, often against formidable odds.
Many of the goddesses have much to do with creation, childbirth, matrimony, fertility, home, hearth, health, happiness, justice, peace, success, arts /crafts, sports, etc., as also with natural phenomena like the wind, rain, thunderstorms, earthquakes, rivers, lakes, seasons, phases of the moon, day /night, life and death.
A lot of these myths have religious overtones, and in many parts of the world following polytheistic faiths, many of these goddesses are still being worshipped, and are believed to have power over the fortunes of those people. Here, in India, we have just concluded the 9-day festival dedicated to goddesses- Navratri- which is celebrated in as many different ways as there are cultures in this wonderfully multicultural country.
Those in parts of the world which now follow a monotheistic faith consider them just that...myths. Some, like those about nymphs and spirits have now become part of folklore in the form of fairy tales, and are primarily classified under children's stories.
This does not, however detract from the fact that these myths, and the stories that abound about them, remain a valuable cultural heritage.
The author, Burleigh Muten, who works in the field of empowering women and girls has brought to us thousands of years worth of feminine mythological stories literally in "a nutshell." In her introduction to the book, she says, "The strength and power of goddesses continue to inspire women and girls all over the world...I wrote this book with the hope that you will discover how adventurous and powerful woman deities have been for thousands of years. Maybe you will find one or two or three or four who remind you of yourself."
The book is beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Guay. The picture on the cover gives a foretaste of the full colour illustrations inside. With classical intertwining vine patterns framing each double page.
The book can be read on many levels. It can become a one-stop reference to the many goddesses in mythology. Each goddess story can stand on its own. There can be comparisons made about similarities between goddesses from diverse cultures. There can be drooling over the fascinating imagination and imagery about every myth. We get a peek into the sensibilities of diverse cultures, and the living conditions and beliefs in ancient times, as by their very nature, myths reflect reality. We get a feel of how people made sense of their surroundings, and what they expected out of life.
Most important of all, it can be a wonderful picture book for children that can be dipped into many times, bringing them many wonderful stories full of fantasy and adventure, which can be layered at every reading, teaching them many things as they grow with the book.
Image courtesy Barefoot books.
When the first human beings evolved, they were distinguished from their predecessors by many things- an apposed thumb, a higher voicebox, an upright posture and gait, and a bigger brain being among the main differences. The unique combination of factors resulted in freeing the hands to do more tasks with increasing skill, development of speech and language, and an advent of reasonable thought.
Naturally, human beings began to give thought to the phenomena around them. Trying to find out why these things happened. One could say this was the precursor of scientific temperament.
Science has two main elements. Explanation-the reasoning behind something that happens, and verification- going on to prove this reasoning to establish a theory.
To quote this very clearly explained article, "Not only does science propose answers, it proceeds to test these answers, and if the answers prove incorrect, they must be rejected or modified. Mythology differs from this. A myth offers an explanation that is to be believed. Acceptance, not verification, is what is called for."
So myths developed from a need to explain things. The explanations translate the unfamiliar and therefore fearful phenomena into the familiar, making them easier to understand and assimilate. The forces to which the phenomena were attributed developed a persona over a long period. Since human beings knew themselves, and their own likes, dislikes, feelings, intentions and actions best, the mythical creations took form of persons behaving much in the way human beings do. Also, since human beings then lived in close proximity to nature, these elements also got incorporated into myths where we often have changes of form between animals, trees, and gods /goddesses.
Since early humans considered procreation- the creation of a new human being from the body of another-as the biggest miracle- the female of the species was considered to be very powerful. So all early cultures had myths about goddesses...power in the feminine form. The specifics vary from culture to culture, but the concept is the same. Recent work at National Geographic points to a common ancestor for all human cultures, and this is probably why myths from diverse cultures are similar in essence, also pointing to an even earlier beginnings of mythology.
So much for the history lesson. And now for our book.
Retold by Burleigh Muten
Illustrated by Rebecca Guay
Published by Barefoot books.
Ages :8+
Do you know that the Japanese believe that there is a goddess called Benten at the bottom of the sea, in the form of a sea dragon, and that she quietens the deep-sea serpents who create earthquakes beneath the Japanese islands?
Or that Echo was a mountain nymph who was such a chatterbox that Hera, the queen of the Greek gods, angry with Echo for distracting her, punished her by taking away her voice? Thereafter Echo was only able to repeat the last syllable of anything she heard.
Or that Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, was blind, and made decisions based only on intution, as she could not see what was actually happening?
Or that Gaia was one of the oldest creation goddesses, and was worshipped as Mother Earth by the Greek?
Or that Nu Wa was a Chinese goddess, who created humans in her own form, and made equal number of males and females, so that they could then create more of themselves?
Or that the Maori goddess Papatuanuku symbolised the Earth, who, with the Sky god Rango, gave birth to the sun, moon, animals, plants, and all creation? And that even now the two are still looking at each other?
Or that Hel was a Scandinavian goddess of the underworld, who rode on a black horse every night, calling out the names of those who would die of old age or disease before dawn?
Or that Estsanatlehi, the Navajo goddess of time, magic, life, death and immortality walks towards the east when she begins to age, until she meets her youthful self walking towards her?
Or that Ix Chel is the Mayan goddess of the moon, who bestows fertility upon women, and who brought the art of weaving cloth to humans after learning it from a spider?
Or that Roman women who were childless prayed to the goddess Juno, who ruled over anything that had to do with matrimony and childbirth?
Or that Nike was a Greek goddess whose name means victory, and that she wore a wreath of laurel leaves on her head- still a symbol of success?
As we go through the book, which has about 100-odd stories about individual goddesses in nugget form, we realise that across such diverse cultures as Norse, Greek, Mayan, Chinese, Hindu, Native American, African, Eskimo, Aborigine, etc., there are similarities in the goddesses they tell us about. In most stories, the goddesses were also considered the all-powerful supreme beings, often against formidable odds.
Many of the goddesses have much to do with creation, childbirth, matrimony, fertility, home, hearth, health, happiness, justice, peace, success, arts /crafts, sports, etc., as also with natural phenomena like the wind, rain, thunderstorms, earthquakes, rivers, lakes, seasons, phases of the moon, day /night, life and death.
A lot of these myths have religious overtones, and in many parts of the world following polytheistic faiths, many of these goddesses are still being worshipped, and are believed to have power over the fortunes of those people. Here, in India, we have just concluded the 9-day festival dedicated to goddesses- Navratri- which is celebrated in as many different ways as there are cultures in this wonderfully multicultural country.
Those in parts of the world which now follow a monotheistic faith consider them just that...myths. Some, like those about nymphs and spirits have now become part of folklore in the form of fairy tales, and are primarily classified under children's stories.
This does not, however detract from the fact that these myths, and the stories that abound about them, remain a valuable cultural heritage.
The author, Burleigh Muten, who works in the field of empowering women and girls has brought to us thousands of years worth of feminine mythological stories literally in "a nutshell." In her introduction to the book, she says, "The strength and power of goddesses continue to inspire women and girls all over the world...I wrote this book with the hope that you will discover how adventurous and powerful woman deities have been for thousands of years. Maybe you will find one or two or three or four who remind you of yourself."
The book is beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Guay. The picture on the cover gives a foretaste of the full colour illustrations inside. With classical intertwining vine patterns framing each double page.
The book can be read on many levels. It can become a one-stop reference to the many goddesses in mythology. Each goddess story can stand on its own. There can be comparisons made about similarities between goddesses from diverse cultures. There can be drooling over the fascinating imagination and imagery about every myth. We get a peek into the sensibilities of diverse cultures, and the living conditions and beliefs in ancient times, as by their very nature, myths reflect reality. We get a feel of how people made sense of their surroundings, and what they expected out of life.
Most important of all, it can be a wonderful picture book for children that can be dipped into many times, bringing them many wonderful stories full of fantasy and adventure, which can be layered at every reading, teaching them many things as they grow with the book.
Image courtesy Barefoot books.
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