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Classic Tales from India

How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head and Other Stories
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( 84 ratings, 14 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Classic Tales from India by Vatsala Sperling and Harish Johari is a delightful collection of traditional Indian fables and folklore, ideal for children. The stories are beautifully illustrated, capturing the rich cultural heritage of India while imparting moral lessons through engaging narratives. These timeless tales showcase animals and mythical creatures and are sure to enchant and educate young readers.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$5200

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this collection if you have an interest in enchanting fables and folklore, as it offers a diverse range of traditional Indian stories that captivate children's imaginations. These tales often feature moral lessons woven into exciting adventures, making them both entertaining and educational for young readers.

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Eight beautifully illustrated traditional stories that immerse the reader in the ancient culture of India as well as impart important life lessons

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Seven beautifully illustrated traditional stories that immerse the reader in the ancient culture of India as well as impart important life lessons.

Classic Tales from India shares classic tales from India, including stories drawn from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas, translated by the authors. The book is illustrated throughout with glowing full-colour paintings in traditional Indian style, prepared according to the traditional Hindu canon.

With this full-colour illustrated collection of classic tales from India, you will learn about the playful, loyal, strong, loving, and wise gods, goddesses, and heroes of India. You will discover how the deity Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, got his elephant head, how the goddess Parvati won the heart of the great god Shiva, and how the goddess Ganga came to Earth from Heaven in the form of the holy Ganges River.

You will discover how Krishna’s childhood as a superhero and mischievous boy prepared him to fulfil his destiny as an avatar of the god Vishnu. In two tales drawn from the Ramayana, you will learn about prince Ram and his victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana, and how the monkey-god Hanuman moved a medicine mountain to save Ram’s brother.

In two stories from the famous epic Mahabharata, you will discover how Karna became the greatest archer in the world to help good triumph over evil and how Arjuna compassionately fought his own cousins to bring peace to the kingdom of Hastinapur.

The glowing illustrations, executed in transparent watercolours and tempera paints, are done in a centuries-old method traditional to India. Richly detailed, they bring to life the colourful cast of characters—humans, gods, and demons alike—and allow the reader to become immersed in the mystical world of ancient India.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Classic Tales from India by Vatsala Sperling and Harish Johari is praised for its beautiful storytelling paired with vivid illustrations, making it a captivating collection for children and adults alike. It's viewed as an inspirational resource for instilling timeless values and an engaging way to explore Indian mythology. The book offers rich cultural and historical context, with each story enhanced by detailed artistic visuals, making it a must-have for those interested in the spiritual and mythological heritage of India.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781591433866

Publisher: Inner Traditions Bear and Company

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 October 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Bear & Company

Illustration: Full-color throughout

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Pieter Weltevrede
  • Illustrated by Nona Weltevrede
  • Illustrated by Sandeep Johari

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 171.0mm

Height: 241.0mm

Weight: 460g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Vatsala Sperling, Ph.D., a native of India, learned these stories at her mother’s feet and enjoys introducing them to children of the Western world. She lives in Vermont. Harish Johari (1934–1999) was a painter, sculptor, and composer of Indian music. He authored many books that bring Eastern spiritual traditions to Western audiences, including Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation. Pieter Weltevrede (1955–2024) was an artist who began his studies with Harish Johari in 1977 and also studied with Shri Chandra Bal. He lived in Holland. Nona Weltevrede got in touch with Indian culture at a young age by watching his father, Pieter, and his mentor, Harish Johari, paint. He lives in Buren, Holland. Sandeep Johari was raised by his uncle Harish Johari, who taught him classical Indian painting. He lives in New Delhi, India.

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