Tag: childspirit

When powerful god Brahma tries to outsmart the village children of Vrindavan, he learns a lesson he won’t soon forget: there is magic in friendship. From the ancient texts of India called the Puranas comes this universal tale of childhood bonds. The Puranas contain hundreds of stories, many dedicated to Krishna, honored by Hindus worldwide as divinity in personal form. Whether one views Krishna as a transcendent figure or a magical cowherd boy, his stories captivate young readers. His love of nature and his dedication to family and friends have made him a hero for all ages.

Kaliya, king of ancient India’s serpent people, crosses the gods and must leave. He takes his serpentine wives and offspring and relocates to the pristine Yamuna River, which flows by young Krishna’s village of Vrindavan. The serpent king’s venom poisons the river. Birds fall lifeless to the ground, trees and vegetation dry up, and the lives of the villagers are in danger. Although only a child, Krishna has sworn to protect the environment and safeguard the many animals and people who depend on the river for their existence. Whether one views Krishna as a divine being or as a mischievous child, his respect for nature is exemplary.

This tale from India’s ancient Sanskrit wisdom texts transcends its moment in remote history to deliver a message as relevant as today’s news. Artist Patrick Wire’s luminous illustrations recall the vibrant palette of Maxfield Parrish and complement author Joshua Greene’s lyrical retelling of this classic story.

An illustrated modern adaptation of the beloved Indian classic “Ten Avatars.”

King Bali is not a bad soul; he’s just ambitious. He wants big things! As a consequence, he doesn’t have friends. What he does have is an evil adviser named Shukra, who is even more ambitious than the king. When King Bali is visited by a tiny sage, Shukra is suspicious and warns the king to stay away. In this retelling of an ancient story from the Sanskrit histories, King Bali learns that big things can come in small packages — and that sometimes a small courtesy can bring big rewards. Illustrator Emma Moore applies luminescent colors and dynamic perspectives to her visualization of this tale of big and little, adapted from India’s beloved “Ten Avatars.” Author Joshua M. Greene’s elegant and direct storytelling renders an otherwise esoteric subject accessible and relevant for contemporary young readers.

The timeless story of Hanuman, the monkey god, is that of a valiant superhero best known for battling the demon Ravana in the classic tale Ramayana. But there is much more to know about Hinduism’s bravest, most endearing figure. As a youth, Hanuman’s pranks often led him into trouble with the village elders. Eventually they cast a spell, causing him to forget his immense powers. In a cursed state of ignorance, young Hanuman believed himself to be just an ordinary monkey. He realized his potential as a warrior only later, while rescuing Sita, the kidnapped wife of Rama, from the clutches of Ravana.

Although Hanuman developed mesmerizing mystic abilities as he matured, it is his sensitivity and devotion to King Rama that make him such a memorable character.