Reviews
Recommended books about South Asia

Jeannine Atkins and Venantius J. Pinto  Aani and the Tree Huggers
      32pp. Lee 1995. ISBN 1-880000-24-5
      (Primary)
In a story based on an actual event that took place in northern India in the 1970s, Aani and the other girls and women in her village hug trees to prevent men from cutting them down. The Indian-born artist’s illustrations are inspired by seventeenth-century Indian miniature painting. The book will encourage discussion about the power of ordinary citizens to make changes in their world.

Demi  Gandhi
      40 pp. McElderry (Simon) 2001. ISBN 0-689-84149-3
      (Intermediate)
In this tale about a spiritual and political leader, Demi’s stylistic richness honors and celebrates Gandhi’s commitment to a spare life. Each exquisitely rendered miniature painting in this attentively designed book is bordered by two complementary narrow bands of colors, and then enframed with gold. Gandhi may well inspire young readers to seek out more of the complex history of this remarkable humanitarian.

Madhur Jaffrey and Amanda Hall  Robi Dobi: The Marvelous Adventures of an Indian Elephant
      76pp. Dial 1997. ISBN 0-8037-2193-5
      (Primary)
Jaffrey has taken elements of Indian animal myths and incorporated contemporary details to tell an old-fashioned tale of friendship and adventure involving a cheerful, obliging elephant. Boldly stylized paintings capture the essence of traditional Indian art, and the themes of simple kindness and modest perils overcome make a refreshingly naive and satisfying tale.

Rukhsana Khan  Ruler of the Courtyard; illus. by Gregory Christie
      40 pp. Viking 2003. ISBN 0-670-03583-1
      (Primary)
This spare tale set in Pakistan has wonderful energy and use of language. Saba fears the chickens lying in wait for her on the way to the bathhouse, but once inside she spies something truly scary — a snake. She courageously traps the snake, despite her fear. When she discovers it’s a rope, she laughs, the chickens squawk; she roars, the chickens shriek; and Saba, no longer afraid, chases them. The vibrant Picasso-esque illustrations are powerful.

Rukhsana Khan  Silly Chicken; illus. by Yunmee Kyong
      32 pp. Viking 2005. ISBN 0-670-05912-9
      (Primary)
In an effective, even intriguing, take on “sibling” rivalry set in Pakistan, Rani believes that her mother, Ami, loves her pet hen more than she loves Rani. Kyong’s bright, richly colored illustrations are a good match for sensitive Rani’s straightforward narration. Khan always stays true to young Rani’s self-centered impressions and emotions, never injecting adult interpretations.

Ted Lewin  Sacred River
      32pp. Clarion 1995. ISBN 0-395-69846-4
      (Primary)
A descriptive, fluid, and straightforward text combines with richly detailed watercolors to describe a pilgrimage to the Ganges River in the Indian city of Benares. Architecture and people are equally well portrayed to create a memorable setting. This highly visual glimpse of one aspect of life in India will likely lead readers to a more thorough exploration of the country and its culture.

Sy Montgomery  The Man-Eating Tigers of Sundarbans; photographs by Eleanor Briggs
      64 pp. Houghton 2001. ISBN 0-618-07704-9
      (Intermediate)
The Royal Bengal tigers of Sundarbans Reserve like to eat people, and the reasons why are not really well known. To draw readers into this scientific puzzle, Montgomery integrates science, storytelling, anthropology, and adventure in a unique treatment, illustrated with excellent color photos and diagrams. Particularly creative is the positioning of the reader as the central figure in the investigation of the mystery.

Lois Raimondo  The Little Lama of Tibet
      40pp. Scholastic 1994. ISBN 0-590-46167-2
      (Primary)
In text and color photographs, six-year-old Ling Rinpoche — believed to be the reincarnation of a great teacher — is shown preparing for the day he will assume responsibility for passing on Buddhist teachings to his people. Living in a monastery in the mountains of Northern India, the young student prays, reads stories, studies scriptures, and does lessons in the Tibetan language. The moving portrait depicts a gentle child who seems wise beyond his years.

James Rumford  Nine Animals and the Well
      32 pp. Houghton 2003. ISBN 0-618-30915-2
      (Primary)
In a humorously illustrated fable and number lesson set in India, the young raja-king invites his animal friends to a party. The animals each think that he or she is bringing “the perfect birthday gift” but eventually learn to swallow their pride and that their friendship is all the raja-king wants. The dexterous tale counts down the gifts, and the author’s note explains that it was Indians “who invented the ten curious-looking signs we use to count with.”

Ed Young  I, Doko: The Tale of a Basket
      32 pp. Philomel 2004. ISBN 0-399-23625-2
      (Primary)
Yeh-yeh’s basket, “Doko," recounts its useful roles in its owner’s life. When Yeh-yeh grows old, his son thinks to use Doko one last time — to abandon his now-feeble father in — but relents when his own son begs him to bring Doko back so that he can use him when “it is time to leave you on the temple steps." Young’s spare yet eloquent telling is illustrated with gold-bordered spreads luscious with color.

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