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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