Rating: *** 3 stars

Vayu Naidu, illustrated by Rebecca Gryspeerdt,
Stories from India.
Hodder Wayland, 2000

This book contains a collection of six extraordinary stories from India, each set thousands of years ago and passed on from one generation to another. Many of these tales are still celebrated on various religious and cultural occasions throughout the country.
The book begins with an interesting introduction on the author’s background and also provides details on the roots of the stories, the majority of which are set in the southern part of the country. Each story also has its own separate introduction which helps set the scene and also explains the context. The book contains a clearly labelled map of India and a useful glossary of terms.

Each story is unique and remarkable in its own right and the book includes one story involving a young boy from England who visits India to meet his cousins. The book is beautifully illustrated with pictures that correspond well with the narrative. It is therefore a very worthwhile addition to any multicultural library.

Khalida Alvi