Review by Booklist Review
This retelling of the classic Indian epic Ramayana reveals the story behind the Hindu festival of Diwali. The great god Vishnu takes the form of mortal Prince Rama to save humanity from Ravana, the Demon King of Lanka. Together with Sita (his wife) andhis brother, they encounter Ravana and engage in a battle of dark versus light. Originally published as The Story of Divaali (2002), this revised edition is designed to appeal to confident, independent readers. Although the long sentences and large vocabulary may be challenging at times, the clean layout of the short chapters will be helpful to young readers. Additionally, the character of Sita has been refreshed as a more active and powerful figure than traditionally portrayed in this tale. The gouache illustrations deftly employ saturated colors and precise line work. Extras include a cast of characters, a pronunciation guide, and information about the festival of Diwali. Experienced readers will enjoy the larger-than-life characters, heroic adventures, and sparkling illustrations in this story of good versus evil.--Seto Forrester, Amy Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-Verma's version of The Ramayana is action-packed and full of drama, with princes, stepmothers, demons, and gods. The King has three sons born from different mothers. King Dashratha's second wife deceives the King into promising to banish his eldest son, Rama, from the kingdom for 14 years in order to protect Bharata (her child and the King's middle son) on his path to the throne. Not wanting to cause trouble for the King, Rama, along with his beautiful wife, Sita, and youngest brother, Lakshmana, sets off on a journey full of adventure. The short chapter book is filled with vibrant, full-color illustrations. It ends with the festival of Diwali, when Rama and Sita finally return home. VERDICT A solid, condensed retelling of a popular Hindu epic.-Vivian Ho, Port Washington Public Library, NY © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
