Barefoot Books- LadyD: Book Sharing Monday: Indian Tales

Format: Hardcover

Indian Tales

A Barefoot Collection

Venture to a country that is bursting with color, life and contrasts in these lively folk tales. The eight stories in this anthology, each from a different Indian state, feature educational facts and information about the cultures from which they are chosen.

For Ages 8 and Up

$19.99

Retold By: Shenaaz Nanji
Illustrated By: Christopher Corr

Here are some reviews:

"The bright and colorful cover is just a sample of the great artwork inside. Not to mention the fascinating and educational stories about such a diverse country as India. Children and adults enjoy hearing the stories and learning about so many different cultures, all in one country! This book is perfect for anyone who is from India, or who has family there, or for anyone who has ever traveled to India." -- Lisa

"My daughter loves these stories partly because she's never heard of them before. Also, each story is about 10 pages, so "just one more story" lasts longer too! The stories are great for reading aloud (good flow), and her favorite is Priya's Magic Bowl (don't all kids love magic?). I like the introductory pages that accompany each story and gives background information. Christopher Corr's illustrations are also an attention getter/keeper." -- Jean

Book Description

From magical spirits in the northeastern mountains to sneaky robbers and brave heroines in the Indus Valley, these stories, each taken from a different state, are full of action and adventure. Cultural notes introduce every tale, giving readers a taste of India's rich and diverse heritage.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Part folklore, part cultural tour, this collection of eight folktales begins with a short, enthusiastic
introduction to India s diverse history, people, and landscape. The stories have been drawn from distinct
areas of India from Punjab in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south. Prior to each story, a two-page
description of the region provides a smattering of information on customs, clothing, traditions, and
celebrations, some of which play a role in the tale that follows. No sources are given, but each story has
the tight structure, a well-honed pace, and a distinctive, authentic folklore flavor. Bright, colorful, simple
illustrations pick up story elements, frame the narrative, and parade throughout the pages. Filled with East
Indian customs and flavors, magic and secrets, and brave and silly characters, this savory collection is well
suited for independent reading, reading aloud, and multicultural studies.

--Booklist, November 15, 2007

This anthology presents eight fluid retellings of folktales from different Indian states...An introduction offers a brief overview of the country's history, from Indus Valley civilization to the Mughal dynasties, concluding with a paragraph about modern India. Each folktale is preceded by a note with facts about the state from which it originated, including explanations of festivals or terms that appear in the text. Illustrations and page borders support the texts perfectly as the folk-style paintings reflect colors of rural life.

The collection provides a good introduction to Indian folklore and could be enjoyed as a read-aloud by younger children, while students in the intermediate grades can enjoy them independently." --School Library Journal

You can order Indian Tales on Amazon.

India Activities

http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/india/index.htm

Elephant Activities

We have this very cool yellow flowering bush in our front yard. It kind of looks like a daisy but it is not. I just don't know the name of it but it has a very pretty fragrance. It blooms several times a year and then we prune it way down. It faithfully blossoms again.

Yellow Rice

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon ground annatto seed
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, (preferably not converted)
2 1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 bay leaf

Directions

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan, with a tight-fitting lid, over medium-high heat. Add the onion, pepper, and annatto, and cook, stirring, until somewhat soft, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 2 minutes more. Add water, salt, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Wrap the lid tightly with a kitchen towel. Cover the rice, lower the heat to a simmer, cook for 20 minutes.

Remove the rice from the heat and set aside, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

So, what have you been reading and cooking today?

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