Tales from India: Stories of Creation and the Cosmos (review)

This vibrantly illustrated collection of stories showcases ten tales rooted in Hindu mythology, from the creation of the world ("How the World Began") to the back-story of various deities ("The Birth of Lord Krishna," "Hanuman, the Greatest") to epic tales of bloodshed ("The Battle of Eighteen Days") and romance ("The Choosing"). While some of the characters and settings may ring familiar, most young readers will be unaquainted with the stories herein and appreciate this as a largely accessible introduction to an immense body of folklore. Some tales are more user friendly than others, offering carefully patterned structures and a clear voice; some, however, lean towards the esoteric and, in many cases, are bogged down by literal details that detract from the storyline. Hall's lush gouache illustrations sometimes offer assistance in interpreting concepts presented in the stories. The art is described in a note as being inspired by Udaipur miniature paintings, and the attention to detail is noteworthy, from the individual threads of silk in a woman's scarf to the nearly translucent vine and flower details that grace most pages. This collection will probably get most of its use by browsers drawn to the gold-toned lettering on the spine, but many of the stories would also work as readalouds. An author's note, illustrator's note, and glossary are included.