Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth
More funny, clever trickster tales from India.
Prince Veera's great-uncle, Raja Apoorva, invites the prince and his best friend, Suku, to the summer festival in Peetalpur, where they participate in some of the competitions. Can they make the peahen sing, though peahens can't sing? Or win the painting competition, or even defeat the country's champion wrestler? The boys face each challenge with great wit and wisdom. Back at the palace, they are faced with more challenges. Raja Apoorva enjoys puzzles and presents several to the boys: who was the intruder who dared to pull the Raja's beard? How can the journey to the seaside be shortened? And at court it's Prince Veera and Suku who will decide which neighbour owns the tree that produces the wonderful figs for the palace, as well as solve the mysteries of the holy man and the astronomer.
Four stories packed with clever and amusing tricks and puzzles which will delight children from 6 to 8 – and well beyond.
Chitra Soundar is from the culturally colourful India, where traditions, festivals and mythology are a way of life. As a child, she feasted on generous portions of folktales and stories from Hindu mythology. As she grew older, she started making up her own stories. She is an award-winning author of more than 40 books for children and travels the world visiting schools and appearing at festivals to bring Indian stories to children everywhere. www.chitrasoundar.com
Uma Krishnaswamy has always loved the folk traditions of India and other cultures for the richness and vibrancy of colour, form and perspective. She teaches art history in Chennai, India, where she lives.