Twelve classical Indian tales, including an affectionate introduction to elephant-headed Ganesh, a wonderfully concise version of the Mahabharata, and the humbling of several proud heroes and demons by the gods. The demons here are particularly rambunctious: Bali conquers both Earth and Heaven; ten-headed Ravana steals Rama's wife; in ``Ashes to Ashes,'' Bhasmasura chases his master Shiva into a garbage dump. The combination of fresh humor and a text only lightly burdened with ritual behavior, morals, or long Indian names makes this a good gateway to both the great epics and the Jataka tales. Frequent ink drawings, with figures in traditional dress and stylized poses, add an exotic touch. A simultaneously published companion, The Adventures of Young Krishna by Diksha Dalal-Clayton, overlaps a bit but seems aimed at older readers. (Mythology/Folklore. 10-12)
Pub Date: April 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-19-508112-9
Page Count: 88
Publisher: Oxford Univ.
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1993
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A brief, visually appealing introduction to garbage—where it comes from, where it goes. Dumps, landfills, incinerators, and a variety of recycling projects (both individual and commercial) are clearly described and illustrated with full-color photos. Especially interesting is a chapter on how an MRF (materials recycling facility) sorts and processes trash by using sorting machines that shake, blow, and apply magnets and eddy currents. Compost machines, methane gas recovery, making and recycling plastic soda bottles, and the problem of hazardous wastes are all briefly described. Specialized terms appear in italics and are defined both in the text and in the glossary (``lechate,'' ``biodegradable,'' ``white goods''). A very readable first look at an important topic. Annotated list of additional reading; organizations to write for more information; index. (Nonfiction. 10-12)l
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1991
ISBN: 0-395-56436-0
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1991
The author of The Blizzard of 1896 (1990) and other tall tales of the Old West goes back to an even older West for the story of an Anasazi boy with an unusual friend—an affectionate bear cub that dances when it hears music, bringing good cheer and, without fail, rain as well. Though Bird admits that his anthropology is not up to snuff, and his language has a modern sound (after the bear performs for some hunters, ``they laughed and had a great time''), the bear is an appealing animated character that behaves—and is treated—like a hairy young child. The plot tends to wander, but its mildly humorous course— punctuated by dramatic incidents (a charging buffalo, a violent thunderstorm)—holds interest. Slight but appealing, a fantasy with an unusual—and particularly well-realized—setting and small illustrations resembling southwestern petroglyphs. (Fiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: April 27, 1993
ISBN: 0-87614-748-1
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Carolrhoda
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1993
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
bookshelf