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 close look at the life and habitat of these ancient, seriously endangered animals. Patent describes the two kinds of African elephants (savanna and forest), then reports on recent efforts to save elephants endangered by poaching and habitat destruction. The color photos on every page are appealing, though some are dark or muddy, while careless captioning limits their usefulness (e.g., in the captions both kinds of elephants are simply ``elephants,'' leaving readers to ponder which is shown). Useful information on a high-interest topic, but a lesser effort from this prolific science writer. Index. (Nonfiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: Dec. 15, 1991
ISBN: 0-8234-0911-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1991
Ellen and Corey have the chance to camp overnight at the Seattle zoo; but what was planned as a special birthday present nearly proves to be the death of them when they come up against an escaped convict who thinks of the zoo as a safe hideout. When their parents' flight is delayed, Ellen (12) and Corey (8) are afraid they'll have to miss the anticipated campout, but they're able to convince the zoo administrator that their parents have just pulled into the parking lot. Anxious to leave (her daughter is giving birth), she lets them stay after-hours, with the result that the children are left unchaperoned overnight. Meanwhile, convict Tony Haymes plans to kidnap a rare baby monkey and use the ransom to flee to Mexico. As the kids are separated at various points—each trying to elude Haymes, find the other, and rescue the monkey—their experience becomes more and more frightening. When they are finally rescued, it's due in part to Ellen's ability to communicate nonverbally with the elephants. For readers who can swallow the supposition that Ellen can command a bull elephant telepathically, the book works pretty well as a suspense novel. Kehret's attention to detail is less than perfect (How does Ellen know that the trail of peanut shells she follows was left by her brother?), but she arranges the children's isolation at the zoo realistically enough, and the plot is scary. Acceptable additional fare. (Fiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-525-65083-0
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1991
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