THE FOOLISH MEN OF AGRA

Singh retells ten enchanting tales of ancient India and in doing so, presents a culture widely overlooked by many children in the US. In swift, clear language, readers are introduced to brief fables that don’t over-moralize. The Mogul emperor, Akbar, is enlightened by the tales of his clever friend and minister, Birbal. Whether Birbal is outsmarting his jealous enemies or saving Akbar from his own foolishness, the stories are consistently amusing, but also convey the loyalty and affection of the two friends. Zaman’s ornate illustrations perfectly convey the rich colors and culture of India through portraits of characters, snippets of scenes, and decorative chapter openers and closers. An informative introduction places all of the tales into historical perspective, and a helpful glossary concludes the collection, making it all the more accessible. (Folklore. 6-10)