Sally Pomme Clayton

A story-within-a-story, as a brother-sister pair listen to a storytelling in a park. The story is that of a Persian king and queen who put their long-awaited baby out on a hillside when he turns out to have white hair; the boy, Prince Zal, is rescued by the Simorgh, a phoenix, who raises him along with her own chicks and teaches him everything he needs to know. Sixteen years later, the king returns to the spot where his son was left to place a memorial, and sees the boy still alive; he begs his forgiveness and the boy returns home with him. Brilliant jewel-toned illustrations accompany the text, and back matter includes information about the instruments that play each character in the storytelling (a la Peter and the Wolf).… (meer)

This is a beautifully illustrated, accessible Ramayana story for all readers. Because it is abridged, the action occasionally feels abrupt, but the reader can enjoy the personalities of bold Rama, his brother, loyal Lakshman, benevolent and faithful Sita, and the devoted and charming Hanuman, as well as the evil 10-headed, 20-armed, red-eyed Demon-king, Ravana as they enact the time-honored battle between good and evil. Framing introductory and concluding sections featuring the narrator Hanuman as a tag sale plush monkey need a little post-colonial unpacking. Nonetheless, highly recommended.… (meer)