Some of these stories were very different from the ones I knew. I guess that's because of the reference used, A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History and Literature by John Dowson, which I sometimes find having things that are different from the most known versions.

Good book nevertheless! Didn't know the story of Yama and his leg. ( )

There are a few reasons why I liked this book. Firstly, I think that it would work very well as a multicultural resource. The way that this book is written, it has the same feel, or effects, as Aesop’s Fables, American Indian Folk Tales, and The Grimm Brother’s Fairy Tales, but from the Indian culture in one book. I also liked that it used aspects of the Hindu religion in a way that would lend itself to being used in a classroom. It would expose students to another religion, without offending them. The different tales in this book makes it more relatable to a wider audience. Some children might not like all the stories, but there is something for everyone. Although I really enjoyed reading these tales from India, I feel because these stories had to be translated to English, the writing can be a bit static. My favorite example of comes from the story “How Agastya killed the Rakshasas.” In this myth sages had controls of demons and let the roam freely, until one man’s brother was eaten. When the man confronts the demon the, the demon replies, “I don’t think you realize how strong my gastric juices are. Even as I eat, my food is digested…Your brother will never play his trick again. Do you hear me? Your brother has been digested!” I am sure in and Indian language this would not sound as stiff as it does in English; although, this writing may be funny to a child. The big idea of this story is to entertain as well as expose the reader to another culture’s folklore. ( )