Tuesday, September 4, 2012

The elephants friend and other tales from Ancient India retold by Marcia Williams –ADVISABLE


Williams, Marcia The elephants friend and other tales from Ancient India 40 pgs. Candlewick, 2012. $10.61.  (Rating: G).
A smart collection of retold tales from Ancient India, presented in graphic novel format. The author tells the story in semi-traditional language below each panel, while the illustration reveals more casual and silly information in character thought bubbles that really bring the stories to life.
I really loved the presentation of the stories, combing the traditional story with the silly and fun thought of the characters was inventive! But the illustrations are busy and kind of lacking for me. I wonder if there are some traditional elements (besides the paper textured backgrounds and designs) that I might be failing to appreciate fully. For example, the really boring birds might be a based on an ancient design -so I am willing to concede on this one. I would still buy this book either way, students will love the graphic novel format and the stories are wonderful.
ELEMENTARY –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian & Author.

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