Arjuna: The Gentle Warrior

Gr 2–5—Abridging the epic Mahabharata is challenging: even severely pared, the multiple characters and stories are confusing. Morally difficult details are featured: a mother abandons the baby she bore at 12; and demons build for the hero. Treachery; betrayal; unwise loyalty oaths; unfair compromises; cheating; greed; and fratricide abound. Although Draupadi's forcible disrobing is omitted, her marriage to five brothers simultaneously occurs without explanation—as does her being staked (and lost) at dice. An important point about the constraints that affect even kings (i.e., adults) is missed; the rationalization for war ("they knew their cause was just') is misleading. Dharma is "destiny," rather than "duty." Pretty pastel illustrations are decoratively idealized. Roopa Pai's The Gita for Children is livelier, more judicious, and more focused.