Grandma and the Great Gourd: A Bengali Folktale

PreS-Gr 2—Once there was as little old woman who lived in India, contentedly keeping her vegetable patch. Everyone referred to her as Grandma. When her daughter sends her a letter asking her to visit, the woman decides to go but must cross a dangerous jungle. She leaves her trustworthy dogs to tend her garden and sets off on her journey. On the way she encounters a fox, a bear, and a tiger, each of whom wants to eat her. Using a bit of cunning, she convinces each animal to wait for her return trip when she will be much plumper after eating her daughter's food. They all agree. After a visit with her family, she and her daughter work together to devise a plan for her return trip home. Will Grandma's disguise as a plump gourd fool the hungry animals? Waters's expertise as a muralist shines through on the multilayered images. Contrasting textures and vibrant colors depict simple shapes with rhythmic patterns that appear stamped on the page. Clever and crafty, this well-told tale will be a fun addition to most collections.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools