FICTION

Speaking to an Elephant: And Other Tales from the Kadars

by Manish Chandi
RAMESH, Madhuri & . illus. by Matthew Frame. 60p. Tara Bks. May 2018. pap. $13.95. ISBN 9789383145737.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2–5—This collection of tales from the Kadars, a group of people from the hills of South India, have been collected and transcribed by the authors after hearing them directly from Kadar elders. The folktales stress the importance of living in harmony with the natural world, appreciating and sharing nature's abundance and peacefully coexisting with woodland animals. Several of the entries recount lessons taught to the people by Kadaval, their creator. Some read like fables while others utilize common folktale motifs. The language is often sophisticated. The text is formatted into two columns per page with significant white space as borders. The intricately drawn renderings use a palette of black with one other color at a time. Repeated viewings reveal hidden details in the lush forest setting.
VERDICT A rewarding addition to collections, especially where collected works are popular.
Reviewed by Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY , May 01, 2018

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