Rama and the Demon King: An Ancient Tale from India - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845073614 ISBN 13: 9781845073619

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2005

Synopsis

The three thousand year-old tale of Rama, who rescues his wife, Sita, from the Demon King, is said to confer a blessing on all who hear it.

In Rama and the Demon King, this glorious Hindu myth is retold, so that children of all cultures can enjoy the thrilling story.

The vibrant illustrations, based on the ancient tradition of shadow-puppetry, convey all the exuberance of a tale which, although centuries old is still very much alive.

About this title

About the Author

Jessica Souhami studied at the Central School of Art and Design. In 1980 she formed Mme Souhami and Co, a travelling puppet company using colourful shadow puppets with a musical accompaniment and a storyteller. Her illustrations, like her puppets, use brilliant colour and bold shapes and her characters leap and swoop across the spreads. Her books for Frances Lincoln are Sausages!, In the Dark, Dark Wood, Baba Yaga and the Stolen Baby, Leopard's Drum, No Dinner!, Rama and the Demon King, The Famous Adventures of a Bird Brained Hen, The Little, Little House, Mrs McCool and the Giant Cuchulainn and King Pom and the Fox. Jessica lives in North London.

From Kirkus Reviews

Souhami (The Leopard's Drum, 1996, etc.) creates bold illustrations that have the look of cut-paper collage for this retelling of a Hindu tale from The Ramayana. Brave and good prince Rama should be happy--he's the king's favorite son, his wife is dear, his brother is his best friend, and everybody loves him--except his jealous stepmother. She arranges for Rama's exile to the dangerous, demon-ridden forest for 14 years. Wife and brother accompany Rama thence, and together the three establish peace and live a simple life. Enter Ravana, the ten-headed king of demons, who flies to India in his magic chariot to avenge his slain demons only to be instantly smitten with Rama's wife, Sita, whom he steals. The brothers search for Sita, enlisting the aid of Hanuman, the leader of the monkey army. In subsequent warfare the demons are defeated; Rama slays Ravana, is reunited with Sita, and returns to India, only to find that his father has died of grief. Rama is made king, ruling so wisely that the land becomes fruitful and free of evil. What sets this folktale apart from many others is the author's theatrical sense of timing; Souhami cues storytellers as to the inflections and pauses for suspense that will make this a story- hour favorite. (Picture book/folklore. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1845073614
• ISBN 13: 9781845073619
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 36
• Illustrator: Souhami Jessica