« Give me six months and I will teach your sons how to live wisely. They will make you proud » said Vishnu Sharma, the great Pandit to whom we trace the inception of Panchatantra. The famed guru employed the unique technique of storytelling to educate the sons of the king of an ancient kingdom. Through the annals of time, these worldly-wise stories have enriched generations of readers. A Basketful of Animal Tales by Sreelata Menon dips into this rich literary legacy and chronicles these timeless gems.
This book presents stories from the Panchatantra in an easy to read and accessible format. The text is simple and comprehensive, enriched with great vocabulary as well. This makes the book perfect for younger readers who could look at vocabulary enhancement in addition to the moral aspect of the story.
Each chapter tells a popular story in simple but rich language. The morals given at the end are short and snappy. The lovely illustrations by Megha Punater that accompany each story work well with the text.
Tales from the Panchatantra have been an important part of our literary heritage. This book sets the stage for some interesting tales involving a host of much-loved animal characters. Children may be familiar with some of the more common stories such as The Monkey and the Crocodile for instance. However, this is a mixed basket and you’re also sure to hit upon several unread gems.
In all, A Basketful of Animal Tales by Sreelata Menon is perfect for a weekend read and also a nice timeless gift for children!
