Storybook Favorites

Storybook Favorites

Ganesha's Story

I was immediately drawn to this storybook due to my familiarity on this topic. The author did a great job of adding a modern-day twist to the story, as well as speaking in the first person – as Ganesha. Not only did the story discuss the creation of Ganesha, but it gave insight on how he cursed the moon (why we see the moon once every month). The introduction did a great job on grabbing my attention. Like I said before, the modern-day twist allowed me as a reader, to relate to it more. The introduction gave a through description of his symbolism – and how they create importance for his being. The overall design of the project was easy to navigate, and the visuals aided the story well. Ganesha's Storybook

Ganesha (Wikimedia Commons)

Reincarnation

The title of the storybook, “Reincarnation”, grasped my attention immediately. The author did an excellent job providing background information on reincarnation and then focusing it on one character – Lakshmi (Vedavati, Sita).  The author described in detail the difference between avatars (incarnations), and reincarnation.  The storybook focused on the Goddess Lakshmi. The goddess Lakshmi created the avatar Sita, but Sita was also believed to be the reincarnation of Vedavati. A god/goddess can create avatars (incarnation) of themselves on Earth. A reincarnation however only happens when an individual dies. Lastly, the design of this storybook was well organized.  Reincarnation Storybook 

Goddess Lakshmi (Wikimedia Commons)

Tales of Shiva

As a dancer myself, I was drawn to the title of this storybook, “Nataraja: The Lord of the Cosmic Dance”. I have heard many tales about Lord Shiva’s life. This storybook focused in on the three most important individuals in his life: his wife Parvati and his two sons Kartikeya and Ganesha. The author did a great job describing the importance of each of them in his life. The design of this storybook was creative. It focused on the story of Parvati – and how she won Shiva’s heart for marriage, it moved onto Kartikeya – and how he was the destroyer of the demons, and last but not least Ganesha – how he was intelligent and wise. Lord Shiva's Storybook

Shiva and Parvati with Ganesha and Kartikeya (Wikimedia Commons)