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The Magical Adventures of Krishna

How a Mischief Maker Saved the World

Illustrated by Pieter Weltevrede
Published by ITI India
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

LIST PRICE ₹175.00

PRICE MAY VARY BY RETAILER

About The Book

Features Krishna, one of the most beloved characters of the Hindu pantheon, a spirited naughty boy who grows up to save the world

• Based on original stories from India adapted for Western children

• Illustrated throughout with glowing full-color paintings in traditional Indian style

Long, long ago, the world was overrun by terrible demons. Even the Earth goddess, Bhumi, was unable to protect the land. She appealed to Vishnu, God of Preservation, who agreed to be born on Earth as Krishna, to save the world from destruction. Krishna is part superhero, part mischievous boy, and tales of his exploits--from childish pranks to death-defying demon slayings to his enchantment of the milkmaids--have delighted Indian children for centuries.

Like every child, Krishna tries to be good, but his irrepressible high spirits lead him into any number of mischievous escapades. In the end, though, all of his adventures lead to a happy conclusion. His mother, Yashoda, loves him no matter what he does, reminding us that children who get all the love they need grow up strong and brave and ready to save the world.

The glowing illustrations, executed in transparent watercolors and tempera paints, are done in a centuries-old method traditional to India. Richly detailed, they bring to life the colorful cast of characters--humans, gods, and demons alike.

About The Author

Vatsala Sperling, Ph.D., fluent in a number of Indian languages and Sanskrit, learned these traditional stories at her mother’s feet and enjoys introducing them to children of the Western world. Before marrying and moving to the United States, she was the chief of Clinical Microbiological Services at the largest children’s hospital in India. The author of Classic Tales from India, she lives in Vermont with her husband and son.

About The Illustrator

Pieter Weltevrede (1955–2024) began his artistic studies with Harish Johari in 1977 and also studied with Shri Chandra Bal. He lived in the Netherlands with his wife and two children and traveled to India annually.

Product Details

  • Publisher: ITI India (November 17, 2009)
  • Length: 32 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781620553534

Raves and Reviews

"I was so pleased to discover recently that the publishing house, Inner Traditions, has a division called Bear Cub Books, which features children's storybooks including classic Indian stories for children. Each culture throughout history shares myths, parables, and folklore, in order to teach children about morals and the human condition and the Hindu traditions and stories are both fascinating and delightful to read. . . . Beautifully written by Dr. Sperling, she does a wonderful job of explaining the characters, so that they can be easily loved and understood by western children as an introduction to Hindu culture and traditions."

– Kala Ambrose, Metaphysical Spirituality Examiner, March 2010

"The seventh title in the outstanding 'Classical Indian Stories for Children' series . . . keeps its readers enthralled with all of the rollicking exploits of its human, divine, and demonic cast of characters."

– The Midwest Book Review, Feb 2010

"Krishna's birth and His exploits in killing the many demons that were sent by His uncle Kamsa to kill Him are narrated well by Vatsala. Her style is simple and at the same time she holds the reader's attention. The illustrations by Pieter Weltevrede add great value to the excellent narration. The result is an excellent introduction to Krishna Tatva and Krishna Consciousness to those not yet exposed. To others, it would be one more opportunity to enjoy the nectar of Krishna's love for the whole creation."

– S.V. Swamy, Swamy's Reviews, Jan 2010

“Highly recommended for ages 6 and older, and anyone interested in world cultures.”

– Awareness Magazine, October 2011

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More books from this author: Vatsala Sperling

More books from this illustrator: Pieter Weltevrede