Hi folks,

I first read “Amma, Tell me about Diwali” during Diwali 2015. We had recently shifted to Hong Kong and was fascinated to note that Bhakti Mathur, the author of this series lives in Hong Kong. Hesitantly, I sent her a message conveying how much we enjoyed the book. I was surprised that, we managed to exchange our views and our books too within a short span of time. Thank you Bhakti.

When it comes to mythological stories, there is a certain charm to them. My Daughter has been unable to resist them ever since she was very young. It is through her childhood that I explored mythology.

[Psst.. I had to include the above picture. Aruja clicked at least twenty different photos of the book to help me with my post. This one is hers. Looks like she liked the illustrations and the Author’s photos too. :)]

I have a habit of asking my daughter many questions as we read books. Even mythology ones. If I find that something does not agree with my sense of justice or logic, I ask her, “Do you think what he did was right? What do you think he or she could have done? How can he solve this problem?” etc.

I believe in the long run this would give her a sense of right and wrong. Some of our traditions and tales definitely need fresh perspectives.

Amma, Tell me: Series

Mythology is a particular niche that required wonderful picture books with a fresh perspective. The “Amma tell me” series fills this void.

‘Amma Tell Me’ is a series of picture books on Indian mythology and festivals for children in the 3 to 9 years age-group. It brings alive the magical tales from India in an enthralling manner using simple rhyming prose thereby ensuring learning with fun.

The words of the book might be difficult for little ones but the trick is to let them explore the book on their own, see the pictures and ask questions. Maybe start with telling them the stories in simple spoken language. Once they have liked the characters and accepted the magic in the stories, then reading this book brings more joy.

A special mention to Maulshree Somani who has illustrated these books. The pictures are just wonderful. Also she has maintained the same “masterstroke” in all the books so that they are unique to the “Amma, Tell me” series.

Amma, Tell me about Hanuman

There are so many stories related to Hanuman. Bhakti Mathur has a trilogy on Hanuman tales.
At the start of every book is a shloka. Along with their English words, I would have liked them in their original script too.

Part 1: It is about Hanuman as a naughty child and leaves a message for the children at the end.
I also felt, some of us who have naughty children still have hope! Krishna was naughty too as my daughter often points out.
Part 2: How Hanuman crossed the ocean! My favorite one in the trilogy series. It shows Hanuman using his Shakti (Strength), Yukti (Wit) and Bhakti (Devotion) to overcome all obstacles that stand in his way.
Part 3: Hanuman’s adventures in Lanka! – I loved the illustrations in this part the most. The story is part of Ramayana, The Epic.

Do read these Hanuman books and let us know what you like best about them.

About Hanuman

In our Puranas (Ancient Hindu texts), bhakti or devotion has a special place of honor. Hanuman is the epitome of such devotees. (No wonder the author states her favorite god is Hanuman! She is BHAKTI.)

There are just so many beautiful descriptions for Hanuman. Mahabali (Strongest), Shauryavaan (Courageous), Vikrami (Miraculous), Bhaktavatsala (Protector of the devotees) and Anjaneya (Son of Anjana) are just some of them.

Our very own Indian Superman. If you understand Marathi language, listen to this song by Sandeep Khare in which, Superman meets Hanuman. It is quite delightful.

Liked it?

I am not done yet. It is Hanuman Jayanti on 22 April. I hope to write one more post on Hanuman. And if you are curious to find out what that post will be about, stay tuned to our blog posts by subscribing to them or like our facebook page.

Till then, Let’s enjoy the stories of Hanuman.

It is after all the year of the monkey and who else can match Hanuman.

Jai Bajrangbali.
Poornima