Uma's Books

Naming Maya
 2004, Farrar Straus Giroux

* 2005 Notable Books for a Global Society

"Both setting and protagonist are entirely memorable, and difficult to leave behind."   Kirkus Reviews.

"Krishnaswami evokes the "maddening, dazzling place" with rich, poetic imagery, and she beautifully captures Maya's shift from anger that "has simmered so long it has become a friend" to appreciation, understanding, and love." Booklist

"Maya's beautifully written, heartwarming story will surely become a "two-gift" for young readers--you keep some, you give some away--whether they share Maya's experiences or simply empathize with them." CLCD

Behind the Story: anecdotes, a hand made book, links to photographs from Chennai and other places, and more

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Readers

Hello Flower
Yoga Class

For more on these titles, visit
Bebop Books, the educational imprint of Lee & Low. Available in English and Spanish 6-packs for classroom use.





Holi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Titles, excerpts from reviews, and "behind the story" links

 

Books For Teachers South Asian links For Writers Young Writers FAQs Contact
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The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story
Illustrated by Ruth Jeyaveeran
2005, Lee & Low Books

"Painterly acrylic forms convey nuances of Indian culture and Meena's facial and body contortions as she learns her roles on stage and in yoga class. Krishnaswami aptly conveys the essence and impact of yoga on a child." Kirkus Reviews

"...a child-centered story that integrates the yoga elements of the plot naturally into the narrative...Ruth Jeyaveeran’s colorful acrylic illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to this story, which features a girl of Indian descent. Meena’s anxieties will be recognizable to many children. Likewise, her developing interest in yoga is one that will resonate with many children and families today." Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Book talk, The Happiest Tree, on publisher web site.

Behind the Story: A question that came up while I was working on this book--what should Meena call her parents? Amma and Appa? Mummy and Papa? Mom and Dad?

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Chachaji's Cup
Illustrated by Soumya Sitaraman
2003, Children's Book Press

"This touching story would make a fine addition to units focusing on immigration to America and the human factor in political upheaval."  CLCD. "This is a beautifully written and illustrated story about the universal relationship between an elder and a young child."
Multicultural Review "Doubly valuable for its overall theme, and as a surprisingly rare depiction of an Indian-American family."  Kirkus Reviews.

*included in Best Children's Books of the Year (2003), Bank Street College of Education

* 2004 Skipping Stones Award (Multicultural and International Books category) * 2004 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People

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The Broken Tusk

1996, Linnet Books
2005, August House

"Opens perceptual doors to a great and still vital Eastern tradition-a gift indeed."  Kirkus Reviews.

*1997 Scientific American Young Readers Book Award

*Elementary School Library Collection, 21st ed.

During 2005-06, please contact Hard Backs Books & Art in Aztec, New Mexico for purchasing information on this title.

More about Ganesha

Monsoon
Illustrated by Jamel Akib
2003, Farrar Straus Giroux

In a hot, dry city in northern India, a young girl waits for rain.

"A welcome glimpse into another climate and culture..." Booklist

"Krishnaswami's poetic text rides faithfully on the child's sensibilities....This powerful book depicts a universal occurrence, while relating the expectations, customs, and needs of a particular locale." School Library Journal

"The level of anticipation is so high that every engine rumble sounds like thunder....An expressive story about seasons, extremes, and waiting."  Kirkus Reviews

"Add this book to a read-aloud list for children and parents everywhere." Parents' Choice. 

"The sights, sounds and smells of anticipation are captured in a dense, earthy poetry that is anchored with clear, easily conjured images." Children's Literature

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Stories of the Flood
1994, Roberts Rinehart

"The content is sophisticated, yet the treatment of the tales makes them accessible to a wide audience."  Booklist.

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The Closet Ghosts

Illustrated by Shiraaz Bhabha
2006, Children's Book Press When Anu moves to a new house, she finds ghosts in her closet! She calls on Hanuman, the monkey god, to help her get rid of them. To her surprise he shows up at her window.







"Bhabha's color-drenched paintings perfectly complement Krishnaswami's tale that incorporates a contemporary setting with the tradition of the Hindu Monkey God...A unique tale that is worthy of a wide audience." Kirkus Reviews

SAWNET review of The Closet Ghosts

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OUT OF PRINT TITLES

Shower of Gold
Beyond the Field Trip

These titles published by Linnet Books, the children's imprint of The Shoe String Press, are now out of print. From 1952 to 2005, the press produced a distinguished array of reference books, scholarly reprints, and children's books. Diantha Thorpe, publisher, and an editor of rare insight, has retired with the closure of the press. I'm grateful to her for believing in my work, and wish her the very best.

Please contact Hard Backs Books & Art in Aztec, New Mexico for purchasing information on these titles.

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