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Asia - Peoples & Places, Language Arts - English Language, Alphabet
I Is for India by Prodeepta Das — book cover

I Is for India

by Prodeepta Das
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Overview

From "Bullock Cart" to "Peacock" and from "Namaskar" to "Tea", this photographic alphabet is a celebration of India in all its diversity.

An alphabetical listing of historical and cultural information on India.

Synopsis

With a special focus on Indian children, this book captures the stunning variety of life in a country that is also a subcontinent. Using an A-Z format, Prodeepta Das introduces young readers to social details both ancient and modern, such as the happy chaos of bustling cities, where the cinema rules, as well as the quiet traditions of rural life. I Is for India contains beautiful images of everything from Mehndi, elaborate filigrees of tattoos worn by young women at weddings and festivals, to the country's splendid national bird, the peacock.

Children's Literature

Part of a series on countries and regions of the world, this colorful, library-reinforced volume, encased in strikingly beautiful end papers, portrays the subcontinent as a place rich with many cultures, languages and peoples. Bustling cities contrast with lush, green paddy fields, and the diversity of the country shines proudly through. Photographs taken by the author provide vibrant illustration to the text. Note that this reviewer found two typographical errors, and one minor factual one-under D for Diwali, the hero god Rama returns home after fourteen, not twelve years in exile. Still, this book could fill a niche for this age group on a social studies shelf.

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Editorials

Children's Literature - Uma Krishnaswami

Part of a series on countries and regions of the world, this colorful, library-reinforced volume, encased in strikingly beautiful end papers, portrays the subcontinent as a place rich with many cultures, languages and peoples. Bustling cities contrast with lush, green paddy fields, and the diversity of the country shines proudly through. Photographs taken by the author provide vibrant illustration to the text. Note that this reviewer found two typographical errors, and one minor factual one-under D for Diwali, the hero god Rama returns home after fourteen, not twelve years in exile. Still, this book could fill a niche for this age group on a social studies shelf.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-This fine title introduces snippets of the culture, religions, and lifestyles of the people of India. Organized alphabetically, it combines a short paragraph that explains a word having to do with some aspect of Indian life, accompanied by a full-color photograph. Das states in his introductory note that he is from Orissa in eastern India and that "the words and images in this book reflect the India I know and love." The explanations are well written and give a clear definition of the terms under discussion. For the most part, the selected words are well chosen. Only occasionally is it apparent that the demands of the alphabet have led to forced word choice. The excellent-quality photographs are equally well selected, clarifying the information in the paragraph. The author describes the continent as having surprising contrasts, and indeed several do emerge within the A-Z format. There are many number of fine books on India for young people, most of them offering a broader scope. Collections supporting a study of the country, however, will definitely want to add this attractive offering.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City

Book Details

Published
September 1, 2004
Publisher
Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Pages
32
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9781845073206

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