Picture Books
Asian Tall Tales and Tricksters
Five great Asian tales, beautifully illustrated in different styles, are available individually or in packs of six from The Wright Group/McGraw-Hill:
Kantjil and Tiger – The beloved mousedeer trickster of Indonesia and Malaysia tricks tiger three times in this lively tale.
Oni wa Soto – Strange medicines are given in a tale rich with Japanese sound words, and finely illustrated with samples of Japanese script.
Judge Rabbit Helps the Fish – Clever Judge Rabbit, the favorite Cambodian trickster, saves tiny fish from the larger forest animals.
The Greedy Crows – A kind crow helps a peacock in a North Indian tale with lush illustrations that share many cultural details.
Thao Kham, the Pebble Shooter – This lovely, funny Lao tale reminds readers that every one has a special talent, no matter how hidden.
Priya's Day
“Cathy shows how a simple story can help in the process of language and learning and also provide fun. The Indian language translation placed side by side with the English account makes for easy reading. There is a lovely Indian feel to it which is sure to appeal to the young.“ The Hindu
A piece of paper turns into a tree, flowers, a mat, grass, and more in this simple tale of village India that includes tips on telling the story. Available in bilingual editions featuring four Indian languages from Tulika Press or by order form, for $5.00; part of royalty goes to help Indian rural development work. (Follow Title link to page of learnings from the book, written by Singapore teller, Rosemarie Somaiah.)
Simple Wonders
Help the environment, learn of Indian resourcefulness, and make some ingenious toys with this book by Cathy and her husband, Paramasivam. Instructions to make these Indian folk toys from recycled cans, cardboard, and paper are juxtaposed with Indian folk tales and riddles. Available from Tulika Press or by order form, for $5.00; part of royalty goes to support rural development projects in India.
Nine-in-One,Grr!Grr!
“Clearly this is a superior production and an important addition to folk literature for children.” School Library Journal
“Through the twists and turn of this simply told and beautifully illustrated picture book, the balance of nature is preserved.”Books
Cathy’s first book, an ALA Notable book of the year done with Blia Xiong, is a Hmong tale of a tricky bird who fools a tiger. Vivid ilustrations inspired by Hmong story cloths enrich the text. Order from Children’s Book Press: www.childrensbookpress.org or ph: 415-821-3080/ fax:415-821-3081.
It's Only a Story
Here is a lovely chain story from India, beautifully illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy in a style adapted from the famed Warli tribal art. The story traces the journey of an ant who has lost her mate, sharing the power of story as she meets a range of characters. Available from Tulika in 8 Indian languages, or by order form, in English only, for $5.00.
Judge Rabbit and the Tree Spirit
“This story’s universal appeal will be evident to readers even as they cheer Judge Rabbit's clever adjudication.” Publishers Weekly.
“Bilingual-Khmer and English- Judge Rabbit and the Tree Spirit demonstrates the best of collaboration. ” International Examiner
Judge Rabbit, the popular Cambodian trickster, tricks a ghost to help a young man who can’t find justice from a human judge. Illustrations, based on Khmer temple carvings, also share the story in Cambodian script. Now out of print but limited quantities are available from Cathy.
