I have been searching for children's books that present the Hindu gods and goddesses and this is by far the best of all that I have found. This is a beautiful book that matches authenticity with contemporary sensibilities. My four year old appreciates this one as much as I do. I have found that with many books retelling stories from Hindu texts, the story is often presented in a way that is inaccessible to young children. Here the story has been retold beautifully. In this version, it is not Shiva who cuts off Ganesh's head but Shani's gaze that turns the head to ashes. While this is not the most popular version, and may be a disappointment to some, it is 'authentic' and the source is cited. I think this makes the story a better read for my young daughter. Additionally, I really like the way that Parvati is presented as a goddess, a princess and "also just a girl." Beyond the story, the art is wonderful. Take one of your best children's books and imagine how it would look with a Hindu flare and that is what you will get here. The art is engaging and the images are detailed enough to keep a child's eye but not overly complicated. The authenticity of the presentation is very respectful. I would highly recommend this book as an introduction to one of the children's favourite Hindu gods, Ganesh, and as an excellent children's book for anyone interested in plurality and multiculturalism. I hope that the authors will collaborate again for more tales of the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.

Elephant Prince: The Story Of Ganesh will serve to entertainingly introduce the elephant headed Hindu god to young readers ages 4 to 8. Belgin K. Wedman's superb illustrations are a perfect story-telling showcase to talented children's author Amy Novesky's story set in the Himalayas during a time of gods and goddesses. Elephant Prince does not recount the commonest version of Ganesh's origin, in which Parvati creates a child from earth and her husband Shiva is so surprised by the stranger he cuts the boy's head off; instead, Elephant Prince draws upon a classic Indian text entitled "Brahma Vaivarta Purana" to present a version in which Parvati wishes for a child and to her delight has her wish granted, yet tragedy strikes when the god Shani (Saturn) accidentally destroys the child's head, for whatever powerful Shani gazes upon is instantly obliterated. The merciful god Vishnu brings the boy back to life with the aid of a wise old elephant, who chooses to sacrifice himself so that the child may be restored. And so Ganesh lives again with the head of an elephant, and becomes skilled at writing down stories. The elephant will live forever, and Ganesh lives and is loved by all - especially his mother. The stunning watercolor artwork with gold leaf highlights was deliberately created in style of the Kangra school of painting, developed in India during the 16th century. Highly recommended.