Based on the Hindu epic
The Ramayana
and exploring the events celebrated during the festival of Divaali (in late October/early November), this handsomely designed volume addresses the dearth of attractive children's books about Hindu beliefs and celebrations. Unfortunately, Verma and Mistry may not make enough concessions to Western readers. The relatively lengthy narrative recalls an oral tradition ("In the beginning, long ago, long before you were born") and the pacing presumes some familiarity; readers new to the culture may have a hard time keeping up with the rapid procession of protagonists, especially because they enter the story with little characterization. References (e.g., to "Shiva the Destroyer") go unexplained. Mistry's (Tales from the Silk Road) airy, detailed gouaches, inventively laid out to punctuate the text, may likewise raise questions (Why is Rama blue?). An endnote describes the contemporary Indian celebration of the holiday. Ages 8-up. (Sept.)
