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About Arjuna: The Gentle Warrior
Product Description A children’s story featuring Arjuna, a compassionate warrior who must choose between abstaining from battle or fulfilling his destiny to end the war • Based on the Mahabharata, the famous Indian epic, adapted for Western children • Illustrated throughout with glowing full-color paintings in traditional Indian style We are all born for a purpose, though sometimes it is not clear to us what it is. In this tale of good versus evil, cousin versus cousin, Prince Arjuna knew that his purpose, his dharma, was to fight in the battle against the greedy and cruel king Duryodhana. Yet his own relatives and friends were on the opposing side. With a lot of soul searching and divine advice from the god Krishna, Arjuna bravely chooses to fulfill his destiny as a warrior with compassion and kindness, restoring peace, justice, and prosperity to his kingdom. This adaptation for children of the classic epic the Mahabharata is beautifully illustrated with paintings created in a centuries-old method traditional to India. Richly detailed, the paintings bring to life the colorful cast of characters as well as Arjuna’s inner conflict and the trials he faces on the path of loyalty, justice, and peace. From School Library Journal Gr 2–5—Abridging the epic Mahabharata is challenging: even severely pared, the multiple characters and stories are confusing. Morally difficult details are featured: a mother abandons the baby she bore at 12; and demons build for the hero. Treachery; betrayal; unwise loyalty oaths; unfair compromises; cheating; greed; and fratricide abound. Although Draupadi's forcible disrobing is omitted, her marriage to five brothers simultaneously occurs without explanation—as does her being staked (and lost) at dice. An important point about the constraints that affect even kings (i.e., adults) is missed; the rationalization for war ("they knew their cause was just') is misleading. Dharma is "destiny," rather than "duty." Pretty pastel illustrations are decoratively idealized. Roopa Pai's The Gita for Children is livelier, more judicious, and more focused. VERDICT Competing with several (albeit imperfect) print versions and a 2013 animation, this abridgement will likely garner a limited audience.—Patricia D. Lothrop, formerly at St. George's School, Newport, RI Review “Vatsala Sperling has treated such a complex theme with eloquence and skill. The refined illustrations add even more life to the drama and captivate our imagination. Vatsala’s storytelling is authentic--this book is a must-read for parents and children alike!” ― Shubhraji, founder of the Namah Vedanta Center About the Author Vatsala Sperling, Ph.D., a native of India, learned these stories at her mother’s feet and enjoys introducing them to children of the Western world. She is the author of several books in this series, including most recently The Magical Adventures of Krishna. Nona Weltevrede got in touch with Indian culture at a young age by watching his father and his mentor, Harish Johari, paint. A graduate of the Dutch Academy of Art and Design, St. Joost, he lives in Buren, Holland. Pieter Weltevrede began his artistic studies with Harish Johari in 1977 and also studied with Shri Chandra Bal. He has illustrated several books in this series, including Ganga and Ram the Demon Slayer.
