Balarama: A Royal Elephant

Ted and Betsy Lewin are long-time travelers and Caldecott Honor Winners who have written many books on their travels around the globe. Some of their books are  Horse Song: The Naadam of Mongolia , Gorilla Walk , Top to Bottom Down Under , and others. "Balarama" is a tale about the elephants of India. The book immediately appealed to me as I'm an elephant lover and grew up in Southeast Asia where these magnificent creatures are used for a variety of tasks. In this book, Ted and Betsy Lewin recount their adventures in Southern India where they visit an elephant camp. The illustrations of the elephants are so detailed as to render them almost life-like, and there are other interesting cultural details throughout the book, such as the traditional attires of the local Indian population, etc. Readers are introduced to Drona, the lead Royal Elephant who has received the highest honor an elephant can ever receive,the Ambari elephant. Its task is to lead the Maharaja of Mysore's annual parade through the city on the last day of Dasara, a royal and religious festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. However, a tragedy results in Drona's death and a replacement elephant is found in Balarama. The rest of the story recounts Balarama's participation in the festival, vividly rendered in full color and exquisite detail. There are some factual details at the end of the book abut elephants, specifically the differences between Asian and African elephants. There's some coverage of the royal elephants of the Mysore dasara, and finally (and very helpful), glossary and pronunciation guide (of the Hindi and Kannada terms used in the book).This is not merely a children's book, although older children (I'd say ages 5 and up) will certainly enjoy the illustrations and interesting account, but will also appeal to adults as it is so well-written and reads like a travel account (which it is!). Highly recommended!

I received this book through [...] "First Reads" Giveaway. I love Children's/Young Adult books, and since the subject matter was elephants and India, I knew I would like this before it even got here.Based on two trips made by authors Ted and Betsy Lewin, "Balarama" tells the story of an elephant by that name who will be leading the procession of a parade during Dasara, a holy festival in India. Accompanying the text are the dazzling paintings done by Betsy Lewin.While this book is aimed at ages 9-12, I read it aloud to my 7 year old son, who enjoyed it as much as I did. We both learned several words in Hindi and Kannada (there is a glossary at the back) and marveled in the artwork. Truly, I think this is the most beautiful illustrated book I have ever seen--my son argued with me over one painting of the parade of elephants, insisting that it must be a photograph.I can see the use of this book in the study of India, elephants, and relgious/cultural customs for a few age ranges. A section in the back discusses the differences between Asian and African elephants as well as the anatomy of elephants. One final section lists the lineage of the Royal Elephants who participated in Dasara.I have to admit, based on story alone, I would have given it 4 stars. Betsy Lewin's glorious paintings earned an extra star on its own. I have looked up a few more titles of theirs and will be sure to purchase them.I feel so fortunate that this book found its way to me; I hope other readers are as equally delighted.

Every year a special elephant is chosen to lead the parade in a big celebration in India. Balarama is the latest elephant to be so honored.Both Ted and Betsy Lewin are children's picture book illustrators. In this book, both draw parts of the story. They have very different styles, with Ted painting big beautiful and realistic illustrations, and Betsy doing cartoon-like drawings.A little: "Balarama moves majestically toward one of the palace gates, leading a mile-long procession. Band after band and unit after unit of guards and soldiers march smartly past the stage, following Balarama onto the packed streets of Mysore. Throngs of people push forward to see Balarama in his first ceremonial parade. We are bursting with pride. He is doing great."

I am always on the lookout for juvenile nonfiction works that will engage the young reader, and keep him/her interested enough to finish the book. BALARAMA is just such a read. The story is fascinating, and of course, the illustrations are perfect. (The picture at Drona's grave brought tears to my eyes!)You ROCK, Ted and Betsy Lewin! You never let a reader down.