Fun in Devlok: Kama Vs Yama

Fun in Devlok #5

by Devdutt Pattanaik

Jayshree loves doing homework! But one day; instead of studying; she hears voices out in the garden and goes out to see who's there. She meets a strange man called Kama. Poor Kama was made invisible by an angry Shiva once. Now that Jayshree can see him he shows her all the magic he can do-make butterflies appear; bees buzz; fill the garden with fragrant flowers. But then Yama appears; and he does not like playing at all! Yama believes only in working. Kama and Yama start fighting about who Jayshree will be friends with. Who do you think Jayshree will choose-the fun-loving; naughty Kama; or the stern; no-nonsense Yama?

Genres: Mythology

56 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2011

About the author

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India

Reviews

[Varna Binu Sasidharan · Rating 3 out of 5]

you can choose kama or yama 🙂

[Raja Subramanian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been impressed by Dedutt Pattanaik's storytelling brilliance when I read his books, Jaya and The Pregnant King. I just wanted to find out how he does with books written with a mythological background, a fun attitude and for children.

Kama vs Yama (Fun in Devlok) did not disappoint. The story is fairly imaginative and the narration smooth. It deals with a child called Jayashree who is able to see Kama (when he is cursed that he will remain invisible to all) in her garden. Jayshree is an unusual kid who loves doing her homework. Kama tries to impress her by saying that she could have lots of fun if she shifts her attention from her homework. Yama also makes an entry into her garden and tries to tell her that doing her work diligently is more important than fooling around.

What ensues is an argument between Kama and Yama as they try to woo Jayshree to their viewpoint. The story is beautifully narrated, supported by some wonderful illustrations.

There are many more books in the Fun in Devlok series and they are very reasonably priced. I should get hold of all of these and have some fun! I strongly recommend this to folks who have small kids. It should make a nice gift to a child (or even the parent).

[Neepa Choksi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very interesting to read. I enjoyed it a lot. The story was stretched. The characters were trying to get Jashree to choose themselves. Now see who Jashree chose.
(This book is reviewed by my 7 year old)

[Koduvayur Harikrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is a better way of impressing upon children the importance of work as well as play being important than through stories such as these, I would be very interested to know about such a method! This is a delightful story by the extremely talented Devdutt Pattanaik, one of the finest Indian writers of mythological topics. He combines his story telling talent with an extraordinary ability to illustrate the text, although in this book, the illustrations have been done by Vishal Tandon. to This book takes less than an hour to read, and leaves one feeling very, very satisfied with the way the competition between Kama, the God of desire, and Yama, the God of Death, is resolved. But after reading the book, one is duty bound to read this book slowly, and with explanations when needed, to one's children. The book costs next to nothing, but its message is priceless.

[Payal Sachdeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book it is by Pattanaik, illustrating and telling a story in a fascinating way for kids , as to make them realise the importance of work, tasks to be done , rules to be followed and at the same time telling the importance of play, fun, hobbies and doing things leisurely at times. Paraphrasing a remark ," All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" , in his own magical way ! A must for kids !

[Jai · Rating 2 out of 5]

#Verdict #BooksIRead Would make a good read for kids