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How and Why Tales | A collection of illustrated, imaginative folktales, perfect for bed-time reading | Ages 8 and up

Why do nightingales sing at night?
How did the Moon get its craters?
Why did the Great Bear become a constellation?

Do you ever wonder about these questions? If you find yourself intrigued by the universe, then this book of folk tales is for you!

Delight in these richly illustrated stories as you explore the magical mysteries of nature and traverse distant lands, such as the Pamir Knot, the Ottoman Empire in Turkey and the icy expanse of Greenland.

Curated by Geeta Ramanujam, these enchanting tales not only draw from diverse traditions but also feature her own unique stories. An imaginative exploration, this collection of eighteen tales invites you to discover folk tales and trivia from around the world.

176 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2024

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews.
938 reviews160 followers
August 29, 2024
review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2024/0...

How and Why Tales is a captivating collection of illustrated, imaginative folktales, thoughtfully compiled from existing myths and stories across diverse cultures, set in various countries and time periods.

As the title suggests, the book features a series of “How and Why” tales, each story uniquely titled with a question—How did storytelling evolve?, Why do cockroaches die on their backs?, How did the tides come to be?—arousing the reader’s curiosity and inviting them to discover the answers within the narrative.

I particularly enjoyed how the author begins each story with an introduction that provides context about the tale’s origin before seamlessly transitioning into the story itself. Every tale is rich with meaningful messages, offering valuable lessons for readers of all ages. The illustrations accompanying each story are beautifully done, and I appreciated the little facts included at the end of each tale.

My favorite tales were –

How Did Storytelling Evolve– The opening tale sets a high standard for the rest of the book. It was fascinating to read about how Crow learned stories from Grandfather Stone and spread them across the world.

Why Do Cockroaches Die On Their Backs– This story intrigued me, as I had often wondered about this as a child. While I’m not fond of cockroaches, the tale was surprisingly heartwarming, offering a new perspective on this insect. Although I still dislike them, I now will think twice before killing one.

How Khinch and Khench Found a Home, is a touching story set in Turkey about two blades, Khinch and Khench, born in a barber’s shop, who later become inseparable through the invention of scissors. I loved the theme of friendship and their perseverance to find a purpose with a human.

How the Ostrich Lost His Ability to Fly, conveys a powerful message about the importance of trusting friends.

Why Do Nightingales Sing At Night, tells the poignant story of a nightingale named Ambition, who loses his wife, Love, and child, Hope, in his quest for curiosity and passion. Now filled with grief and remorse, he sings his lament at night.

I was also moved by the tale How the Moon Got Her Craters, which beautifully portrays a daughter’s love for her mother and the theme of finding beauty in imperfection and seeing beauty with one’s heart. The collection concludes brilliantly with Why Does the Clock Cover His Face, a story about the burden of time.

Overall, How and Why Tales is a beautiful, heartwarming, and imaginative collection of folktales with important messages for readers of all ages. These tales make for perfect bedtime stories for children aged 8 and above.
Profile Image for Prerna  Shambhavee .
809 reviews11 followers
November 8, 2024
Imagine sitting around a campfire, listening to stories that transport you to far-off lands and spark your imagination. "How and Why Tales" by Geeta Ramanujan is like that campfire, inviting you to explore the mysteries of the universe.

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered why the Moon has craters? Or perhaps you've listened to the sweet song of the nightingale and asked yourself why it sings only at night. This enchanting book has answers, wrapped in timeless tales from cultures around the world.

Join Geeta Ramanujan on a journey to the Pamir Knot, where mountains meet the sky, and to the icy expanse of Greenland, where the Northern Lights dance. Discover why the Great Bear became a constellation and how the world came to be.

Through 18 beautifully illustrated stories, Ramanujan shares her passion for folklore and mythology. Her tales are like puzzle pieces, fitting together to reveal the magic of our world. You'll meet fascinating characters, from clever tricksters to brave heroes, each with a story to tell.

This book is for anyone who's ever looked up at the stars and wondered. It's for families to share, educators to teach, and dreamers to inspire. "How and Why Tales" will:

- Ignite your curiosity
- Spark your imagination
- Connect you to cultures worldwide

So, grab a cup of hot chocolate, settle in, and let Geeta Ramanujan's stories transport you to a world of wonder.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves stories, adventure, and learning about different cultures. You'll find:-

- Exciting tales from around the world
- Beautiful pictures to spark your imagination
- Stories that teach valuable lessons
Profile Image for Rupsa Pal Kundu.
Author 1 book31 followers
September 2, 2024
Fables are very important in childhood. They are a kind of soft introduction to our history, geography and legacies.

How and Why Tales by @GeetaRamanujam is a beautiful book written in easy but lyrical prose for children. This is an amazing anthology of Folk Tales exploring magical mysteries around the world. This imaginative book of trivia and stories has been enriched well with nicely curated illustrations by @kajujoy

Rushank and I enjoy reading stories aloud to each other but this time it was different. He read a story and later he would tell me that in his own words. My child is growing fast, I guess! He was very emotional while telling me a story of cockroaches-Why Cockroaches Die on their Backs.
Profile Image for Priya.
435 reviews57 followers
November 7, 2024
How and Why Tales is a fun, heartwarming book that anyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for bedtime stories for kids 8 and up, but even grown-ups will appreciate the creativity and the lessons behind each tale.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews